Hoofprints: The Zoo: Part 1

This past weekend we had the pleasure of going to the zoo. Actually, this is the second time that the kids and I have been there this year, but Alex has been begging to go again for quite some time. So, lucky for us, we had a chance to go for free. And of course, there's no better way to go than on another person's dime. Part of the perks of the Union that Josh is in, are the social outings that they pay for. We even got to take grandparents for free. Unfortunately, my dad (aka: Grandpa), couldn't make it. He had a some pretty bad knee pain. But Grandma got to go and the kids were thrilled! I think my mom was thrilled too. She reverts to a kid when she goes to places like this. It's awesome that she has such a youthful soul. It was a blast. The kids are a great age to enjoy all the zoo has to offer. Alex had a few animals in mind that he was set on seeing from the beginning and Abby was just happy to get to run amok through the exhibits. We even got a free lunch, courtesy of the Union. The thing with the lunch that I almost busted into song about, was the fact that Alex and Abby got to eat the same thing we did for once. I normally have to pack a lunch (which I packed anyways because I wasn't sure about the food they were serving). It's an extremely rare moment (actually more like a nonexistent moment) when we get to eat anywhere but home. Due to Alex's deadly milk allergy, I have to be adamant on checking and then rechecking food labels. We've never been to a restaurant because you can't check labels there and nearly everything served is potentially in contact with cheese or milk based products at some point in time. So when I found that the hot dogs and buns were a-ok to eat (they brought out all labels for me to check...how kind of them), we got to eat the same thing. It was fabulous! They even had chips and alex-friendly cookies to eat. I'm starting to like the Union more and more. So after a long day of walking (and chasing), lots of animals, and lots of pictures, we went home with two very tired and happy kids. I'm splitting the zoo blog up into two parts because I had so many great pictures that I couldn't resist putting up two postings full of zoo family fun! I will say one thing more. Going to the zoo with kids, makes you realize just how wonderful having a family is. I love it!

Abby was happy as a lamb to walk free among the zoo. I don't even know why I bothered with the wagon.

The reptile exhibit has always been a huge winner. This time around, Alex had a hay day trying to find all the camouflaged critters.

What's that I see? Is that me? In my experience, I've found that it is a rare moment indeed when a mother actually gets to be in the photo. Though, I must come clean...I took the picture myself, so does it really count?

I love this picture so I had to share. Though there was glass between us, you wouldn't know it. This picture turned out awesome. Not even a glare! I feel like a regular Steve Irwin. (okay...so I didn't wrestle the gator, but still...)