September Eleventh...

September eleventh is a very difficult day of the year for me. As you may or may not know, I had the extreme misfortune of being in New York City, Times Square to be exact, on September 11, 2001. Every year on this day I relive the most terrifying day of my life. The memories of that day are forever embedded in my mind. I flash back seven years, and remember the sounds of the blaring sirens, I still smell the smoke and ash that permeated the air, and I feel the weakness in my knees from the fear that radiated throughout my entire body, as my dad and I walked amongst the mobs of panicked people on the streets of New York City.

I looked at Jake this morning, and just couldn't believe how far I have come in those last seven years. The memories of 9/11/01 are forever in my mind and my heart.

When I woke up this morning, I decided to make the best of this ominous day. Jake and I, along with our friends Lea, and Cade, headed out for a day of fun at the Santa Ana Zoo. We had a great time! It was so wonderful to be able to forget the date today, even for just a few hours...

Jake on the jungle gym

Cade and Jake up to no good!
They have a new Carousel at the zoo...it is the most beautiful carousel I have ever seen! The colors and the array of animals are incredible! (Jake on a hummingbird)
Cade on the Rooster

Cade and Lea checking out the monkeys...
This way mama!
Too bad it wasn't real!
They loved playing in this old Jeep!!
Choooo choooooo!!