Zoo

Since we spent the past few weeks basically transplanted to Seattle, I took the kiddos up to the Zoo on the first sunny day we had last week (and was proud that I managed them at the zoo, train ride included, solo). It was a fun time, but more than anything, the trip reminded me how circular life really is, and how easy it is to re-cross paths you've been on in different ways.

As we entered the gate, we were handed a map of the zoo. Which brings me to that circle.

I can't tell you how many times I sat and proofed, edited and had meetings on that map in my previous advertising career pre-kiddos. Hogle Zoo was one of the accounts I managed, and it was a fun client. I spent hours working on their advertising campaigns each year (radio, tv, billboards, etc), and one portion of it included the map. In all my time working though, I never really realized the connection that map made with kids after the zoo until I saw Max.

Not only did he hold onto that map the ENTIRE zoo trip (partially because he didn't want it to blow away), but he studied it the whole way home. Since we've been home, he'll study it in the mornings over his bowl of cereal, and focus on everything he remembers. He loves looking and studying and will now tell me the route we took, where we saw the zookeepers, and even remembers where we stopped for a snack (which the snack was then postponed to the car due to the chance that wind might blow his food away outside).

It makes me laugh to see this map. I chuckle thinking back on the ones I had helped produce and if they ever sat at someone's breakfast table.

In efforts that he might actually take interest in something I currently work on, I'm now stockpiling my auto parts flyers. If nothing else, I think he'll enjoy looking for any can sprayers (that's Max language for a spray can), or possibly might like pointing out numbers he recognizes.

A few pics, and I must say, I think Alex had just as much fun.