Daddy's first Zoo Trip

A few weeks ago my in-laws invited us to spend the morning with them at the zoo. The investment group they use had invited them and their families to enjoy the zoo and lunch...and since we love the zoo, we were in. I realized as we were driving out of our neighborhood that this was Arch's first trip to the zoo with the kids...how has that happened? Although we don't get to enjoy the zoo as much as others I know, we go way more than I ever remember going as a child and I could barely believe Arch had never experienced the zoo with us. I've learned during the last 3 years with Ruth Ann that you have to mix things up when taking kids to the zoo. We have a fantastic zoo that has great animals and lots of attractions like horse back riding, feeding animals, merry go rounds, etc. And thanks to my mom's grandparent pass we get to enjoy it all at no additional cost. Arch was over heard saying he wanted to see more animals and make less stops for attractions, but unlike Arch, this wasn't my first rodeo at the zoo and I know exactly how to get the best behavior out of our 3 year old for the longest period of time...so we continued to do things my way...a few animals, then a break for a snack, a few animals, then an attraction break, a few animals, lunch...then it was time to head home. Here are a some pictures from our day at the zoo...



My mother-in-law did have a good time...despite her expression. I grew up with a Granny who never smiled for pictures either so it doesn't offend me at all that my mother-in-law does the same.



Ruth Ann watched these baboons for a few minutes and then announced they needed hinney cream...hinney rash is taken very seriously by this little girl...



Here's Tripp where he is happiest...being held by Grand-daddy...



But he also thought it was pretty fun to ride on Daddy's shoulders too...



Then we had lunch and a magic show... Ruth Ann was a little hesitant to volunteer, but once she did she really enjoyed it...



And in my opinion, she got picked for the best trick because it involved a candy bar...



Tripp-man got a little jealous just having to watch...



But he was also exhausted and we headed out shortly after the magic show ended. All in all it was a really fun morning. I hope Arch had a good time and will be joining us on our zoo adventures more in the future!