Summer at the Zoo

The weather today was beautiful. So we decided to go to the zoo since we haven’t been in quite a while. The parking lot was crowded but we managed to get a parking space in the garage. We wandered around stopping to see the animals who were out in the sun. We got a good look at the kangaroos, Dall Sheep and found the cheetah hiding in the grass.

We were both thrilled to see the barbecue place we both like was open. So we stopped there for lunch. We both enjoyed the food before going through the rest of the zoo. We looked at all the primates. Marina, of course, wanted to see the tigers. We caught the seals swimming around and then looked at giraffes wandering through their habitat.

Marina was disappointed that the feline house was closed for renovations. But we talked about the renovations over the years that were shown on the signs. After walking through the whole zoo, we went back to the car and spent the rest of the day at home.

All About Animals

Since Marina had today off from school, I decided to take the day off. Marina slept late this morning which made her happy since the cats have been waking her up early lately.

After she was up for a little while, we got dressed to go out. We had planned to go to the museum to see their new exhibit, but since the weather was so beautiful, we decided to start at the Zoo.

The Zoo was crowded but we didn’t have any trouble finding a place to park. We walked a bit around the zoo looking at the cheetahs, mountain goats and rhinos before stopping for lunch. We ate at the Asian inspired restaurant near the elephants, the went on to the rest of the Zoo. Marina insisted we see the tigers and we also caught the sea lions swimming around a bit.

After our walk through the Zoo, we went to our original destination, the museum. We immediately went to the new temporary exhibit, Creatures of Light. Marina was a bit nervous going in because it was dark. It turned out to be a really cool exhibit. We were met by a giant firefly. We also saw other glowing insects and sea life. Marina enjoyed a floor display that simulated glowing bacteria in the water. She loved how the lights followed her as she walked through.

After we finished going through the exhibit Marina was ready to go home. It had been a fun day learning about animals.

Jurassic Zoo

Today was beautiful and not too hot, so we decided to go to the zoo. Marina wore her Jurassic Park t-shirt. Currently they have an exhibit called “Dinosaurs Alive” that we wanted to see.

We wanted to have lunch when we first arrived. So we chose to eat at the Asian inspired restaurant. We both ordered teriyaki noodle bowls. As we sat to eat, a mother pea hen and her chicks came over the tables. Marina loved watching them.

We had seen several of the dinosaurs on our way to the restaurant. I downloaded the zoo app on my phone which included a map of all the dinosaurs. Marina was very pleased to use it to find them.

 

As we went through the zoo, we saw all the “cats” which are usually Marina’s favorites. We also watched Dobby, the baby giraffe for a while. We also made it a priority to see all the dinosaurs. They were fun to watch! The one that impressed us the most was the T-Rex – it was huge! Marina froze in front of it, just as they instructed in the Jurassic Park movies.

We stopped for ice cream and then decided to ride the carousel. Marina started on a tiger but changed to a black panther because it reminded her of Jasmine. After our ride, we decided to go home. It was a hot day and we’d seen all the dinosaurs.

Spring at the Zoo

Marina is on spring break this week. She didn’t sleep in this morning, which was a bit of a surprise. The weather was supposed to be nice today, so I suggested we go to the zoo. They have a new exhibit for tigers which I thought would be fun to check out.

We went early and I was surprised there were no crowds. Marina was mostly interested in checking out the big cats – she wore her cat ears, paw gloves and a leopard print shirt.

When we got to the zoo we saw that many animal babies were visible. Marina was excited to see them. The first one we spotted was the baby zebra. He was eating with his parents, Marina thought he was adorable. A large crowd was watching the giraffe exhibit where the baby was out with his mother. He was so cute among the tall adult giraffes.

The weather was perfect and the animals seemed to be enjoying it as much as we were. We saw a polar bear going for a swim. A bat-eared fox walked right over to the glass so Marina could take a photo.

When we made it to new exhibit, we saw that the tigers are able to sit in a walkway above the crowds. One was perched up there watching us as we walked in.

We went through the Asian animal exhibit and saw the elephants hanging out, the sea otters playing and the cranes preening for attention.

We stopped for an Asian-inspired lunch and then went through the rest of the zoo. We rode the carousel and Marina chose a black panther to ride on. She was disappointed that the cheetahs weren’t in their exhibit.

As we left we saw a huge number of people going into the zoo. We were glad we decided to go early!

Zoo Trick or Treat

Ever since Marina was a baby, we have gone to the zoo for their Halloween celebration. We decided to go today. The weather was perfect to be outside.

Marina wore her Yandere Chen costume and I dressed as Daenerys Targaryen. We didn't get started as early as I had hoped, but when we arrived at the zoo we found a parking spot easily. We quickly got into the zoo and Marina started her quest for candy.


We walked from booth to booth collecting candy and other offers. Marina played a few games and tried out some activities along the way. We actually got through the whole zoo very quickly.

After walking through the zoo, Marina wanted to see the "kitties." so we went back and went through the feline house. A tiger was fast asleep right next to the glass. Marina insisted she wanted to hug it.

