T Rex Family

T Rex Family

Friday, July 8, 2011

Stay-cation - Part II - Zoo Again and Again...

Alright, I know it just seems like we just had a zoo posting but here we go again and again.


When we asked T Rex what he wanted to do when his dad was off of work, the first thing we said was, "Go to the zoo". So the very first thing we did on T Rex Dad's stay-cation was hit the zoo. Most of our zoo outings are without T Rex Dad so any time he gets to go, the fun level is so much higher for all of us.

Here are some highlights from that trip:


We always start at the giraffe feeding. This was T Rex's second time feeding them alone. But, this was Bebe Sister's first time ever (she thought that long giraffe tongue was hysterical). And Julius the Giraffe did not disappoint. I would also like to say the zoo volunteers were amazing, too. 



We have a new exhibit area - Animals from the Pampas. This anteater is one of the new animals in the exhibit:



This was also the first outing to the zoo where we let Bebe Sister walk most of the way rather than being in the pack. We still took the stroller mostly to cart our picnic lunch and to have on hand in case she became tired. But she was really well behaved. It also burns off a good amount of her toddler energy that she's sporting these days.




We all went into the butterfly encounter. This time they would not let us take in our stroller which is a good way to keep Bebe Sister from grabbing at the butterflies. So, we spent most of our time keeping her away from them. It was not as enjoyable for us. However, T Rex and his dad had a great time letting the "mariposas," as T Rex called them (Spanish for butterfly), land on them. That second photo looks like something in a book - there were so many wonderful photo opportunities.




After all the zoo fun, when asked the following week what T Rex wanted to do with his dad on an outing with his friend Caleb, he replied, "Go to the zoo".


So here we go again, five days later...

Starting once again at the giraffe feeding. This time, both the kids were old pros. And once again, the zoo volunteers were wonderful and amazing. In the second photo, you can see the one-year old giraffe - he's in training to be able to do feedings but at this point, he cannot reach over the fence. He's a cutie and Julius, the five year old, takes such great care of the little guy.






As I mentioned before, this time T Rex had his dad AND a friend. The little boys just fed off each other - so much energy I wish I could harness it and solve the world's energy problems.



We also took the zoo boat ride - something I've always wanted to do but the kids have always been to small. Now, Bebe Sister is past the 30 inch height requirement so off we went. Bebe Sister was not to happy about the life vest but soon grew used to it and was looking around just like the big kids.






Here T Rex is enjoying the boat ride with his buddy Caleb. This was about the only time they were really calm and quiet. Maybe at the butterfly exhibit too, but this time, Bebe Sister and I opted to skip the butterflies and instead feed the sheep.




Once again, the zoo never disappoints. So much fun for all involved. And always more fun sharing it with friends and loved ones.


Stay tuned. More stay-cation fun still to come.

6 comments:

Julie Kieras said...

You sound like you have an amazing zoo! We have a decent one but like an hour away so I have only taken A. once. we'll have to go again this year! :)
And...Mariposa is my favorite Spanish word! So pretty!
I need to know more about how you go about teaching T Rex Spanish at the same time as he's learning English - I mean I know you're bilingual, but do you do something purposeful or does it just happen? :)

septembermom said...

I love all the pictures!!! I so enjoy reading these posts. You guys really know how to have a FUN summer!!

septembermom said...

I love all the pictures!!! I so enjoy reading these posts. You guys really know how to have a FUN summer!!

Caitlin said...

Looks like a fun time and that baby giraffe is to die for! cool that you did the boat ride! I always wanted to!

Btw LOOOOVE the new blog header! So adorable! and baby sister's headband?...I die of cuteness! Her hair is getting long!

Kim said...

Awww this looks like such a great time. Isn't it amazing how exciting a trip to the zoo has become now that we are parents? Sadly our trip to the zoo last weekend was brutally hot and we didn't get as much out of it as we wanted to. Deaglan was irritable and we tried to keep the kids indoors. I was disappointed that the Detroit zoo didn't have any type of water park, pool or even splash pad. Nothing!

Jenners said...

Sounds just like my son ... never enough zoo!