The Zoo

For two months now I've been trying to get my little family to the zoo. Between bad weather, Kaleb being sick, my migraines and Ammon's new job, it was a bit of a struggle to work anything out. Finally, on the hottest day of the year (96 degree high), we were able to go. My main motivation was of course, to give Kaleb a fun new experience. Since his pathetic mom is tired all the time or busy with school, he doesn't get to do 'new things' often. And since he freaks out whenever animals are on TV, I figured what better place than the zoo.

It took Kaleb about five minutes to realize there was something cool about this place. We pulled the stroller up to the savanna, and he immediately struggled to stand up in it to get the best view... even though there really wasn't much to see.
Because of the heat, a lot of the animals were asleep or, well, not that interesting. But we had a few fun experiences. As always the petting zoo was a little adventure in itself. Kaleb was slow to approach any of the goats, which all seemed to have taken a dose of Valium. Eventually, when we prodded, Kaleb would go up and tap one as if to say "tag" and then he would quickly walk away. It was more fun for us just to watch him!

A relatively new feature to the park are the little water-works. Not only are they great for letting the kids play, but it was so nice to cool down a little. Kaleb got pretty excited at all the spontaneous water jets... Just another reminder that we need a lawn with a sprinkler. We had invited my sis and her fam to come with us to the zoo. They ended up spending half of their time just playing in the water. To each their own ;-)

The zoo had recently opened a new orangutan exhibit that allows you to get up close and personal with the big guys. Kaleb and Ammon had a lot of fun making faces at the male until he bared his teeth (see below), and scared Kaleb for good. We think he was just yawning, but it's hard to explain that to a toddler.

Here's a great shot Ammon got of the elephant.

Our favorite part of the zoo is the monkey village. You basically have a little trail to walk around the squirrel monkey habitat. A couple of them were only a few feet from us. Kaleb liked the monkey's so much! We've had a little stuffed squirrel monkey among Kaleb's toys (something Ammn bought years ago), but Kaleb never really paid it any attention until now. It seems to be one of his favorite toys since our trip!

Our little family in front of the rhino pen. Aren't we cute!?

And of course no trip would be complete without the ever-so-short-nap on the way home. Kaleb slept for about twenty minutes. Then was wired for the rest of the day. I will take one of whatever he is having.