another day, another trip to the zoo

Buying a membership to the Houston Zoo was one of the best investments we've ever made. We've made countless trips to the zoo within the last year, each trip more exciting than the last as Caroline becomes increasingly aware of the animals. It's usually Bill that takes her to the zoo on Saturdays, and I think she has now associated 'zoo' with 'daddy time.' Today I asked her 'Do you want to go to the zoo?' and she kept saying 'Dada? Dada?'

It was an absolutely perfect day for strolling around. 72 degrees, overcast and breezy, and springtime in full bloom on display. 

Our first stop is always the Natural Encounters exhibit...it's air conditioned, which is a huge plus in the summertime, and there are lots of animals she can easily see from her stroller. The different types of fish are always a hit....4-eyed fish, pirhannas, ginormous catfish, tropical fish.

There's also a climb-through fish tunnel which she enjoys immensely. Climbing+ fishies....what more could you ask for?? She would be happy to spend the entire day climbing around and looking at fish.

The elephants were all out today and happy to see visitors. Caroline laughed at the 2 baby elephants splashing around in the water. 

She was also intrigued by the longhorn exhibit...she studied them intently as if trying to figure out exactly what they were.

We stopped by the turkeys to say hello. I'm sure she was somewhat confused now though, since she associates 'turkey' with part of her dinner. She enjoyed his gobble gobble quite a bit, and found it hilarious when I tried to make the gobble noise myself.

And of course we had to hit up the highlight of the zoo trip, the petting zoo. Those poor goats. Every time I set foot in there I just feel so sorry for the amount of over-loving they receive from all the kids all day. And yet they never complain or run away or bite anyone....they just stand there as curious little hands yank and pull away. Which is more than I can say for a certain pug I know. Perhaps our next pet needs to be a goat.

unlike Winnie, this goat is happy to pose for a picture with the baby

And on the way out we had to monkey around with the bronze monkey statue. That held her attention for a fascinating 45 seconds. Then she found a leaf on the ground and proceeded to eat it, along with the other 345987 leaves nearby. Time to go home!

One way I know she is definitely getting older: she did NOT want to be confined to her stroller. She used to be pretty content riding around, but now, once you take her out to see something she has no desire to get back in. Methinks it is time to invest in a red wagon. Perhaps the Easter bunny will bring her one!