Zoo Outing

Today Josh, Ellie and I had a great time at the zoo. It was Ellie's first trip, and while Josh and I go regularly, it was probably one of my best visits ever. The weather was in the mid-60s and because it's been so cold, it was probably one of the first days the animals had been out "sunning" in quite a while. Since there are no leaves on the trees, views were unobstructed, but most of the animals were very close and very active so we were able to get some great pictures of them.
Welcome to the zoo! Granted, we didn't take this photo until we left because I forgot when we were going in. Ellie (and all of us really) were so tired when we left that she fell asleep as soon as we left the parking lot.

The elephants were all out and the zookeepers had one moving logs around.

Notice how she (or he??) gets down on his knees to move the log?

Here is another elephant carrying a log across a field.

Josh took this one of a close-up of the "Ellie-phant".

I love this picture. Look how protective Josh appears of Ellie.

Ellie enjoyed snacks all the way through the zoo.

I like this one too. It will probably get framed and put up in the house.

Josh, Ellie and the "Ellie-Phants"

Ellie LOVED sitting on the fence.

The giraffes were really close up today too. Josh took this photo.

Meerkats -- on patrol.

Meerkat - on patrol and looking at Ellie.

Josh took Ellie up into the observation tube to see the meerkats. Here they are waving at me!

What a handsome young man (and a great helper today too!!!)
Reaching out and touching a goat . . .

Josh with the goat the continued to try to butt him.

Ellie is happy -- clap, clap, clap!

Ellie walking around in the petting zoo.

Ellie actually getting up close and personal with a goat.

Monkey - scratching his armpits.

Swinging monkeys

One of my favorite photos of the day was of the lynx cats. They were very close and very active today -- even crying out a few times.

What a cutie!!

Ellie wasn't too interested, overall, in the animals, but she did watch the monkeys and the meerkats. I can't wait to watch her as she gets older and get to experience her excitement at seeing the animals.

Josh was such a great helper today. He's growing into such a kind young man. He reminds me so much of his dad -- wanting to help. He is an excellent brother too!!