Now, I'm well aware that our going to the zoo is nothing new; therefore, my objective of this post really isn't about the zoo. It's about our two kids, as siblings, and the differences between them.
I feel like, as with most of our friends in the same "life boat" we're in right now (you know -- married with young children), we have two children who are different. I would not call our children polar opposites, but I would say they are indeed on different sides of the spectrum.
Recently, Marc had to write a very *brief* autobiography about himself (obviously as that is the definition of an autobiography). He wrote briefly about our marriage, our kiddos, and his job & hobbies. The description of Luke was "a serious kindergartner". I honestly don't remember exactly how he described Kate (and I can't ask Marc at this point because he's already gone to bed), but I can say for sure that the word "serious" was not used to describe her.
Marc & I are both firstborn children (Marc's an "only" even). Luke is obviously a firstborn. As I have stated on Facebook AND in person, Kate is a second born child with whom we sometimes don't know what to do with. In her short 2 1/2 years of life, we can most definitely say she is much less serious. She is much more free-spirited and joyful appearing. She appears to have a lot more ambition (though I know appearances can be deceiving).
Back to the zoo last week --
Upon entering the zoo, I told the kids, "Let's take some pictures of you two together". Luke thought that sounded like a good idea. Kate, of course, was up for anything in the familiarity of the zoo...I ended up getting some great pics of the kiddos together, and though I didn't plan this, I ended up with some great pics which I think accurately illustrate their personalities. Count how many times Kate's mouth is opened -- Ha!
But first -- I did get a GREAT pic of the kids at "Subway" -- right before heading to the zoo that day....
Finally -- the zoo....
I am completely and utterly loving this next pic of Luke with the "forced smile". (The wallaby is right behind him)...
Luke really likes the anteater, and admittedly, I do also find the anteater to be an interesting part of God's great creation....The anteater is often hiding; therefore, when it's out, excitement follows. But again, seriousness defined right here, folks! (And, I'm realizing *slowly* that Luke is whom God created him to be. This seriousness in him is something he comes by honestly...insert clearing of throat here).
I'm not going to post the next picture I have in my collection. It's one of the kiddos (with Kate's mouth open) in front of the rhino. The rhino is not exactly doing something that would improve the look of this blog, and quite frankly, I'm too lazy at this point to edit it. So, just trust me on this one that the pic does indeed epitomize our kids' personalities....
Moving on to more of Kate's wide-opened mouth and Luke's seriousness -- Ha!
Even the "selfie" shows personality traits....
In this next pic, you can see all of the construction happening on our zoo's new and upcoming elephant exhibit!
Kate was on a mission at this point. Luke decided he wanted to see the entire remaining part of the zoo through binoculars -- even when walking. I assured Luke that he could do that now, but in a couple of months, when the weather turns nice again (for the season) and there are more people at the zoo, the "binocular walking" wouldn't be happening anymore.
There are days when my curiosity gets the best of me, and I become a bit irrational with anxiety. I worry about what this vast and sometimes ugly (yet strikingly beautiful) world will off our kiddos and their personalities. And then, I'm promoted by the Holy Spirit to spend time in Psalm 139. These kiddos of our's were created with a purpose in this world.
I simply must trust God to do His work through them and their personalities.
I must trust that He will take care of them.
I must be completely obedient to the command of teaching them in the way they should go (excellent readings in Deuteronomy and Proverbs).
