Stone Zoo

Friday we met up with our friends Liza, Mike, Wyatt, and Addie at the zoo. Both the Franklin Park and the Stone Zoo are free they day after Thanksgiving, so we thought we would take advantage of it. When we got there it was pouring rain and chilly, and we began to wonder if it was such a good idea. The woman at the gate mentioned the indoor discovery center, and we decided to head that way. On the way over, we found the new black bear exhibit.




Taye was so excited when we left to find a 'clue' on the ground.

Inside the discovery center, we met this hyacinth macaw, whose name I cannot remember. The boys were all fascinated with him, and we stood talking to his trainer and watching him for a while before they decided to check out the rest of the room.

They had puzzles, books, and all kinds of exhibits, including some live insects and snakes.


Taye liked this bug box, with real preserved bugs inside.

After a while it seemed noticeably brighter outside, and we decided to check out the rest of the zoo. Taye took a quick trip around the world, and then we were off to the rest of the animals.

We walked past llamas, coyotes, and coatis, and found the cougar exhibit. As much fun as it was watching them through the window...

watching them through the cave was even better! The three boys had so much fun in the tunnel. Taye kept telling us that it was where they lived, and he didn't want to leave it.

When we finally managed to tear them away, we moved on to find the baby jaguar,

some meerkats, and a few other animals as well.

We neared the end of the zoo, and found the playground. Taye and Wyatt took off to play, but Darius preferred to stay and keep Addie company. This boy loves babies, and couldn't seem to tear himself away from her all day. He was, as usual, very sweet to her, and it would seem that baby Kaia has some competition.

The giant spider web (in fact, the biggest one Taye has ever seen) was the main attraction at the playground.

I enjoyed hanging out with Liza. It is always fun for me to hang out with other parents who are not completely uptight, and who enjoy making snarky remarks about all the other parents we encounter. It was a good day at the zoo for that. :0)

After the zoo, we decided to head to Friendly's for some lunch. It was 3pm. We had managed to keep the toddlers from attacking and eating our knees by strategically timing snacks throughout our trip to the zoo. But the snacks were gone, and pluse none of us had eaten yet!

The boys wasted no time looking over the menu while we waited for a table (because apparently on Black Friday everyone goes out for lunch at 3pm).

Taye and Wyatt had fun playing together across the wall, while Addie and Darius flirted on their side.

As usual, we were so glad to see them, and can't wait for next year!