We found the Pirate cove and decided to wait in line to meet Captain Jack Sparrow and Zarina, the Pirate Fairy. Marina greeted Captain Jack with a hug. Then we made our way to the Fairy Garden, where we were happy to find Tinkerbell, Rosetta and Silvermist. After chatting with them for a few minutes, we explored the rest of the garden.

Marina wanted to visit the bird exhibit. So we took a walk through it. Once we finished that, we decided to head out. The zoo was getting much more crowded and we were tired from all the walking we had done today.

Frozen Festival

As we planned our trip to the Renaissance Festival this year, we tried to schedule a time when Michelle could join us. This weekend was the only time we could do that. Our friend Justine was also able to come, so we had a larger group than usual.

Marina and I decided to dress in our Frozen costumes. She wore the Anna coronation dress and I was Elsa. Justine borrowed a Cinderella costume, but Michelle did not want to dress up, she did wear a tiara all day though.

We didn’t leave as early as we had planned and traffic was crazy getting to the festival. But when we finally made it we were all glad to be there. As we entered, Marina and I were serenaded by “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” We both laughed.

Once inside, the girls all took a run through the maze. We were surprised to see the first joust was taking place. We thought we had missed it. So Marina, Justine and I found seats to watch while Michelle had her hair braided.

After the joust, we wandered the festival and did some shopping. As always, Marina wanted her photo by the wishing well. We also came across Prince Charming. He hasn’t done his act at the festival for a few years now, but Marina was pleased to see him.

We sat down to watch the Endangered Cats show. Marina loved the black panther, who she thought looked like Jasmine. We also enjoyed the antics of the white tiger.

Marina wanted to get her face painted, so we found our favorite artist. Marina chose a star design in red and purple. She was clearly happy with the result. While we were waiting, the royal procession came by. Marina curtseyed and waved to the royals. Princess Elizabeth’s face clearly lit up when she recognized Marina. She waved to both of us.

For lunch, we had our usual turkey leg and were very happy to find a shady place to sit. I was impressed at how much turkey Marina ate. Michelle and Justine wanted to do more shopping, so they went out while Marina and I went to the second round of jousting. Of course, Marina happily cheered Sir William on.

Marina and Justine wanted to ride the elephant, so we all met there. After they got onto the elephant with another couple, the trainers decided to cool off the elephant by spraying him with water. They enjoyed the extra time as well as a cooling mist on their legs.

We all went over to the chapel for the daily knightings. After the ceremony, Marina and I went to meet Princess Elizabeth for her tea party. Once the rug was set for the girls to sit on, Marina took a spot right by the princess. The girls had fun talking about their adventures. Then Elizabeth told a silly story using the members of her court as actors. We spent a few minutes talking with Princess Elizabeth after the party and promised to see her next year.

Marina and I picked up a snack and went back to the arena for the final joust. We met the court poet who said he was looking for us all day. He then serenaded us with “For the First Time in Forever.” Marina was pleased and embarrassed.

Michelle and Justine saved us a spot right in front. As we were settling in, we learned we could get a favor for Sir William’s lance, then get it back from him after the joust. Marina’s face lit up and I knew we had to get one. Michelle and Justine each got one as well.

After the formalities of the joust were complete, the girls stepped forward to give Sir William their favors. Then the joust began. Justine was particularly excited with the action. In the end, Sir William and Sir Balin defeated Sir Joseph and Sir Arthur. When  the ceremony concluded, Sir William came back to the arena to return the favors to the ladies who presented them. He thanked them all and since he won the joust requested they all come to all of his jousts.

Before he could start, Marina gave him a collection of photographs we put together for him of our many meetings. He was very pleased. He gave Marina a big hug before returning her favor. He gallantly kissed the hand of each lady as he gave her the favor. By this time, Michelle and Justine were his fans as well.

We headed for the gate in time for King Henry’s closing remarks. The rest of the cast sang and danced but we only watched for a short time. By then we were all very tired and ready to head back to the present.

Sunday at the Zoo

The weather today was sunny, perfect to be outside. Since we hadn’t been to the Zoo in a long time, we decided to visit.

We had lunch before heading into the zoo. Marina wanted to see the big cats first. We saw a beautiful snow leopard and a maned wolf relaxing in their habitats. When we reached the tigers we saw one pacing around the enclosure. It walked by Marina at the window several times.

We moved on to the polar bears and tropical exhibits. After we looked around there, Marina decided she wanted to ride the carousel. On our way there, we looked spent time in the elephants and birds. 

The line for the carousel was short. Marina picked out a tiger to ride on. Today seemed to be focused on the big cats, so it was perfect for her! Once her ride was over, we were ready to leave. The hot weather had worn us out! 

Summer Day at the Zoo

The weather has been cooler than normal this week, so I thought it would be a good time to go to the zoo. We haven’t visited in a while and I thought the cooler weather would make for a more pleasant trip. Marina brought her Rapunzel doll for company.

It turned out that a lot of people had the same thought. The parking lot was very full when we arrived. We had to park close to a park, so we sat there and ate lunch picnic style before walking into the zoo.

