The Other Half

The first time we hit the National Zoo, we were without a stroller. After walking to and from the metro and around the zoo, Benton was worn out. This fatigue was compounded by unhappy, hungry and grumpy siblings. Armed with a stroller and fresh attitudes, we decided to visit the zoo again and see what we missed.

This visit we took the Asia Trail immediately. We glimpsed the pandas last time, but missed many of the other animals. This time even the pandas were active giving us quite a show. The kiddos were thrilled to see it moving about its enclosure. Exploring the zoo this direction ensured we would walk over a bridge near the elephants enabling us to view them from above. Many questions were asked about their habitat and how their movements were managed by large gates.

With a lot of running, skipping and yelling, we crossed the bridge and ventured into the land of birds. So many birds were on display at the Bird House. We saw a variety of owls, parrots, peafowl and flamingos. All the colors were so vibrant. One peacock even opened his tail feathers for us squawking at a competing male all the while.

Since Aine was eager to see the great cats, and Eamon wanted to check out Amazonia, we then headed to the rear of the zoo. The cats were reclining, which made them a bit harder to see. The kiddos were not bothered and enjoyed a display nearby illustrating the decline of tigers due to encroaching civilization and competition for resources. 

The farm was on the way to the Amazonia exhibit. Lllamas, pigs, donkeys, cattle, and goats were on display. Aine was disappointed that it wasn't a petting zoo. She really loves to be near the animals. We chatted a bit with the zookeepers and watched them feed the donkeys. The funniest event was watching them vacuum the goats' enclosure. When asked, the zookeeper replied he was vacuuming the poop. This caused quite a stir with my bunch.

Amazonia was a disappointment as Eamon was sure it would have hissing cockroaches once he entered the exhibit and heard the buzz of insects (I think it was actual audiotape, not live). He refused to go any further and wanter to stay outside. After a bit of negotiating he did go as far as the sting rays, but was pretty freaked out by the idea of the bugs. Aine, Benton and I decided to visit another day by ourselves in an effort to respect Eamon's uncertainty.

On the way out, we discover the prairie dog play area. This was great fun as Aine pretended to be a prairie dog that was being pursued by two brotherly predators. So much laughter could be heard as they played this game. Every now and then the prey and predator roles would switch and more shuffling, running, leaping and hiding would ensue. On this note, we decided to end the day and return home. I am pleased that we were able to see the rest of the zoo and enjoy such a gorgeous day together (even if it was a bit warm at the end)

Turning it Around

To celebrate his birthday, Eamon wanted to go to the aquarium. Dave mentioned wanting to go as well, so we decided to save that trip for the weekend. Instead of the aquarium on his actual birthday, he settled on a trip to the zoo. He especially wanted to check out the invertebrates.

After a very early wake up for him, we waited for the other kiddos to awaken. Once up, breakfasted and dressed, we took off for the metro. Eamon did not eat any breakfast and decided mid-morning that he didn't want to go to the zoo. We talked about checking it out and leaving if it was horrible. Nope. He wanted to eat out and stay home. Since we had already decided on our adventure we forged ahead.

Eamon was grumpy. He was curt with his grandparents when they each called to wish him a happy birthday. I offered food from my bag, but he didn't want any. A dark cloud had settled over his person, and he didn't want to shake it.

The day was not proceeding as planned. After making a bathroom break, we regrouped. I asked what was really the problem, and he explained that he wanted to go out for breakfast. He was hungry. His head also hurt, since while I was in the bathroom he fell off the railing. I again offered what food we had. He begrudgingly took half a sandwich. I gave him a big hug and held him.

Only you can turn this day around. Are you wanting to do that? Or should we go home?

With a sigh and a sniffle, he stood up and said he wanted to go a bit further, so Aine could see the pandas.  We saw a popcorn vendor. Scrounging in the bottom of my bag, I found some money, and we bought a bucket (D.C. note to self - carry cash). 

Walking through the Asian Trail the day turned around. With popcorn in his belly, Eamon became a totally new person. Aine spotted the Giant Panda rolling in the back of the enclosure. We stood and watched it for a bit, jumping between rocks and finishing the popcorn. Eamon started laughing and joking again. 

