Bella Novella (that does mean beautiful novel right?)

Eight hours of beauty sleep and a double tall venetian latte' later; I am feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to write. As previously stated, Cora and I spent yesterday "monkeying around" seattle... literally. We began our adventure by hitting up the 6th and pine starbucks for some much needed liquid energy. Cora entertained a fun older couple at the table next to us as she ate her avocado and kept them guessing with her one minute smiling, one minute glaring faces. That was the new look I was talking about earlier... she grimaces at everyone... than she laughs. I'm pretty sure she is doing it now because she gets such a reaction, everywhere. we. go. Steph and the kids met up with us, than we hit the freeway and headed North; First stop Woodland park zoo. The monkeys piled out of the vehicles, and we loaded up the strollers. We visited Africa first where the kids oohed and ahhhed over Zebras, Elephants, hippos, lions, and my personal favorite... giraffes. We came during feeding time, so we were able to get a great view of them just over the fence. I was actually pretty excited, I don't think I've ever experienced giraffes this "up close and personal" before.

Two adults to five children is a fun ratio, but the kids were very good and Brooklyn and Bradyn were super helpful. Here is Brooklyn Feeding Cora her bottle (which she still refuses to hold).

Me being the picture Nazi that I am, I was intent upon getting a good photo of all of the kids together... That was interesting. Twenty minutes and five very bored children later, I had finally gotten a couple where everyone was looking at the camera, or at least looking in the general direction. Here are my favs~

I just love getting them together. Cora adores all of her cousins, and it's so fun watching her interact with all of them. Here are just a couple pics I found especially adorable.

With Cora becoming more mobile, she loved standing up with the big kids and taking in the views. She doesn't wear shoes too often at home, so she doesn't walk as well in them but the zoo was a perfect opportunity for her to practise as mommy wasn't letting her run around barefoot like an animal. (get it, an animal, at the zoo??!) Lame jokes aside, here are some cute ones of my little bird.

All good things must come to an end, and the zoo was closing. Stephenie and I wrangled up the fabulous five and we walked in circles for a while, trying to decipher the zoo maps and make it back to the "meerkat" parking section. Eventually... we found it.. and we all said our goodbyes and the Bradley's began their journey home. Cora and I had other plans....

I decided that in favor of Cora NOT going to sleep in the car at 6pm to the detriment of her 8pm bedtime, we would get dinner in Greenlake. I typed "food" into the map app on my Iphone, and low and behold "gorditos" healthy mexican food popped up only blocks away. Parking was interesting, so I opted for a spot in the bartells parking lot across the street, crossing my fingers and ignoring the Tow warnings.

Let me just say, being out and about without daddy makes for an interesting evening. Gorditos is a casual, family dining experience; You order at the front counter, than take your chips/ dip/ drinks/ mini pinata table number and go grab yourself a seat. Sounds easy enough right? Well, add in a squirming baby, a diaper bag, a large purse, and this simple task becomes a test of ones skills... Not to mention, I was supposed to also grab Cora's highchair. Awesome. A (sort of) nice gal reluctantly came around and grabbed a highchair for this overwhelmed mommy, and we made the rest work. Now onto the bathroom... surprisingly enough they HAD a changing table, which I give them major props for... I'm used to changing diapers at the table (which I have no problem doing by the by.. if an establishment doesn't provide me a place to change my child's diaper, I will provide my own place thank you very much. Sorry I won't let my daughter sit in her poop.) Okay, getting off my soapbox now and back to the story....

I haven't had to attempt using the restroom myself while holding my baby.. until just then. Let's just say, it was interesting, but we managed.

For dinner I enjoyed a heaping plate of carne asada, my favorite.  They had brilliant rice and beans, fabulous corn tortillas, and fresh sliced avocado. They even had a fun salsa bar where I chose a nice "family style" salsa and diced cilantro and onion.... Mmmmm Cilantro...  it was a mexican loving girls dream come true.

Cora especially enjoyed the chips and dip....

After our fabulous meal, as we made our way back to the car I was drawn across the street to an amazing graffiti wall.. check it out.

In honor of my husband.. a fireman.. saving a kitty.

I was determined to get some cool pics of Cora in front of this wall.. I just loved the colors and the contrast... She decided it was the perfect time to take and break and kept trying to sit on the yucky gum ridden seattle sidewalk... Here are a few I managed to get...

By this time, it was nearing Cora's normal bedtime so it was the perfect time to load her up in the car and head for home. She was pretty beat after such an exciting, fun-filled day!

Moments into driving, with the music playing and the a/c blasting, Cora was already passed out in the back and we were on our way. Wow! What a spectacular day we had! Thanks to those of you (staci J) who have patiently followed along with what has probably become the longest, most run-on-riffic and colorful blog in the history of blogs. And thank you Cora, for a wonderfully special day; one that is not soon to be forgotten. Love you dolly.