Fall Zoo Fun

We had a wonderful day of family fun at the zoo today. After a few rough days with Mitchell (who still can't decide if he needs/wants to nap or not) a fun family outing was just what we needed. Both boys had such fun, and we were melt-down free! I'm not sure how many times we'll be able to claim that with a toddler in the mix. Oh, and the weather cooperated too.

Today's trip came with some extra perks in the form of customer appreciation from our financial advisor. We got lunch coupons and a Safari pass, which got us free entrance to the children's zoo, a train ride and some other perks we don't usually take advantage of.

After our ride on the train, we headed to the Penguin and Puffin Coast- a must see for Mitchell. I was trying to get him to go see the elephants (there's a new baby elephant!) but we saw elephants on the train, so it was off to see the penguins. While chilly and a little stinky, Mitchell loved hearing about the different species while we were in there. He has such a love for facts about animals and how things work. His favorite books are non-fiction ones.

After some lunch, Allen got his second wind, so we let him out of the stroller and headed to the Children's Zoo. This was not before he showed off his dance moves outside the cafe where a band was playing. Zoo-goers got quite a kick out of him! Even though the boys were very tired, they enjoyed the Children's Zoo. I had to laugh as both just stopped to stare at this rooster.

There were frogs to crawl on (Allen couldn't get enough of these).

  

 And, just before we hiked back to the car, we went to visit the goats. Mitchell apprarently wanted to be a goat and climbed up the rock wall to go see this little baby goat. Allen, just pointed to the goats, but did play a nice game of peek a boo with the one pictured below. I'm not sure the goat knew he was playing, but that didn't stop Allen from having a great time! 

  

And while I would normally be anti-binky while out and about, in this area, I didn't want him putting anything in his mouth! As I was telling Mitchell to watch out for the pooping goat, Allen stubbed his toes and fell into a pile of goat poop pellets. EW! I was sure glad he had his binky so he wounldn't put his hands in his mouth (and that there was a handwashing station just outside!)