First Zoo Trip

Last weekend Billy and I had the opportunity to take Matthew for his first trip to the zoo. To be honest, I think I was passed over with the animal connection gene, but I was looking forward to watching Matthew experience a first. In the last month he has been doing all of his animal noises with such joy. Extra bonus was that Billy's parents came in from NM and Mike and the kids were able to come along as well.

Nothing like a 67 foot giraffe to welcome us after our 45 minute drive :-)

Totally worth it to see THIS smile all morning!!

This is Matthew's interpretation of signing more. What does he want more of?

This:

So Daddy and Nana took him for a spin. (mommy just couldn't imagine doing that 8 months pregnant) He smiled the WHOLE time!

Mike and the kids took a much faster turn around next....
Not sure which I enjoy more, Matthew's smile or daddy's look of pride:

Lots of walking, glad we went in the morning before it got too hot for this pregnant mama.

A few fun pictures of the cousins:

If there is a slide near, Matthew is on it... So glad the Zoo had a children's section
Koi fish... *glub glub glub*

Happy guy with his Nana and Papa. I am so grateful for them. They drive 8 hours every 2 to 3 months to come out and spend time with all of us. Their commitment to family and sacrifice for us is such a blessing. Thank you for being there for all the little things.

Dad and Lad
2nd favorite picture of the day. The look on both their faces makes me tear up. I love my boys.

What is Matthew leaning far over to see?. This animal made quite an impression as later in the evening, Matthew ran around with his cousin Kyle's plastic toy one saying 'aldegato'. For those rusty in toddlerese, that's alligator :-)
I declare the trip a success no matter if half the zoo was closed down to a pursuit by local police of someone being served a summons. And hey, we got free tickets to go back :-)