Zoo Fun

Since Aunt Becca is in town she really wanted to hit up the zoo while she was here.  I wanted to go and take the kids to see the new baby girl Elephant, Lily too!  The weather wasn't the best but we decided to brave it and go anyway.  We got all the kids in their boots and rain coats and I packed the bike stroller in the car since it has the rainproof cover on it along with blankets, hats and gloves along with a TON of snacks.  We set off at12:30 but after shortly getting on the Freeway realized I needed to stop and get gas just to be safe.  We arrived at the zoo at 1:30 with a half hour to spare to get to see the baby elephant.  Viewing hours were from 10-2pm.  We went straight down to the baby elephant arriving at 10 till and a worker had the viewing area blocked off and wouldn't let anyone else back in.  He said he's told to close it up at a quarter till.  REALLY!!!!  They need to now post it online that the viewing hours are till 2 when actually they are until 1:45.  Rebecca went straight to asking to speak to a manager.  He radioed up and then we all waited (about 5 groups of us including a grandpa/dad of another group that was in the viewing area that he wouldn't let in to join his family).  After waiting another 15 minutes now at 2:10pm the manager came and heard all or complaints (one family drove 2 hours to get there, another came straight from the airport, many told at the gate they still had time to see the elephant- though they didn't...).  The manager then went to talk to the zookeeper and came out saying those of us waiting were allowed to go in.  I'm glad we were able to see Lily though the trouble to get in took a lot of the wind out of our sail. 


 It was so sweet to see baby Lily.  She was chewing on EVERYTHING the bars, chain, and her mommy.  Typical of a new born to chew on anything they can get in their mouth.  The kids delighted in seeing as did Rebecca and I too.

After seeing the elephants we got three elephant ears and headed over the the covered area near by where a little table was set up with some chairs.  While we were finishing up eating I got up on the stage there (meant for singing groups) and started singing a made up song and dancing.  The kids thought I was so silly- the point I was hoping to make.  Then they all got up there and Rebecca and I started a dance and singing the Lollipop kids (off of Wizard of Oz).  It was so fun.  The kids enjoyed running in circles. 

We hit up the monkey's exhibit next where the orangutang was up swinging around all over his cage!  I have never seen anything like it.  Usually they just sit there but today he was so active.  It was lots of fun to watch.  We then walked down to the lions and they too were up and awake.  The Lion was up on the log along with one of the lioness.  The Lion looked down were the other lioness were by the wall and then took off running to them.  The Lioness on the log watched and after a minute or so ran and joined them.  Then we went in the exhibit and the hyenas were being fed and they were all fighting over and tearing a carcass of meat apart.  It was incredible to see and hear.  The kids wanted to play in the truck so I didn't stay long but Rebecca got a GREAT video of them.  Then we let the kids play in the warm section of the Lion Exhibt on the rock wall and running around the little kids museum next door.  It was great for Rebecca and I to warm up and enjoy some relaxation while the kids got some energy out.  Then we heard the Lion was by the window so we went back out to check it out.  One of the Lioness was up at the window following a lady's purse and umbrella around.  The kids then started having her follow their hands which she was licking or trying to bite off their heads.  It was incredible to see. 



After a trip to the bathroom and a diaper change we packed everything up and head off to see the Hippopotamuses (Kaila's choice to see).  We got a rare treat to see them walk into the water/ play around with a ball together, walk back out, and do it all again.  It was AMAZING!!!  Then we saw the giraffes in their little home eating their dinner which thrilled Glenn (his choice to see).  Rebecca hadn't seen the zoo lights so we headed back down to see all the lights during the twilight hours.  It was beautiful and the kids Loved all the lights again.  We finally trekked back up the hill and back to our car.  It was a LOT of walking but so worth it.  An amazing experience to see so many different animals interacting with each other!

We stopped and picked up Chinese Food on the way home and enjoyed Dinner with Daddy who stayed home to finish the wrap book for his prior job.  It was a fabulous day despite the misty cold weather!