Zoo Tracks

 Today we visited the Zoo with the Nowell family.  It was a beautiful day, especially for April.  We had to slather on the sun screen as it was over 80 degrees (almost unheard of at this time of year for us!) When I heard that we were going to have such good weather, I sent out an e-mail to all Emma's friends parents suggesting the Zoo.  The Nowells were the only takers, but several other play groups had the same idea, and the Zoo had a busy day.

 I had promised Emma that the next time we went to the zoo, we would take a MAX Train.  So, for the first time in over 4 years, I road MAX.  The trip in was easy, and Emma asked me at each stop if we were there yet.  The ride home we had some troubles (Red line and broken breaks caused us to get off twice and wait for the next blue line.) But Emma loved her train adventure.  As for Mommy, I really like to drive :)

 When we got there, I asked Danielle what her girls wanted to see, and the answers were Tigers, Monkeys and Elephants.  We started with the Leopards and Tigers.  The girls got to see the leopard, but the tiger was sleeping in the bushes and they had a hard time finding him.  The Monkeys were out in abundance, and this guy give us some good poses.  The Elephants were also out.  We got to watch one lay down in the dirt, which I don't think I had ever seen before.  That is a lot of body to lay down and get back up!

 We enjoyed lunch on the field by the stage, and let the kids run around some.  Emma could hear her drums, and tried to take off to visit them on her own when Mom wasn't coming.  After correcting that behavior, we finished our lunch and continued on.  Eventually we found the drums, and Emma and Jessica loved them.  Stephanie didn't care for the loud noises, but got in some licks on the cow bells.

 We moved onto the lions, but he statue's were too hot to climb, and the cats had all found shady spots to lay down and nap.  Emma couldn't find the lion, but I think the twins did eventually.  We continued on, and Emma got mad at me for not going where she wanted to go.  We headed for the hippo's, and Emma threw a tantrum.  I ended up strapping her into her stroller and ignoring her all through Africa until we got to the new Porcupine exhibit, where we cuddled.  She was so tired by now, and it was well into her nap time.

By the time we got back to the top, all three girls were in a daze and ready to sleep.  Emma lasted until we got home, then took a good nap.  Lots of fun and sun for this beautiful Spring day.