Like this:

Kiley and Matthew on the train at the Montgomery Zoo.

“Lions, and tigers, and bears – oh my!” No, Matthew wasn’t saying that familiar little quote, but he was saying “Tigers! Monkeys! Elphants!” Ok, he had some trouble saying elephant and rhinosceros, but then again, he’s two, and could you say them right at that age?

Anyway, Kiley and I both had an unusual Friday off and decided we needed to take Matthew somewhere and spend some real family time together. Our options were kind of limited … we’re taking a big vacation to the Land of Mouse in November, so budget was the buzzword.

We opted on a trip to Montgomery to the zoo and then to a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game. Yes, that’s the name of the minor-league team in Alabama’s capitol city.

Matthew had never been to a zoo, and the only baseball he’s ever watched was a little league game of his cousin’s. Not quite sure how the day would go, Kiley and I prepared for the worst (extra diapers, extra sippy cups, changes of clothes, etc.), but hoped for the best. What we got was absolutely the BEST!

Matthew had a tremendous time at the zoo. Seeing the animals in real life and up close was a delight for him – and for us. We were able to truly see the zoo through his eyes. It’s one of the most amazing feelings I’ve had as a parent, yet. The wide-eyed innocence and amazement took me back to childhood and my first visit to the zoo.

There was the usual zoo fare – monkeys, lions, tigers, birds, etc. But, Matthew’s favorite animals by far was the family of elephants, especially the baby (well, as much as a 200+ pound baby can be called a baby) elephant that has the same birthday as he does.

The day was beautiful, too. Sunny skies, 80 degree temperatures (ok, it was closer to 90, but the Montgomery Zoo is very well shaded), and not a large crowd. Matthew also totally was enthralled by the train – which of course we had to ride.

We could not have asked for a better child – or better memory of his first visit to the zoo.

Matthew and me at the Montgomery Biscuits baseball game.

But, the day wasn’t over yet. After the zoo we headed to Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, a AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Matthew loves sports, and what better way to give him the chance to see some great baseball than with a visit to the local minor league ballpark.

The Biscuits are still relatively new to Montgomery, having come to the city in 2004. In that time, they’ve won two Southern League Championships, so we knew we should have a good time.

We weren’t wrong. Matthew got into the game, calling out to the players, clapping and cheering. He was enthralled by “Big Mo,” the Biscuits mascot (not a biscuit, but a gigantic anteater – go figure). He watched the game, played with the folks behind us, and tried to do the “YMCA.”

After the game, we headed back down I-65 home. He talked himself to sleep on the way back. Kiley and I talked about the day and how good Matthew was. We agreed, there is no better time than family time.

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