We all went to the Dallas Zoo today and it was AWESOME. It wasn't too hot and the kids had fun running around. The animals were visible, if not active, which made for great pictures. We had a great walk all over the zoo but Derek was disappointed that we didn't get to see the anteater. I told him we'd see it next time. At the end of our trek, we took the kids to the children's section of the zoo. There is a shallow little river that the kids were excited to play in, so we took off shoes and shirts and let the boys run wild. As I was helping Bryce with his socks and shoes, I realized Derek was no where in sight. I finished with Bryce and stood up to call for Derek. He darted out of the river....completely naked! Ugh! I quickly tracked his clothes down as Tammy held onto him. Both of us were trying not to laugh and totally failing. I just put his pants back on and sent him off to play. After the kids tired of the river, we took them to the petting zoo to pet the goats. Bryce wasn't too sure about the goats and preferred to walk around and make sure I saw each goat while Derek made sure each goat got the proper amount of attention. After that, we walked past the big koi tank and I spotted the fish food dispenser. For about a dollar, we got several handfuls of food that I passed out to the kids so they could feed the fish. I made the kids scream by holding the fish food until the fish's mouth closed over the tips of my fingers. It was great! Derek, Isaac, Andrew and I did one last thing before we left - I bought some bird food and we went into the aviary to feed the cockatiels and other exotic birds. They were brave and excited as we entered the aviary, but the first time a bird landed on Andrew, all heck broke loose. The boys started screaming and the worker who accompanied us broke out a squirt gun and started squirting the birds so they would stay away from the kids. I took the bird food sticks from the kids and let them see the birds landing on me. It was a good try, but maybe next time they'll be able to feed the birds.
I love all the wrinkles on elephants
The elephants had a bit of an upset shortly after we arrived and a couple of the elephants were charging around the enclosure trumpeting. The kids thought it was so cool to hear the elephants "talking."
The cheetahs were relaxing in the shade as the day warmed up
Bryce was mesmerized with his first experience with a giraffe
Derek was excited to see the giraffes come so close to the platform
Sierra was such a happy kid the whole trip! Look at these sweet cheeks!
Giraffes are one of my favorite animals
Sereen captured a cute moment with all the boys in the life size safari jeep. If it has wheels, these boys will find it.
All the cousins rode the biggest elephant. Emeri had the best seat, I think. ;)
Brothers!
Derek is such a sweet kid. He gave the smallest elephant statue a quick hug goodbye.
Mother and daughter - Clara was such a trooper. She enjoyed the view from this front pack.
We're so cute!
Gorgeous gorilla
It was fascinating to be this close to such a magnificent animal
Such an awesome perspective!
The kids were thrilled with the close-up of the gorilla until it turned to look at them. Andrew really didn't like that.
Emeri cracks me up - glass and toddlers is always fun
Derek thought he was funny laying in the crocodile's mouth
Emeri was a little more adventurous and stuck her head in the mouth
Derek is pretending to be Curious George
Bryce is excited to play in the water
I have quite a handsome husband!
Derek loved racing on all fours through the water
Preston had lots of fun in the water
My blue-eyed boy
Sereen and Liz taking a break from chasing kids
Grandma was happy to watch the kids splash
Not the Blarney Stone, kid! Ick!
King of the Rock!
Bryce was brave and petted a goat... one goat. He was happy to just look at the rest of the goats.
Derek loves all animals
Barn owl
I don't know who had more fun playing with this bowl
Peek-a-boo!
