I discovered something this weekend. There’s nothing like spending the day in the car. For, in the car, the kids are STRAPPED IN: they can’t run away from you, so they can’t make you chase them, and they can’t make you carry them, so they can’t pull your pants down in public places like the neighborhood park, Starbucks and The Gap, and so on. Ahem.

Since BIG MAAAMA’s head was spinning from obsessing over this new website in the wee hours of the morning, a family day IN THE CAR, while unfortunately not the most environmentally friendly activity, was exactly what I needed.

Ahhh, ’twas EXACTLY what I needed. We went to the African Lion Safari. And, the monkey and rascal stayed put here….

…and, here….

…until I finally caved and let the monkey sit on my lap in the front seat to gaze in awe at the brochure at the giraffes, lions, zebras and MONKEYS! Meet my new friend….

You can imagine poor Rascal’s surprise when he woke up from his afternoon car-nap to find THAT gazing down at him! Heh, for all he knows, that’s a totally normal thing….

Usually, I feel terrible at zoos. I don’t like to see animals contained in an environment that’s not their own. But, the animals at the African Lion Safari seemed so peaceful, relaxing as they were — untouched and without the stress of THE HUNT — on the vast green fields, their manes blowing in the breeze….

…as they enjoy their daily hump….

RAWR…!

Ahhh, nature….

I did feel a little sad for this magnificent eagle — caged as he is — even though they take the birds on daily flights (which we got to enjoy) and feed them plenty of dead chicks (”he’s eating bird seeds, Mama!” Suuuuure, my deluded little Monkey)….

But I also couldn’t help feeling amazed at how very much he looked like Sam the Eagle….

Isn’t the resemblance uncanny?

One of the most interesting parts of the day, for me, was when I got to pet an elephant. Have you ever pet an elephant? Check it….

It was amazing being so close to such an AWESOME animal — especially one who does headstands, handstands on BALANCE BEAMS, shoots hoops, paints t-shirts…! Sigh, I love you, Lily the Elephant….

Yes, it was a great day — full of new things and PEACOCKS and sweet shadows (monkey and moi)!

…Okay, so that wasn’t my best segue…. I’ll make it up with these next ones….

Speaking of PEACOCKS, it’s VICTORIA DAY here, which means FIREWORKS!:

And, speaking of FIREWORKS…CONTEST! Over at Cheaty Goodies…. You could win THIS:

If you’re going to keep your cheaty little monkey in the car for the day, you better do it in STYLE! Haaaarrrrr! Go enter to win one! LOVE!