We love our Zoo (2 trips in 5 days!)

The first Zoo trip of the year was on Good Friday...not such a good day for a "relaxing" Zoo trip. Since it was mid 70's and early April, everyone was at the Zoo...EVERYONE! We waited 40 minutes just to get into the parking lot. But since Megan and I were with a group of people (my bowling buddies and their kids) we had no option, we had to brave the crowds. First stop, the carousel and yet another line for the kids to wait in.

Megan picked the zebra to ride and she loved him and the ride.

Next stop, a train ride to see some of the African animals, most were not on exhibit, but we did see some fun animals and the Zoo's new baby giraffe following his mom wherever she went.

Somewhere in there is a goat that all of the kids wanted to pet/brush. This was our last stop, it got hot quick and all of the kids were sick of lines and just wanted to go home. So grand total of animals we saw during this trip (including the goats) 6! And 4 were the African animals we saw on the train!
But lucky for us, we already knew we were coming back a few days later with Tiffany and Rosemary Olsaver. But like the last trip our first stop was the carousel. And Megan picked the zebra again. But look at that grin, she loves him.
Hello again Mr. Goat.

This time we actually made it into Nature's Neighborhood, the Zoo's new children's area. It opened last summer but this was our first visit, I couldn't bring myself to face the mobs of kids their last summer. But oddly enough, the only busy spot was the face painting section. Not really busy in the actual learning areas. But here are Megan and Rosemary acting like bees in the honey combs.

I can't wait to go back when it isn't spring break to spend some more time here. Everything was fascinating to me and Megan loved taking it all in. I could have spent all day watching the ants in the clear tubes carrying leaves and food from point A to point B. Note to self: go to Nature's Neighborhood first on the next Zoo trip.

Just staying hydrated with some yummy water in a fancy Zoo cup.

And after buying a t-shirt (I promised her she could get one) a place mat (to protect our new dining table) a froggy ring toss game (we need outside toys) and a stuffed zebra (did you see her face on the carousel?) We ended our trip with a horse/giraffe shaped cookie for the ride home. We love our Zoo!