The threat of thunderstorms loomed in the afternoon despite the midmorning sunshine that tempted the Chai-Mulkerins on this fateful zoo visit.  This initiation of Charlie into the joys and mysteries of gawking at animals and playing at the zoo's playground and listening to his father mumble - "They aren't cute and cuddly.  If you met them in the wild, they'd break your bones, tear your flesh, and have your heart for breakfast.  Penguins are the mafia of the animal world.  Seriously, haven't you ever watched that documentary - Godzilla vs. the Emporer Penguins.  Scarey stuff."

Sadly, Charlie slept through the fatherly wisdom and the entire visit.  As a first visit, it was by definition, not memorable for him.  Katie and Maddy on the other hand had a wonderful time while Mark was getting pummelled by sugar infused ten year olds and doused by the water play area's deviously tessaract-like design.  Denise, meanwhile, watched over Charlie, sipped Ribena, published twelve company reports via her blackberry (she has slowed down on her maternity leave), and single handedly saved the global markets from further collapsed (I know - things still look bad, but you try bending the financial system to your will when you are up every other hour at night feeding a baby - it could be worse).

(Okay, for those of you who don't know me and my humor - We went to the Zoo.  It was Charlie's first time.  He slept through it.  The girls had a good time.  The rest was lies and mythmaking.)

Photos follow:

This last weekend madness ruled as Katie and Maddy's busy social schedules collided with a now more active Charlie.  For the first two weeks of his life, Charlie chose darkness as he kept his eyes mostly shut in a desire to ... who knows, he's a baby ... but now, he's awake, looking around, and insisting on ... who knows, he's a baby. 

On the other side, Katie and Maddy had three birthday parties to attend (Lexi's, Eric's, and Tita Rosie's) as well as Katie's Mandarin make up lesson.  If that doesn't sound like enough, there was more ... I just can't remember what it was ... it is all a blur ... I have vague memories of the playroom ... and considerations of a playdate that didn't happen in the end ... and horsemen, four of them, one riding a pale horse, and his name was ... yeah, it was a busy weekend - oh right, Friday, we went to register Charlie as a US citizen and apply for a passport - see, I told you there was more fun.

And I tacked on a few extra photos of Charlie from the last few days ... Denise wanted them online ASAP!

Photos follow: