Sunday 7/31/11 - Our trip to the zoo

We've been wanting to take the kids to the zoo this year before baby sister comes.   We've been keeping our eye on the weather reports to see when we can catch a break in the heat to take the kids.  This heat wave we've had this year has been terrible.  Especially when you're 35 weeks pregnant.  It's really been taking it's toll on me and wearing me out.  Can't wait for a "cool" spell to come around.   Apparently, the weatherman's idea of a cool spell and mine is much different.  It's been hovering around 100 degrees or better in these here parts for several days.  His idea of a cool spell is 95 degrees, mine would be under 90.  It was 95 degrees or better today.  I made sure to drink plenty of water and take several breaks & rest in between things we did.  I was worn out and tired of climbing hills and walking for the 5 plus hours we were there.  I took a lot of pictures of the kids and all the fun they had!  It was a fun day over all.  I would've enjoyed it much better if I wasn't lugging around a basketball in the front. :)  Bare with me, there are a lot of pictures! 


The first place we visited was the insect house.  Mainly because it was airconditioned.  It was REALLY HOT out today!

Jack showing the kids what noises all the bugs make.  Brianna was kinda freaked out.  :D

Looking at an exhibit

Instead of lugging our stroller around, we usually rent one when we go to the zoo.  This way, when the kids get tired they can ride instead of walking.  Plus, we don't have to carry our things.  I wish the weight limit was more on these because I sure could've used a ride!

We went to the Children's Zoo next.  The kids always enjoy going in here to see all the animals and petting them.

Jacob found the sand table right away.  It was hard to pull him away from it to look at other things.

Brianna liked playing "Captain" of the ship!

So did this little guy!

They had some really pretty, colorful birds here.

Brianna asked me, "Mommy, I thought parrots talked?"  I told her, "Maybe he didn't have anything to say today."  Haha!

Petting Guinea Pigs

Both kids liked petting this white & grey bunny.  The grey one next to it was REALLY BIG!!  The volunteer at the Children's Zoo said that this bunny was over 20 years old!  I didn't know they lived that long. 

Riding in a Jeep at the Children's Zoo.

A Meerkat in the Children's Zoo.  This one, in particular, looked like he was trying to figure out how to jump over the plexiglass that was separating him from us.  The kids were kinda scared cause they thought he was gonna get out.  They decided it was time to leave!

This makes me laugh!  She made this face because this frog was HOT to sit on!  I tried to get her to do it again to get a better picture, but she wouldn't do it.

Apparently, he didn't mind the heat.

What a cute picture!  He can take some good ones when he wants to.

Alpacas

Jack picked up the kids so they could see the animals a little better.

This was a whale tunnel we went into to cool off a little.  By now we were really getting sweaty.

My little Otters!

Jacob the Otter

Brianna the Otter

Jack took the kids to pet the goats.  I sat in the shade and watched.  I needed to rest because I was pooped!

Jacob liked petting the goats

Both kids enjoyed brushing them. 

Jack said he was really good with the goats. 

Don't ask me what Jacob's looking at.  Jack took a few pictures of him looking at the goats like this.

We made sure to take the kids to see the sharks & sting rays!  Jack was explaining to Jacob that if he put his hand in the water, they'd come right up to you so you could pet them!

Jacob petted a stingray, Brianna said she'd just look at them.  She must get that from me!   I'd rather look than touch too.  :)

One of the sharks that came swimming by us! 

Stingrays!

Both kids bugged us to ride the train.  It was a nice break from walking and we were able to catch a little breeze too!

This little boy LOVES trains!  He thought it was great to ride a train! 

We saw a Black Bear

Rode a tiger on the Merry Go Round

And rode a Cheetah too!  I rode too, but I just sat on a bench on the Merry Go Round. 

We also saw Gorillas, Apes & Monkeys

I tried to get their picture by this statue, but neither of them would cooperate.  There were others waiting to take pictures so this was the best I could get.

We happened to see a zoo keeper feeding fish to some river otters.  Brianna asked if she could feed one of them.  The keeper said she'd rather her watch instead & thanked her for offering to help.

If you made it to this point, thanks for hanging in there with me!  We had a fun time at the zoo today even though it was hot!  Glad we were able to take the kids to see the animals and do fun things!