Zoo Day

The kids and I took a little road trip on Monday. We traveled about two hours to meet my college friend Emily and her kids at the zoo near them. We haven't been to that zoo in 4 years, so it was fun to go again! They have a membership so Emily really knows her way around. It is a busy zoo, but we were able to navigate well with our guide. ;) As well as you can with five kids and two adults anyway.

We started in the building with the ocean animals. They have a tank where you can pet the sharks. Our son is really in to sharks right now, but he will not pet any animals! (Except Grandpa and Grandma in Wisconsin's mini dachshund). I thought our 4 year old might, especially if Emily's kids did, but she didn't want to either.

They watched them swimming in the tank for quite a while though, and our son got his souvenir penny in this building. He's been collecting pennies each time we go to a zoo since our trip to the zoo last summer with my friend Adrienne and her son. :)

The two boys watching the penguins. It was entertaining to watch them swim up close. 

After the first building, the kids were asking for snacks so we decided it was a good time to eat our lunch. Emily knew a great spot to go eat our picnic lunch. For a while we were the only ones there and it was such a pretty view! Her son was playing in this tree and posed so nicely when I asked him if I could take his picture. He's well trained Em! ;)

And then look who decided to smile nicely for a picture for me! ;) 

Emily is a great photographer and sent me this picture she snapped of our 4 year old. I love it! 

She also sent me this picture of all 5 kids. Her daughter just loves our 2 year old, even though she calls her "the baby that hits". It's true, she does hit. I think she is usually playing and it is her way of showing affection, although it certainly isn't the best way to do that!

It seems one of my children is always making a crazy face. This perfectly captures our 4 year old's personality though! ;) 

After lunch we watched a dog show and then a dolphin show. I think the kids really enjoyed both. I was happy we were able to see the dolphin show! Emily's kids wanted to feed the birds, but mine didn't want to go in the bird area so we watched from outside and looked at the flamingos.

Our 4 year old was so cooperative letting me take her picture today! 

Our 2 year old was getting sleepy while we watched the birds. 

The best picture I could get through the fence 

Love the flamingos and the girl standing in front of them! 

These chairs were bright and fun :) 

Five hours at the zoo wore this girl out! We had a great day with Emily and her kids. I'm so glad we were able to get together again before school starts! And I'm happy to say that now I know I can handle at least a little road trip with the kids on my own.