Zoo Trip

We dared the weather gods to delay our trip to the zoo this week for Noah's spring break.  So with temps in the lower 40s and rain spitting in our faces the whole trip downtown, we wavered not and made our way to our destination.  Not even when the ticket lady said, "I hate to disappoint you, but some of the animals won't be out today," did we even consider turning around.  Do Your Worst, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.  Do Your Worst, cool and overcast Nashville weather!

That poor zoo couldn't do a thing to make it a bad day.  We had a really nice time from start to finish.  It didn't rain on us at all and it only got warmer from there.  Even better, with the chill there were far fewer people there than the last time we went and sweated the day away.

Yes, Noah looks like he's ready to go snow-skiing.

At the play area where we didn't cringe at the wet slides and swings, but we did inwardly bemoan the big groups of children there with us on field trips.

Believe it or not, Anna was the rope-net warrior in this shot.  She was the first one out all by herself while Noah stood back all anxious and untrusting of the nets.

However, Anna, the warrior, morphed into a damsel in distress once she lost her shoe.  She had to be rescued and returned to her stroller.

 

Atop some more climbing equipment.

The first of two go rounds on the carousel. 

The giraffes and monkeys were nowhere to be seen on the chilly morning, but the elephants were downright active, if not perky.

 

Noah and his favorite person in the world teaching him how to Eskimo kiss.

Stopping off for some eats.  Noah is only eating the corndog because there are fries at stake.

I kid you not, Noah said, "This is me being a statue."

I was so amused, he started doing other silly poses.

Noah actually did a lot of asking us to take his picture this day - which he has never really done before.  He was all into "great" shots - like stroller parking signs and random ugly benches. 

At every zoo we have ever been to, I am usually the one trying to get the kids excited about what they are seeing.  "Noah, look at this!" "Oh cool, come see this!"  "Isn't that amazing?" etc, etc.  Not yesterday.  Noah was WIRED and THRILLED with everything he saw.  All day it was, "Mommy! Mommy! Wook!"  "Oh coool!  See dat?"  "Anna, come wook, come wook!" etc., etc.  We loved it.

These clouded leopards were really active, too.  

So active, they made Anna jump a time or two when they came right up at her in the window.

This new Flamingo Lagoon turned out to be really cool!  For some reason, we were in awe of the flamingos. Rather, we were in awe of how they interacted. 

Who can't appreciate the shape and color of these things?

 

Noah didn't want to leave, so we lingered here probably the longest of the day.

They got so fussy and aggressive and noisy with each other.  It was a real hoot!  I kept telling Noah and Anna that is how they sound when they are not getting along ... and then I totally realized I sounded like my mom and dad.

This would be so serene and picturesque if the two of them weren't sizing each other up and about to fight.

But, the camels - OH, the camels.  They were the surprising win of the day for Noah.  Who knew camels were so curious and friendly and assertive?

There was one that bee-lined for me and nibbled my sleeve and touched my hands and made Noah squeal in fear and beg to be taken away.  But after a few minutes, he bucked up and went back, willing to touch them....but only through the fence.  That's too bad, because it WAS pretty cool.  Their mouths are so strong and soft to the touch.

Anna brushed this goat with every color brush they had on hand.

Then it was back to the camels.  When we left that day, Noah's one precious souvenir was a camel figure.   

On the way home, we were all beat.  Especially the littlest Brown of the group. I think she even surprised herself with her moodiness when she threw down her pink souvenir rocks in frustration. 

She was really just beyond tired - She was out in no time. 

It was a really fun and relaxed day.  And since Josh got us all memberships, we can go back again and see the critters we missed and the new train that is about to open for the season there. Thanks for the day, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.  See you soon!