Saturday, July 11, 2009

zoo adventure

Eva has been talking about going to the zoo for a long time, so when Marc's parents invited us to go on Friday, I had to say yes! (I think the last time I went was when Lucas was about 2.)

I wanted to go early so we could beat the heat. It was a good plan, as it was very pleasant when we got there. By the time we left, however... let's just say that Friday was a very hot day!

I'm sad this picture didn't turn out better. I loved the giraffes. I had forgotten just how tall they are! (about 17 feet)

I took this picture for you, Jill!

The kids measured their "wingspans" against an orangutan's. Max came close...

We all loved the bird show. It's amazing what they can train birds to do! It was like a comedy act going on behind, with different birds walking behind the presenter. One of the birds even flew out to the audience to collect donations and then put them into the donation box.

bird show grand finale

Eva really wanted to go on the carousel next, and Grandma obliged. When she actually got on, though, she was too nervous to ride on an animal. After she got off, she was feeling braver, so they did it again (she rode an anteater!).

We stopped to get a snack and cool off. The kids had dipping dots, but I had this raspberry lemonade smoothie and a pretzel.

Look at that evil grin!

It cracked me up what a draw this rhino statue was. The kids climbed on it for at least 15 minutes! (Kristen striking a pose.)

I loved the zebras. Later, when I asked Eva what her favorite animal from the zoo was, she said the warthog! What the?

Lucas periodically filled up his hat at the drinking fountains and then dumped the water on his head. By the end of the day, the kids were pouring water all over themselves.

We left the zoo around 1:30 and went back to Bob & Mim's condo for lunch and swimming. The thermostat by the pool said it was nearly 100 degrees. I asked the kids if they thought it felt that hot, and they all shouted YES!

Eva and I came home at 6:30 and she was so tired, she wanted to go right to bed. I was too tired to do anything but lie on the couch and watch a movie, but Max and Lucas stayed for a concert and a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa.

Bob & Mim brought the boys home today around 4:00 -- they went on a tour of the Conference Center, walked around Temple Square, saw the movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and ate at Sweet Tomatoes. And they're going to another concert tonight! I don't know how they do it, but as Jill says -- maybe we should start taking Centrum Silver!

12 comments:

Rebekah said...

I think Hogle Zoo is one of the hottest places in all of Utah. When it's hot there, it's h-o-t! And so dusty too. And it can be so smelly in some of the animal houses. Even angels fear to tread in the reptile house in the blazing summer heat. I actually had to run out of there on one occasion after my gag reflex kicked in.

Aren't those giraffes so cool? What a completely unique animal. Did you walk underneath the tiger enclosure? I love hearing him growl.

The first time I tried Dippin' Dots I was just in awe. It was a revolutionary moment, for sure. Such a fun fair/carnival food.

Amy said...

I'm so glad your' zoo trip wasn't terrible! I hate the zoo! Last time "we" went to the zoo Jeremy took the kids and I stayed home to clean my bathrooms--that's how much I hate the zoo. Especially Hogle Zoo. Maybe I should try again now that my kids are older, though. I find that I generally like all places better now that they're old enough to enjoy themselves and not make everyone around them miserable. ;)

Natasha said...

Griffin's class had a fieldtrip to the zoo this year and Kim and I had to chaperone as room moms. We were DREADING it but it was actually the best fieldtrip of the year to us! Maybe when we have low expectations it's easier to be pleasantly surprised.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

I get the best grandparenting ideas from your blog, Michelle. Between Marc's parents and your parents, well . . . I just think your kids are so lucky.

Do tell. Why was the elephant backside for Jill?

Unknown said...

the Centrum Silver comment is KILLIN' me!! so true :)

Jill said...

I really don't know how Bob and Mim do it! They have endless energy and the best attitude.

I only like the zoo in cooler weather, so this would have been a rough outing for me.

What is up with the pool water being 100 degrees? Good grief, that's not refreshing!

It must have been wonderful to come home from such a busy day to have Eva ready to go to bed and the house to yourself!

Thanks for the elephant butt picture, that's too funny.

Liz said...

Oh I am laughong about that Centrum Silver comment. Hilarious!

Love your 4th pictures!

Marie said...

We are a zoo family. We go maybe 6 times a year or so. But I have to say, you got some amazing animal pictures. I just can't photograph the animals.

I hear they make a fruity flavoured Centrum Silver. Yum.

Miranda said...

Hey! We just went to the zoo too! I'm going to blog about it as soon as I get done typing this. My pics are not as good as yours and now I'm lusting after a nicer zoom lens. Yay giraffes!

Denise said...

Sign me up for the Centrum Silver Plan!

Michelle said...

Why didn't I inherit the energizer bunny gene? I could really use it and it only kicks in occasionally for me. I'm not sure why the elephant is for Jill - but anytime I have been to the zoo I end up with that shot!

Amie said...

You guys even make the zoo look good. I'm not sad I haven't had to go in awhile.

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