Zoo Trip with the Neighbors

Luke and I were getting realllllly bored this morning because we didn't have a Meetup Moms activity. I was even contemplating making the dreaded "just gonna look around" trip to Target that can get me into trouble, if you know what I mean. But luckily, Corinne, my next door neighbor called just as I was loading Luke into the car! Marana is on Fall Break this week so Corinne and her eight, along with Becky and her two kids, and Gloria and her two kids, were all going to the zoo! Luke and I happily agreed to go, as we are always looking for a reason to use our zoo pass! We had the best time! Although it was very reminiscent of a school field trip (constantly making sure everyone is accounted for), Luke was so entertained watching everyone run around he didn't mind staying in his stroller the whole time. He loves his friends, and is even starting to learn their names a little bit. I felt a little guilty I had it so easy, with only one little one to keep an eye on. It was nice to get to meet Gloria and also to get to know Corinne and Becky a little better. I learned that Becky is also expecting a little girl- and only three weeks before I am due! They will be friends for sure! :)

Zoo Trip

In July, we purchased an annual zoo pass. We went for the first time this morning, and the weather was perfect. It was overcast and humid, but not scorching hot like usual. We saw all the usual characters, the tiger, lion, polar bear, elephants, monkeys, etc. We fed the giraffes (my personal favorite), which is always a highlight and fantastic photo op.

We went inside the education center and the docents were handling snakes. I am NOT a fan of legless reptiles, but I do not want to pass on that irrational (well, its not so irrational if they are poisonous, but these weren't) fear to my son, so we walked right up to them. I told Luke that these were bull python and corn snakes and we practiced making sssssssssssssssssssnake noises. I asked all sorts of questions so that the snake would not smell my fear. I learned that you cannot tell the gender of a snake without surgery or use of a "probe," whatever that is. I also learned that these particular snakes were senior citizens (12 years old), which made me a little less afraid of them. I was quite proud of myself. I didn't even hear my heartbeat in my ears, like usual. Luke didn't care for them, though. He wouldn't touch them. That's my boy.

Luke's favorite are the rhinos, and they did not disappoint. The male walked over to where we were and proceeded to relieve himself all over the wall. The force with which he relieved himself was quite impressive. My friend had to actually move her son farther away from the fence because she was worried about the splashing. The rhino was 10 feet away. Let's just say Luke was impressed. Maybe that will inspire him to begin potty training?