Zoo Day

To cap off a wonderful summer, I took the kids to Southwick's Zoo the week before I had to go back to work.  Connor loves the zoo, and Southwick's is great because it's so shaded.  Connor makes no secret of the fact that he hates the sun ("boys hate the sun and like the shade" he'll say), so this zoo is perfect for him.  Plus, it's a great activity we can do together where the focus isn't always on his little sister.  He has been such a good big brother, but I'm sure he still feels like she gets the lion's share of attention (pun intended), so this was a great way to spend some quality time together.  Even though Maeve was with us, she was happy as a clam in her stroller, so Mommy could look at all the animals with Connor.

One of my favorite parts of this zoo is the enclosed petting zoo and deer forest.  The deer are roaming free around an enclosed forest area, and they come right up to you and eat food out of your hand.  At first, Connor was a little nervous about feeding them, but he did!  He would run away afterward, apparently to avoid being on video, but I managed to get him anyway!  There was one deer there who was shedding his velvet.  I have to say, it was pretty disgusting, but cool to see at the same time.

Maeve was perfectly behaved the entire day - it was a great first trip to the zoo for her!  She loves to be outside anyway, so an entire day being spent outside is fine by her!  I was really impressed at how good she was since, as you know, she's a bit of a diva.  I guess she saved her diva-tude for another day!  It was a great way to spend a beautiful summer day with two of the best kids around!

Safari Sue ready to go!

Pure Happiness!                                                   

Pointing to elk!

Hey Goat... Say hi to your Mother for me!

Holding my own bottle while big brother was on the playground!

This monkey was scratching the other monkey's belly.  It was hysterical!

                                         Feeding the deer...and then running away.

More deer to feed!