panda parade, newborn gorilla, and bird poop

On Friday the kids and I went to the zoo with our friend Ms. Christa and her kids.  We had a great time: the weather was nice, schools were in session so it wasn't crowded, I wasn't either a) miserably pregnant or b) caring for an itty bitty baby who wasn't in a good eating routine!  It was our best trip so far :)  Although unfortunately Ms. Alicia and her crew couldn't make it, bummer. 

There were several highlights including the panda parade.  The pandas were super active when we were there and we were able to sit right up at the glass [a nice advantage to there being almost no one there!].  One panda kept circling around and walking right up against the the glass.  Ryan loved it!  The kids had fun saying hi and waving.  Ryan's favorite animal is a panda and he always looks forward to seeing them. 

Chloe rode on the carousel for the first time [for real at least].  Last time she stayed in her car seat carrier.  She didn't like riding initially, but then I thought to turn her backwards on the seat which allowed her to face her brother and sister.  She did much better this way, although she did even better when she sat in Ryan's lap! 

Another exciting thing was running into Colleen and Kevin - our friends from UGA!  We hadn't seen them in waayyy too long.  It was fun seeing them and their little boy & girl and catching up for a couple of minutes.

We enjoyed seeing the rhino take a mudbath, and while I wouldn't say it was a highlight, I did get pooped on by a parakeet in the bird exhibit.  yuck!!

Ryan liked the pandas the best of course and our parrot Abby was quick to agree.  The train was Ryan's favorite ride and Abby liked the carousel.  The naked mole rats were also a hit, presumably because the kids entered the viewing area through a tunnel, just like mole rats live in.  Meerkats are also always fun and we saw them eating this time.

Oh!!  I almost forgot one of the super coolest parts - the baby gorilla.  Not even 24 hrs old!!  I'm honestly not sure if it was a she or he, but either way sooo cute.  Abby was glued to the glass right in front of baby and mama.  [the people that were at the zoo were all in there, lucky Abby was little enough to squeeze her way up to the best spot!]. 

Thanks Ms. Christa for getting us all in on her season's pass!!  the zoo is fun, the zoo for free is really fun :) 



the big four watching the sea otters

 

Abby checking out the newborn gorilla, so sweet!



the panda parade

riding the carousel with Big Brother
[Mommy still held her too though!]