As we left the trail, I asked if he was ready to go home. Nope. This is the best time. Alright then. 

We meandered through the next few exhibits and animal houses. Benton played in the misters. I was amazed at how many people hollered at their children to get out of the water. It was only misting water. It dries. The kids were having so much fun - laughing and giggling. Benton was oblivious to it all as he focused on catching water in his bucket.

We grabbed a bit more to eat and were able to view the octopus during feeding time. We sat amid a room of butterflies and marveled at the anatomy of an Elephant Shrew. The rest of the zoo was saved for a later day since little legs were tired and mama's shoulders could not carry him further.

A quick ride home on the metro found Dave waiting for us. Eamon wanted Noodle and Co for dinner. His main driving factor was the super cool soda machine. It has a bazillion choices on a touch screen. He really wanted to check it out, and it WAS his birthday. A stop at the candy store on the walk back was followed by cake at home. Return calls were made to family that called during the black cloud crisis. 

Much better spirits as the day ended. A tumultuous start ended quite well. Welcome nine! I know it will be great.

Zoo Season

With our temperatures dropping, our outdoors activities are soaring. We suffer from hibernation mode during the summer. By the time fall arrives we are itching to get back outdoors. Recently our homeschool group visited the zoo. 

The kiddos were eager to run around the treehouse and explore the small creek that runs under it. As they played, excavators worked on the surrounding area. It seems our zoo is continually trying to improve and upgrade the environment. A new orangutan exhibit just opened in the past few months and the kiddos were excited to check it out again with their friends. We stopped for a few snacks while watching a video about the apes and reading the signs. The new enclosure is such an improvement over the previous cement exhibit. The four apes have a bigger area as well as several interior rooms. They even have grass now! 

Benton and Eamon were surprised when the baby orangutan swung down to the inside viewing window to watch them eat carrots. Baby Kasih just watched them eat and appeared to want to nibble the offered food despite the glass separating her from Benton. It was heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time.

More monkeys were the plan as we then visited monkey village and the squirrel monkeys. Everyone enjoyed watching the small run along the ropes and explore.

This was the end of most of our animal viewing. The children started stroller and wagon rides along the walkway outside the exhibit. They hooked together a couple wagons to form and train and enjoyed themselves immensely. They also played at the adjacent rock cave.

With tired bodies and short fuses, we decided to take a trip on the train since one of the moms had a free pass for the group. It was just what we needed to refuel. The same mom offered carousel rides as the grand finale. All three kiddos climbed onto the carousel animals. Aine stuck close to the other mom and her young son, while I stayed near the boys. We even attempted a photo in the carousel mirror. It didn't work so well.

After our carousel rides, we were sad to find out the zoo was closed. Heading out to the car, I discovered the new exit requires that you walk through the gift shop. This did not please me, but we all did well. Eamon even told those in the group that it is marketing by the zoo to get you to buy more stuff. It was truly a wonderful day with friends, and I think we all had a pretty good time!

Thank you Aunt Cathy and Uncle Steve!

Today was a beautiful day after much rain here in the valley. We decided we needed some time outside, so we headed to the Phoenix Zoo. We love the zoo and are thankful to Aunt Cathy and Uncle Steve for the membership renewal they gave the kiddos for Christmas.

We took a different path today starting with the Arizona Trail. Everyone including Benton was enthralled with the reptiles and amphibians on display. From there we went to check if a new mountain lion has made it to the zoo. Unfortunately one has not been procured to replace the lion who died much to our chagrin.

Then we chatted with workers using an excavator to dig a trench before heading to Harmony Farm. All three kiddos enjoyed petting and grooming the goats. Benton especially liked the hands on experience of milking the cow. At one point he tried to take the "milk"(water) directly from the source!

From there we saw the wallabys, birds, elephants and many other animals. It was a wonderful day, although Eamon was displeased with the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that we viewed toward the end of our visit. We pledged to return again in a week or two as Aine feels we do not go often enough.

Leaves

Today we hung out at the zoo enjoying some unseasonably cool weather. The kids spent much time creating boats out of leaves and floating them down a lazy river.