Just because

On Tuesday, a week before Christmas, the weather just happened to be completely beautiful and it seemed like a perfect time to head to the zoo and to a rare, but free trip to the Witte Museum's Tree House on Tuesday evenings and then to see the Luminous Lights at the University of the Incarnate Word. Fernando had been coming home after the kids were in bed, so I had high hopes of easy entertainment and an early bed time due to exhaustion and then some down time for me. One problem: Mia's school was going to end in an hour and a half. Not long enough for us to go without her, but too long to wait. So I made the executive decision to pick her up early. I had imagined in my head that she would leap for joy to get a surprise outing with us since she always talks about how much she misses when she is at school. no leaping, in fact, more like angry vibes were coming behind her curiosity. I kept reassuring her how much fun this adventure would be and how much she would enjoy the "beach" at the zoo. Unfortunately, no beach due to routine maintenance. (gosh, pick a day that isn't gorgeous to fix the water front play area). Good thing the goats were still rearing for a good time although it didn't save me from plenty of griping. As seen in her Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde face going on with the drums.
(We even had music class outside at the zoo. I know, I'm awesome and justified for making my Kindergartner skip school.) Serves me right. I shouldn't be pulling her out just because it is good weather. Heck it's San Antonio. Good weather in the winter is a fact not a phenomenon.

Even with all the bitter feelings, she did have fun and we (Tiago especially) loved a weekday non-holiday outing with her again.

(Best friends. Mia helping Tiago enjoy the beauty of falling leaves)









(See, it was educational. When will Mia get the chance again to touch a South American Armadillo?)


Mia trying first hand to see which type of pulley system works the best at the Witte. Again, look at the learning.


PS The Lights were a bit on the lack luster side of things. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the light the LDS church puts up at Temple Square and at the DC visitor center.