Riverbanks Zoo

After the race, we joined Kami and Richard at the zoo.  I remember the days when we would take the boys to the zoo, but those days are long gone.  They passed on the trip this time to hang out with their friends.  My snuggly little boys are growing up way too fast.      This picture was taken in the Wallaby exhibit where you actually walk  in a protected area with them.  My skittish girls weren’t so sure about this, but we made it through just fine.      The above and below pictures were taken in the gorilla exhibit.  Unfortunately, we did not get to see any live gorillas this trip, but Sarah Ellen was enamored with the two huge gorilla statues in the exhibit.   (Notice the monkey on her shirt – my monkey loves a monkey.)     These shots were taken at another monkey exhibit.  Sarah Ellen was so excited.  One time we turned around to see her doing her famous donkey kick.  I think she was showing her tricks to the monkeys.      It’s a good thing we have four adults on this trip.   Sarah Ellen insisted on being held so we were able to take turns carting her around.  Here we stopped to watch the apes who were putting on quite a show.  One ape was doing some very impressive acrobatic swings.      I think Sarah Ellen is studying his moves to figure how she too can swing from tree to tree.   Sarah Ellen insisted on riding the “merry round.”  Lily insisted that she did not want to.  So off Sarah Ellen I go to ride.  Once on, we had to settle for the “couch” because she did not want to sit on the riding animals.     Of course, once we are done, Lily decides she does want to ride after all.  So off she and Daddy go to ride.  Looks like Daddy had to settle for the couch too.

These next shots are from a great exhibit where you get to go in with the birds and feed them nectar.  All of us had done this before except for James, so we give him the cup and tell him to hold out his hand.  You can tell from the first picture he wasn’t expecting to be so close with the birds.         Sarah Ellen thought these birds were just too loud.    Notice Lily safely peeking over Daddy’s shoulder.      

Thanks Kami and Richard.  We had a great time.