Happy Mother's Day

Alright, I haven't been keeping track of my daily Three Positive Experiences. Here are today's:

1. It didn't rain all day today. This is the first day in...well, it's been a long time since it hasn't rained. Don't get me wrong - I love the rain. I love it. But being couped up in the house for days and days with little kids gets really old really quick.

So carpe diem!! I called up Nina (sister-in-law) and we took the kiddos to the Zoo. Unlike our recent trips to the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum, this little excursion turned out to be a success (meaning they didn't get scared by any of the exhibits to the point of hysterics). The kids loved it, and they did great.

They got to see all the animals they wanted to, including: the panda, who we watched eat a "fruit salad" with great fervor; the kangaroos, who according to Natalie look like me; and the seals, who, to our great delight, sneezed. They didn't have to see any animals they didn't want to, which include but are not limited to the lions, tigers, alligators, and snakes - according to Natalie, these are the mean animals. They got to ride a total of 4 Metro trains, ride on a dozen elevators, and Aunt Nina bought them ice cream. Does it get any better than that?

2. The kids conked out as soon as they went to bed (probably resulting from the 3+ miles they walked today). On the kids' part of our bedtime routine, there were no complaints about not having enough books, or running out of water, or needing to go potty, or needing a bandaid for a finger that has a "bleeding" (but in reality does not). On my part, there was no yelling down the hall, there was no breathing of empty threats, and there was no running up and down the stairs to keep kids in bed. If ever there is something to be thankful for, this is it.

3. My last positive experience goes out to The Guy on Metro. You know who you are. You watched me wrestle my three tiny, tired kids on a crowded train, and rather than get annoyed or shake your head in disgust, as some are prone to do, you just smiled. And you made sure to wish me a happy Mothers' Day as you exited to train. Thank you, Metro Guy!