Our family of chimps

I figured Jimmer would be pretty excited to name his new life-sized chimp he received for his birthday. Yes, he did name the chimp, but it was much different than what I expected.

He named it Flo. I introduce to you, Flo...
I should explain that Jimmer also received the Jane Goodall documentary, Among the Wild Chimpanzees, National Geographic Special (1984) for his birthday. (I'm sure you learned about her work in grade school science class like I did!) It's an entertaining and wonderfully moving story about a family of chimps she has been studying in east Africa since 1960. Watching it not only helps to understand chimpanzees, but it also makes you learn about yourself, and it stirs some emotions in little kids as we found out while we were putting them to bed that evening.

Flo is the mom of Flint and Fifi (and others). She died while Flint, who was over 8 years old, was still very attached to her. Flint died one month afterwards of, essentially, a broken heart. Poor thing. With a very concerned look, Mikey later asked that evening, "How can somebody die just because they're so sad?" Simple question--complex answer.
Flo with silly Flint

Back to our stuffed chimps...
Shockingly, Jimmer has even renamed his beloved Chimpy. Chimpy's new name is now Flint, Flo's baby boy.

While the kids play with the chimps around here (and before we add any more chimps to the crew), Jimmer is now also referring to Mary Kate as Fifi, Flint's very motherly older sister.