I was surprised to find the zoo was open on New Year's Day.
In fact, it was half price admission . . .
and the weather even promised a bit of sun!
So we picked up one more set of grands
and off we were.
It was a nice day for walking the park, even though it was wet and cool.
The giraffe came out of hiding to proudly show off his long neck.
As we went along, puddles were not necessarily avoided!
And sometimes it was surprising what wonderful tour guides the older kids could be!
While the youngest sat intrigued,
Paeton told us that these (Capybara) were the largest rodents in the world!
The Siberian Tiger was fun to observe.
He moved about a fair bit, rolled on his back . . .
and posed for a photo.
A cheetah stared at us while lions relaxed in the field across the way.
A cheetah stared at us while lions relaxed in the field across the way.
Amongst a number of other birds we also saw two ostriches race.
Not sure what these are . . . I think we had one or two who would have liked a ride.
The elk were washing and cleaning their antlers
while down the path a baboon was playing hockey with a stick and rocks.
Squirrel monkeys moved about in the tree (too fast for a photo)
but also came up to the glass window when they saw a camera.
It's nothing like the Seattle Zoo we went to last summer, but it is our own little
place where we have made some memories in the past,
tucked away in that sentimental place of my heart.
With this visit those long gone "last dates"
that included the eldest in each of these families
were redeemed with the peace of knowing that goodbyes are not forever . . .
and that blessings continue to come along.
place where we have made some memories in the past,
tucked away in that sentimental place of my heart.
With this visit those long gone "last dates"
that included the eldest in each of these families
were redeemed with the peace of knowing that goodbyes are not forever . . .
and that blessings continue to come along.
10 comments:
Great frame shot of the cats face. What a fun day for the zoo. It seems like you had it all to yourselves...
The zoo is always a fun day trip for the family. I agree with Ellen....you framed that cats face perfectly.
Ohhh... I have always loved the zoo. and taking kids there is the best! I'm so glad you were able to have that special day with your grands.. and know that the German good-bye says it best .. Auf wieder sehn !!
We took the gkids there Labour Day weekend and they loved it, so did we. It's small enough for little kids to see the whole place. I was not disappointed. looks like you had fun. Angharad
Years ago a friend wrote a poem about visiting the zoo with her three year old daughter Emily. The poem versed between observations about the endangered animals and observations about what her daughter was doing: chasing a blown away napkin, staring at peacocks, licking a fudge ice cream bar.
The poem ended with the realization that while the animals were endangered, her daugher, at age three on that particular day was now extinct. Emily would never again be exactly that age and experiencing a day like she did that day.
Emily is now around 30 years old; a grown woman likely with children of her own. Indeed, her mom will never again find a three year old Emily chasing about in her life.
I think that poem changed my life a bit; I still choke up just thinking about it and all the now extinct versions of the children that I have loved over the years.
Jill, you brought tears to my eyes. So true! Makes us realize we need to cherish the moments.
Fun times. Great memories. I haven't been to that zoo in years. I think I will find an excuse to go!
Such a fun day! Great pictures...sweet memories!
Such a special time for memories to be made! Thank you Papa & Grammy!!!
What a wonderful day at the Zoo!!! You picked the perfect place to take your beautiful grandchildren. These are the memorable "cousin" days for them and such joy for you! I'm sure you are treasuring each moment.....
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