Family Outing: Zoo + Soda Shop

Jacob treated us to the zoo and lunch this week (on a Thursday!).  We love the zoo and are thankful for a membership that allows us to go whenever we want.  It's one of Dakota's favorite places and she always looks forward to going.  I tried to get her to wear her bathing suit so she could splash around (seeing as it is still close to 100 degrees) and she told me, "I'm going to the zoo to see the animals."  Of course.  Why else would you go to the zoo??

Little man wants to walk so bad...but he also knows how fast he can get around on those knees.  Maybe soon!!

We've never seen the elephants do anything but stand around and kick up dirt so it was fun to see this girl swimming around.

After Dakota started asking strangers for food we decided it was time we left and bought her some lunch.  She really wanted Chick-fil-a since we have gone there several times after our zoo trips but Jacob had a special place he wanted to take us.  We dined at Wiles-Smith Drugstore, the oldest independent drugstore in Memphis and the only drugstore/soda shop left.  Dakota forgot all about CFA and enjoyed her grilled cheese and momma's chocolate milkshake.  Thanks for sharing this little gem with us Jacob.

Corban's blue eyes said, "Momma...can I puuuleeaase have some of your milkshake??"  He's irresistible.

Memphis Fun: Delta State Fair

To say Dakota had fun at the fair would be an understatement.  I really don't remember the last time I have been to the fair...or if I've ever been for that matter.  I really wanted to go this year because I knew that Dakota would have a blast.  Although Jacob wasn't quite as thrilled as I was (seeing as it cost about $50 in the first 10 minutes) his attitude quickly changed.  Dakota's face brightened on her very first ride and her excitement and smiles were quite contagious.  We bought her a pass where she could ride any of the rides as much as she wanted and we were so proud of her for getting on them by herself and trying things that she never would have tried a year ago.  My only disappointed was that we missed the dogs with monkeys on their backs...oh well, there is always next year! 

Celebrate: Peabody Elementary 100th

Peabody Elementary School has been teaching the Cooper Young Community for 100 years!  Our Church, Union Avenue Baptist Church, serves as neighborhood adopter to Peabody Elementary which has allowed us to minister to them and reach out to them in various ways...school supply drives, teacher breakfasts, career day, etc.  To celebrate the school's 100th birthday, UABC held a block party for the neighborhood which was attended by hundreds of people.  Dakota especially had a great time and was pooped at the end of the event.