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We came down to the valley late Wednesday night, went right to bed, and then went to the zoo yesterday. Our first encounter was with the baby komodo dragons, which seemed anxious to escape. One of us was a little afraid that they might.

My five favorite people, in no important order. Milosch-mi. Aged 18 months.

Bowden-bows, ready to play basketball, aged 7 years.

Lucy Goose, showing her happiness at receiving a Valentine's Day card from Nanny. Aged five years.

Jackerwhack, intent on finishing his beans and steak. Aged three years.

Joshy, aged 33 years.

You can expect the singing at any Tate dinner. It's not planned. It's organic, even if the food isn't.

"Miles, let's go do the laundry. Do you want to help me?"
(This is what happened when I went to answer the phone before loading the wet laundry into the dryer.)

(This is a good way to make sure you didn't leave anything in the dryer...he came out all toasty warm, too!)

We just had to, you see. Lucy felt a little kookie doing this, I think that you can tell. I was definitely a darker child, but maybe the Italian has just gone underground for the winter.

She's much prettier than I was, but I won't tell her that.

All I know....not having a camera is really hurting this blog. I gave this monkey a haircut today. Buzzzz.....

Tomorrow- Jack and Bowden!

Lisa and John left today for their new life together in Massachusetts. We all came out to say goodbye, and appropriately, Nancy and Dick were there, too. Miles got a last hold from Uncle John.

I took Bowden out of school early so that he could say goodbye. Dick is covering up an ear he just had...enhanced.

There we are, my best friend, now sister, and I. At least I know that you have a familial obligation to see me as much as possible. I love you, and I'll miss living near you, and I know that my kids are better for having lived near their Aunt Lisa...but I think that this adventure is too good to pass up, and too exciting to feel too sorry for your leaving.

Muh.

We spent New Year's Eve morning at the Los Angeles Zoo. Nanny P. called up and asked if we wanted to come down, and we did. Josh had to work for a mammoth camp we had in, but he doesn't like zoos anyway.

I took a picture of Lucy, and she took one of me.


The giraffes were felling amorous. They did some unspeakable things that grossed Bowden out, but never actually mated. I told my mom about it over lunch and she got angry at me and said that I shouldn't talk about that kind of thing. I won't put it here, because of that reaction.

The animals were all pretty active, and fun to watch. The tiger looked like it was going to jump right out...a jaguar munched on a bunny body with great rippings and slurping.

We ate french fries and fried chicken, pizza and soda. The bunny probably would have been better for us.

I doubt I could have made Miles eat raw bunny. French fries? He loves those little fritters.

My mom bought us season passes...so this blog will probably show more zoo trips over the next year.

Oh, and by the way, Happy New Year!!