Thirsty Thursdays

We found ourselves at Monkey Joe's again. Last night I was determined to have a fun excursion planned for the kiddies today. I had heard it was going to be yet another chilly day, so I was looking for two things: inside and energetic.

10:30am on Thursday was a great time for us to be there. Not crowded at all, so Heath could bounce and slide and flip and roll with as much fury as the plastic blow-ups could stand. Even Stella worked up the interest and courage to get inside the Toddler Zone specifically dedicated to all Emergency Response vehicles, which included a St. Bernard wearing a keg collar. I get the whole dog-helping-lost-travelers connection, but it still seemed rather odd for a Toddler Zone. But it was her favorite. The dog's pink tongue perpetually hung out of its mouth, so Stella kept sticking out her tongue in imitation.

They each made friends. Heath's friend was a five year old boy who seemed eager to have a jumping partner. And Stella met a little two year old girl who wanted to hug and kiss Stella at every turn. At one point, a hug ended with two little girls toppling over. Heath immediately ran to Stella's rescue, declaring, That's my sister! At this point, he rolls on the ground with the girls, pulls Stella to "safety," and promptly shoves Stella's face into the carpet. Who says chivalry is dead?

The highlight of the morning was the fact that we were there on what is called Thirsty Thursdays. $1 drinks. I'd gone for a run before we left and failed to bring water with me, so I was actually quite thirsty. They had Powerade on tap. The three of us had more than our fair share of the blue drink.

All that bouncing worked its magic on the two. Naps were taken. And the evening was practically meltdown free.

On a more important note, I have ordered a green plaid running skirt and I can hardly stand the wait for it to arrive in the mail. It's the little things.