Early Bird Catches the Worm

This past Monday the kids and I went to the zoo right when it opened at 9:30. I think it was the first time that I've ever been able to park in the front lot. Better still, as soon as we came upon the elephants, one of them was very active in a pool of water. He kicked the water; he submerged himself completely; he trumpeted; he got out and sprayed water from his trunk. It was awesome to watch, although after a couple of minutes, Bryn said she wanted to see what else the zoo had to offer. We kept watching for a while longer, and the same elephant left the pool, picked up a sizable rock with his trunk and flung it against a wall, away from the onlookers. He picked up a second rock and threw this one, too. I asked a nearby staffperson whether the elephant was agitated, but I was told that he was just playing. Nevertheless, once the rock throwing started, I decided it was best, as Bryn had suggested, to move on.

Though we've been to the zoo several times with B&L, we haven't seen or done all that the zoo has to offer. On this trip we took our first turn at the swan boats, which would have been a fine activity if Lukey hadn't insisted on steering. There were too many obstacles in the lagoon, including buoys, other swan boats, and ducks to let Luke steer, so I'm afraid he cried in protest during our entire abbreviated ride. Next we went on a quick train ride, which Luke wanted to do a second time, but our membership allows for only one ride per visit. On our way to the train, one of the custodial staff told me about the lorikeet house where you hold out a cup of nectar for the beautiful Australian birds, and they come and roost on your arm. At one point I had one bird on my forearm and another that climbed up my arm onto my shoulder. I didn't realize until I saw this picture that Bryn wasn't real comfortable with the birds!The zoo also has a hot air balloon, and Bryn expressed an interest in riding in it, but I told her that she'd have to try it when Ken's with us as well because Luke's too little to go up in the balloon. We had a great visit to the zoo, and it's exciting to know that the zoo continues to have a lot to offer its regular visitors.