We went to the children's museum the other day, and I managed to peel Ava away from the pretend store long enough to watch some Hula dancers do a demonstration. They were FABULOUS. I had absolutely no idea that Hula was so neat to watch. They did some of the type of Hula that you might imagine--all swaying music and alo-ha-aaaa--and then they did some traditional dances that were so cool. Anyway, Ava loved it. But then they called the kids up to learn a dance. Ava was reluctant, but with some prodding, I got her to go up there--she focused hard on the teacher, and was clearly trying to learn the steps. The only thing was, she was standing next to the dancers, facing all of the kids with her back to us. I don't know why she decided to do it that way, but she did (perhaps the kids were less intimidating than grown ups). This turned out to be a brilliant move though, because when the music started, she was great, and her little tushie was swaying perfectly to the music, for all to see. Everyone got a good chuckle. And then when it was over, the dancers instructed the kids to go back to their seats, and Ava did not, and looked a little confused--I don't think she could find me--and one of the dancers came up to her and they had a little discussion at which point Ava turned and gave her a big hug. Everyone went "aaawwwwwwww." I was very cute. I was so proud of her.

Carter is officially afraid of birds. We ate outside last night, and they freaked him out, and today, when we went to the zoo, her was definitely not keen on them.

The zoo was neat, as usual, and extra neat because the animals were active. Particularly the male lion that is never awake--today he was pacing, and yawning, and Ava was so excited. And she thinks the concept of a boa constrictor is really worth talking about with whomever will listen.