Getting In the Zoo:

Dalila, Lily, and Lindsey got a bit of a late start out of the school but soon we met Sheriece who was already behind the gates with Pearson and Addison, waiting. When the two of them saw us they came running, Addison's arms outstretched, screaming “Dalila!” and gave us both big hugs. Dalila got us a stroller, we got situated, said goodbye to Dalila and Sheriece, and we were on our merry way!

Up To the Butterfly's:

The first place we stopped was just inside the gates- night creatures! Because it was dark in there Addison was a bit nervous about entering, and preferred to remain in the stroller except to look at something specific. We saw a huge aardvark, a big wombat, bats, green tree boas, a massive nest of thousands of huge cockroaches, porcupines the size of a bear cub, bush baby's, and a hairy armadillo! After we left we headed towards the butterfly's. We came to a waterfowl pond with flamingos in it. Pearson was very interested and wanted us to stay for a while as he looked at them. We talked about how they are pink because of the food they eat. When we rounded the corner and saw some white swans so Pearson asked if they were white because of their food, too. Then we entered the butterfly exhibit where we saw many different chrysalises of varying colors and shapes. There were blooming butterfly bushes of all colors, and butterfly's just everywhere. One landed on Pearson's finger, and he also found a wing on the ground. We talked about the powder on their wings and saw how it came off on Pearson's fingers (the reason we don't handle living butterfly's). 







After the Butterfly's:

We went up behind the butterfly exhibit where we saw an adolescent crocodile basking in the sun. In the little pool there was a turtle that had long algae growing all over his shell. We came up into the safari animals afterwards, where we saw several hoofed animals including Zebras and Giraffes. Then we came up and saw the Elephants which Pearson was very interested in. Once we were through with that area we found a carousel where we had a snack and took a ride! Addison was on a cheetah, Lily was on a giraffe, and Pearson was on a frog. Then we headed down to check out the polar bears- which is always so much fun. In the air conditioned room in between the sea lion pool and polar bear pool the kids ran back and forth climbing on all of the benches. Then we headed in a nearby area where we got to see a Sea Lion show! They learned some facts about them, watched them do tricks, and almost got splashed as we were walking out!





Just Before Leaving:

As we started heading back we noticed the Rhino's and Monkeys (which Addison had no interest in!). We took a detour to spy at the Giant Pandas before heading towards the gate. We sat for a while and watched them much on bamboo and noticed how he stripped off all of the skin off of the bamboo, and then ate the inside part like a carrot. Just then Dalila called us so we went out to meet her. She found us quickly and Addison ran up with open arms to greet her. We sat together for a while at the playground having snacks and Pearson climbed all over the place with some quick friends that he made. Just before we left we stopped by the gift shop where Pearson got a little rubber spider. Finally Sheriece arrived and we packed up and headed back to school.



Rest Time/ Focused Work:
 
We got back a bit later than planned, so we had a late lunch. Our little ones were very ready for a good nap- Lily even fell asleep in the car ride back though it was very short. Pearson came out of the quiet room after a quick rest- to our surprise. He and Lindsey went outside to play- bringing his new toy spider with him. He let the spider sleep in the playhouse, and we made a tunnel for him in the sandbox which was his home. When he got dirty in the sand we took him to the hose to give him a shower. When Pearson was washing off his spider he said, “Awesome. This day was awesome.” We played outside until our mothers arrived.