we’re goin’ to the zoo

Two days after Christmas, Sarah, Oscar, the boys and I decided to make a trip to the MN Zoo. I think I was around 7 the last time I was there. I really didn’t remember much of it. It was a cold day, so we saw mostly the indoor exhibits/animals.

The snow monkeys were a highlight. Eli especially liked the baby monkeys riding on their mommies’/daddies’ backs.

Eli taking a snack break on a turtle’s back.

More monkeys…

Some pink flamingos.

Eli found a friend who liked his tattoo.

Eli played in water…

and with his aunt and uncle…

We found a neat place to take a rest.

Eli got inside a shark's mouth.

This is where the trip got a little interesting…the look on Eli’s face may tell you something isn’t right…

We decided to ride the monorail for a chance to see the outdoor animals without having to brave the cold day. We bought our tickets and had about 30 seconds to decide which car to ride and board. We all jumped into the least crowded car, and I immediately smelled a dirty diaper. Unfortunately(for them), a few more people quickly joined us in our car just as the doors were closing. I determined that not just Eli, but Silas also had smelly pants. Thankfully, his wasn’t too bad, and he was in the sling so it was kind of contained. Eli, on the other hand, proceeded to jump around the car….sitting, standing, running, and flopping around the car. I was embarrassed, but at this point there wasn’t much to be done but wait until we were back and could get off. We did see some cool animals on the ride, but they were quite a ways off in the distance.

The bison weren’t moving much.

The camels didn’t look cold.

It was a fun day, and of course Eli didn’t want to leave. Silas spent the day people watching and napping. Eli has been talking about the zoo since, so I guess we’ll have to make another trip with Dad in the summer. Thanks for coming with us, Sarah and Oscar…..I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.