ZOO DAY!

We went to the zoo with our dear friends and neighbors, the Andertons. You've met Quinn, my part-time daughter, many times already on this blog. Now you get to meet her real mommy Liz, her brother Tyler and cousin Maddy!

We packed in Liz's car for the for the 90-minute drive to the Audubon Zoo. Elle was beyond content with her headphones playing Dora for the duration.



After our first few animal viewings, we headed straight to the petting zoo. Huntie made fast friends with this little goat. This petting zoo was awesome because they supplied buckets full of grooming brushes all over the place so the kids could brush the animals. Everyone is satisfied - genius!
















The kids - posing inside the box.











As we walked to the monkey exhibit, Quinn told us how the last time she was at the zoo, some people kept feeding the orangutans Laffy Taffy. So as we approached, the clever monkeys waited with outstretched hands. I understood. I love Laffy Taffy too.





I have a picture of Huntie the about same age as Elle riding this SAME sculpture at the zoo. Ahhh, the circle of life. But I have to admit, this is my first Kodak moment with Michael chasing Elle, like a cowboy lassoing a bull. His cowboy grandpas would be proud.






There is this remarkable oak tree (see background of pic with Michael on a cheetah chasing Elle on an antelope) that sprawls across forever at the zoo every kid loves to climb. And mommies LOVE to take their kids' pictures on it.





"Monkey Hill" is the best. With waterfalls, rope bridge and tree house - really, what more could you ask for to entertain your little monkeys?





Ok, we can't leave the zoo without seeing the snakes - although I'm pretty sure Michael's terrified of that exhibit. Well, I think he's finally grasped the concept that they are safely behind glass and now likes the isolated thrill of seeing them in action on the other side. We haven't reached this milestone in the swamp exhibit where the alligators are just a short drop off the boardwalk and the swamp monster exhibit just looks too real.


The kids ritually sit on the life-sized komodo dragon bronze. Elle especially. Seriously, that girl is afraid of nothing.




I also love how Huntie is sitting directly on the rattlesnake bronze. My girls are so brave. lol.




We had such a great day!