It has been a while since we’ve seen Brenda Cucci and her two girls Sydney and Annika. They were so nice to jump on a plane and travel from Chicago. They arrived late Friday and a whirlwind weekend began. We figured that a short visit to the Zoo would be in order for the morning. Then we would meet some friends at a Buffalo Wild Wings for the MSU basketball game that afternoon.
We started at the Zoo and Brenda was all excited about checking out the bears. As cool as the Cleveland Zoo is, the bears are at the far end of the Zoo and they are a pretty big hike. We had both Brenda’s girls, Mira and Luna. Erika put Luna in the sling and Mira decided she wanted to ride on my shoulders. I was just cooked about halfway there. Mira was pretty miserable while we were outside, but she hung in there.
Anni Puff (her nickname) was having a grand time with the Grizzly!
Nice Grizzly!
Yes, that huge lump on Erika’s tummy is Luna and Mira was much more interested in walking on ice patches than watching the bears. Very funny little girl!
Just checkin out the ice!
It was funny, but once Brenda and Erika started looking at the Grizzly and Brenda was so concerned about the bear. “Look at him! He looks so sad!”
So concerned about the bear!
You should know that I worked for Brenda at the State of Michigan some 15 years ago when she introduced me to a girl that she used to babysit back in her hometown of Muskegon. Yes, it’s true. My boss used to babysit my wife when they were young. And yes, Erika is younger than me, 6 years if you must know. Crazy that it’s been close to 15 years since we met. And amazing that Brenda was the catalyst.
They've come so far!
After the visit with the bears, we decided to head into the rain forest. The rain forest is a 75 degree building filled with all kinds of fun animals. We were able to snap a great group shot when we arrived. The lump in the brown sling is little Luna.
The whole gang!
I had all the girls sit down for one more great hello to everyone.
All the girls!
In case you are wondering, there are six women in the house right now. It has really been a very fun weekend. Sydney has been so nice with Luna. She’s always holding her and changing diapers. It’s like we got a built in baby sitter. I think she should just stay in Cleveland. I keep telling her that Cleveland Rocks!
Two sweet girls!
Back home from the Zoo, we heading out for some wings and MSU basketball. We met up with my buddy Victor from work. Victor is my one real friend here in Cleveland. He’s the guy I go over and visit with when I’ve got some free time. He’s a good guy and I’ve converted him and his family over to Spartan fans. It’s amazing what free posters and t-shirts will do!
My only friend!
Brenda and the girls were dressed with green and ready to cheer with everyone!
Spartan Fans!
Crazy thing, the candy lady came about halfway through the game to refill the candy machines. It was like we were no longer there. I swear Mira was amazed. “This person has ALL the candy!” Awesome!
The candy lady!
It was a busy day, and we finished late Saturday night. Sunday was just as busy, with a trip downtown and early Valentines Day. More updates tomorrow.