Zoo

While Adam and I were on Fall Break last week, we decided to take Adalyn to the Zoo on Friday. She had never been before and now that I'm thinking about it, I don't believe I have been either? Maybe as a young child, but I can't really remember. We left Landon at home with Lynn. We just wanted a day with Adalyn since we haven't done that in a while. And I'm actually kind of glad we just took her. Landon is at the age where he wants to walk and not really ride in a stroller for long periods of time. Adalyn is really at the best age since she can walk beside us and listen fairly well. She got way more out of it than Landon would at his age so we were thinking come Spring time, we would probably take both kids since he will be a bit older. There were a lot of people there with lots of crying babies. Just another reminder as to why we wanted to wait on bringing him! It was very enjoyable being with our almost 3 year old for the day. We made a few stops in Murfreesboro first then we were at the Zoo by 10:30. Adalyn was so excited and as soon as we entered the park, we saw Monkeys swinging from trees.

Prior to going to the Zoo, we were talking to Adalyn about the different animals we may see. We mentioned a Hippopotamus, so as soon as we got there, that's all she could ask for. Well, we didn't see one but she asked over and over about one. I think she just liked the way Hippopotamus sounded as she attempted to say it. It was quite comical. After the monkeys, we saw a few more animals which of course I can't remember what any of them were called. Some were cute, some were desperately ugly.

I took a ton of pictures of course, (are you surprised?)so these are just a few. We stopped and bought some popcorn then headed to see the Zebra's which were really cool.

You can't see them well in these pictures since they were on the back side of the field, but Adalyn and I took a train ride and we were able to see them up-close!

After the train ride, we continued on our walk looking at different animals. Adalyn wasn't very impressed with some until we came upon a "petting zoo". This petting zoo was full of goats. Right up this kids alley. She wasn't scared at all. They were walking freely around in their area and she walked right up to them and started petting them. Some mothers were freaking out about their child touching them. Oh please people. Get over it.

In the first picture, the goat was actually asleep believe it or not. Adalyn walked from goat to goat petting them and talking to them. She didn't want to leave the Petting Zoo but told her we were going to find Elephants so she perked right up. On our way to see the Elephants, we rode the carousel. She was so excited she just ran to an animal, then asked, "Momma, what did I pick?" It was a sea otter. Not the cutest thing, but she didn't care. She had a blast.

Next came the Elephants. I was in awe as we stood and watched them.

And this is what an Elephant sounds like...

Can't you hear her elephant sounds? After the elephants, we saw Giraffes. Adalyn informed us that their was a Daddy, Momma, and Baby Giraffe. They were beautiful animals.

After that, we went a played on the biggest playground I think I have ever seen. It was awesome.

She found a Hippo!

We played, and played, and played. Adam left us to go get our cooler out of the car for lunch. When he got back, we ate at a picnic table and gobbled all of our food. We were all starving. After lunch, we went back to the playground to play some more before we left. I knew all that running and climbing would wear Adalyn out. I was right. She whined (and whined) because she didn't want to leave and within 5 minutes of being in the car, she was passed out. On our way home, Adam basically begged to stop at Toot's to get some fried pickles. I love pickles. Adam hates them. But for whatever reason, he will eat fried pickle chips...not spears. So I called and ordered some and we went by and picked them up and stuffed our face on the way home. He acts like a little kid when it comes to Toots. I hear him talk about those pickles all the time. By the time we got home, it was around 3:45. Landon was excited to see us! Adam and I could have crashed on the couch but two little kids won't allow you to do that. :) So we played, ate dinner, baths, then bed!