Visiting the Hogle Zoo

I told you Baby Doll and Curly have been off track, so we have done several fun activities together. Since Bossy had the day off on Tuesday, we decided to visit Hogle Zoo.Tuesdays are typically Twiz's day off as well, so he and Twizlet joined us as did Dog Walker. Curly was invited to go ice fishing with a friend at the last minute, so he headed off early in the other direction. Maybe we can get him to tell a little of that story. It sounds like they had a great time!

So we all met up at the zoo about 11:00. Taco tagged along with us as well, making us a party of 8. We started our adventure riding the train and then looking at the giraffes. Skittles was finally big enough to appreciate the animals and the morning with his mom, so even though it was a bit cold, he handled it like a trooper.

Come on, Dog Walker! Live a little!!

 After stopping by the gorillas, monkeys, and elephants, we happened upon the carousel. Until this year, the kids have mostly envied the ones sitting on the beautiful animals, but my way-too-expensive pass allows for unlimited rides, so we usually climb off the animals and run right around and back through so we can ride again. Seriously, our minimum number of rides all year has been 3.

I begged off the first ride so I could take pics, but by the third time up, it was definitely my turn. We all stood in a row, Dog Walker by Twizlet as the ever-attentive older uncle. But I could tell he really wanted to ride and he hadn't dared for quite a few years since he had become an adult. I convinced him that an animal was much more exciting than the peacock seat he had the first time around.

He was so cute! When the music began, his grin was almost as wide as Twizlet's! For me, it was the real highlight of our trip. Dog Walker has had some difficult moments with school and moving out and it was so nice to see him act like a kid again.

We finished our stroll through the animal exhibits. The zookeepers were feeding the bears although that is not nearly as exciting as it sounds. The bears were locked up in their sleeping quarters while the keepers spread various kinds of food around on the ground. When the bears were finally released, they sniffed around like dogs, picking up a grape here or a piece of fruit there. It was interesting to notice that they all avoided the salad...

Polar bears, sea lions, otters, and the eagle and then we were on the playground, one of Baby Doll's favorite places. We only had a few minutes before it was time to head for home, but they still managed to hit the slide and all the major attractions.

Such a fun time! I guess one of these days we will have to get back to normal and do something productive... but not today.