Squealing

Today, it seems that Olive has discovered that her voice can make more sounds besides grunting. We have been serenaded by a cacophony of ear-splitting squeals and squeaks. I think she picked this up hanging out with Emika...She is clearly very proud of herself.

Yesterday we went to the Zoo; which was fun, but a little disappointing. It seems like they are trying to make money by making it more theme-parkish... They have had to get rid of many animal exhibits in order to put in a ridiculous tram, for example, so fat people don't actually have to walk to see the animals. How convenient. They have kept all the big ticket items, and the giraffes were very cool and entertaining, but I missed all of the other animals like many of the birds and reptiles. They got rid of the otters, too, which sucks. They were awesome.

On another side note, I was thrilled to find that there was a horse chestnut tree growing in Druid Hill Park near the zoo parking lot. It was a little different from the ones I remember as a kid, the husks were smooth and didn't have any spines like horse chestnuts do... it must have been a slightly different species. I had a moment of nostalgia as I filled my pockets with the shiny mahogany brown chestnuts. I love them. Maybe I'll plant some in the backyard... I can't wait until I can show Olive stuff like that. I wonder if she'll be a collector like me... I think she probably will.

The weather has been beautiful all weekend, one of those lovely fall days with blue skies and it's just warm enough to be pleasant with that great crisp fallen leaf smell in the air. The cats love it too. I have to get her Halloween costume finished... It' s mostly done, I just have to cut the armholes and make the hat. She's going as, big surprise, an Olive! I'll put up pictures when I have them. Grandpa and Grandma are coming down to help with the Trick or Treaters and watch Olive so Marc and I can go out to dinner somewhere. It should be fun.