We're Off to the Zoo!

Ever since we went to the zoo at Thanksgiving time, Lola has wanted to go back to the zoo.  Sometimes, she will go get on her boots and sweater and pull me towards the car and say, "Let's go, Grandma.  We're going to the zoo and the train."  I was determined to make sure we got that little girl back to the zoo.  So, when my dad came, it was the perfect opportunity to get out in the beautiful sunshine, go to one of Lola and my favorite places, and take my dad, too.

Garrett and Isaac with the King and Queen of the Jungle.

This was so adorable--Garrett wanted a map of the zoo  When Lola saw it, she sort of took over it when she realized there were little silhouettes of animals drawn on it, so she was matching all the animals she was seeing.  So cute!

 

The new baby giraffe is adorable!

 

One of the zoo helpers was showing Garrett and Isaac a real skeleton of a giraffe and explaining all about it.

The jaguars are always a hit.  It is so interesting how some of them are brown with the patches of spots, while some are black. 

 

The black ones still have the patches of spots, but you just can't see them as easily.

 Luckily, there is a glass between this big guy and Isaac!

Such an interesting little animal that was just roaming around in the atrium.  I think he is some kind of a small deer that only grows about a foot tall.
 

Dad seemed to really enjoy the beautiful scenery and all the wildlife in the little pond.

You can't go to the zoo without having a picnic.  We were fortunate that it was such nice weather so we could sit outside.

 

The merry-go-round ride is never long enough!

Lola running through the maze.

 We can't ever have anyone come to Florida without them seeing a gator.  Although this isn't the time of year when they are out very much, we still saw about five of them.

All too soon, it was time to go.  Lola was very sad about that.  Don't worry, Lola.  Grandma Laura is a friend of the zoo, and we will go back again soon!