The animals seemed to be more active today, probably due to the cool weather. Marina was delighted that one of the tigers was stalking around. We saw him climb into the pool and lounge there. The sea lions were swimming around the windows so we saw they quite close up. Two Gibbon monkeys were also playing for the crowds. They climbed up and down trees and across ropes. And as we walked by, a pair of cranes started whooping. As we watched them do that, we noticed they were guarding a single egg.

We went through tropical and bird exhibits. As we headed out, Marina rode the carousel. She picked out a tiger to ride on, but considered changing her mind many times before the carousel started.

Marina browsed the gift shop before we made the long walk to the car. It turned out to be a great day to visit the zoo.

Spring at the Zoo

We wanted to go to the zoo a few weeks ago, but it was very busy that day, we we changed our plans. Today we anticipated big crowds again, but this time, we left home earlier. It was busy, but at least we were able to find a parking place. Since Marina had been bringing her American Girl doll. McKenna, along so much, she felt it was Julie's turn to join us. Naturally they wore matching dresses.

Marina spent some time looking at the map in the front of the zoo. We picked up a paper copy and Marina pointed out everything she wanted to see. She wanted to see the Tropical Exhibit, so we headed there. Along the way we saw the lions, zebras, hyenas, giraffes and tigers.

The tropical animals were fun to look at. Some of the snakes were pretty active, something you don't see often. Marina also enjoyed looking at the fish and crocodile. We looked in on the sea lions as we headed to lunch. All three of the sea lions were sunning themselves.

After lunch, we started checking out the rest of the zoo. Marina took a seat on a rock and a friendly Canadian goose approached her. I think it was expecting to be fed.

Marina was disappointed that the carousel was being refurbished, but she settled for a ride on the train instead. After our ride, Marina looked on the map and pointed out the lorikeet enclosure. We bought a cup of nectar and Marina went to feed them. She loved it when they drank from her cup.

Next we went into the bird house. In one room we found a bird sitting on the bench and it didn't mind when Marina sat next to it.

After that, we were both really tired and the zoo was even more crowded, so we headed home. But not before getting ice cream!

Wild, Wild Life

We made plans with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy to visit someplace new, a Wildlife Sanctuary not too far from home. We'd all heard of it, but hadn't been there. We had a bit of a drive on our way there, Marina listened to music on headphones while we drove, so she was pretty content on the ride in.

As we entered the parking lot, we could see some of the animals. There were bears, wolves and tigers checking us out as we drove in. Marina and Miss Judy were already excited.

The first enclosure we saw had two Grizzly bears inside. They wrestled for a while as we watched, then one got into the water tank and relaxed. Next we saw a group of tigers. Most of them were lying in the sun, but one was running around trying to play with the others.

The next area was filled with lions. We saw two lions walking in the distance and several lionesses were sleeping inside. Then we saw wolves. Several of the pack started running around and barking at each other. It was fun to see them playing. The black bear enclosure was bustling with activity. Two babies were wrestling around while most of the adults ate.

Further down were several prides of lions. A volunteer showed Marina how to find the pride's leader. (We all learned it's the lion with the darkest mane!) We saw a new tiger habitat with a fancy pool and waterfall and the tigers who will soon play there. Marina was especially excited by the white one.

By the time we reached the end of the sanctuary, we were all tired and hungry. So, we stopped for a picnic lunch Miss Judy packed. As we headed back to the car, we watched the tigers and Grizzly bears a little longer. As we went back to the car, Marina said, "We should come here more often."

New at the Zoo

After three attempts, we finally made our first trip to the zoo this summer. Fortunately, Michelle was able to join us. When we arrived, Marina was anxious to see the tigers. On the way to their exhibit, we stopped to see the lions and zebras. Once we arrived at the tigers habitat, we saw two of them sleeping in a corner. We went inside to see if there were more we could look at. While there, we found a baby jaguar and its mother. It was so cute to see them together! From there, we saw the sea lions were very active. We went to the underwater viewing area and saw the sea lions swim past over and over again.

 
Michelle wanted to see the okapi, so we made sure we stopped by their enclosure before heading into the new Asian animals exhibit. It’s been open for nearly two months, but none of us had seen it yet. Marina was immediately drawn to the interactive activities. The centerpiece is the elephants. We saw all four of them – including two who are new to the Zoo! We saw some Gibbons monkeys swinging along their ropes and two sleeping black rhinos as well.

Our next stop was Bird World. The most surprising part of that building was when a mouse came scurrying across the path and nearly bumped into Michelle’s leg!  I was impressed that she didn’t freak out because I probably would have! Marina wanted to ride the carousel, so we headed that direction. She was fortunate to get  one of the two tigers to ride on. They are her favorite animals right now. After her ride, we went through the rest of the zoo fairly quickly. It was a hot day and we were all tired. Michelle wanted to see the kangaroos, so we paid a short visit to them before heading out.

On the way home, we stopped for some ice cream. It was a nice way to wrap up our day.