Hogle Zoo

Last Friday we were able to take our annual trip to Hogle Zoo. The kids look forward to this every year and I was so glad we were able to make it this year. Thanks to coke rewards and some coupons, we were able to get all of us in for a pretty good deal - nothing like finding bargains!

Here we all are (except Nana, who is taking the picture) just as we're getting to the zoo.


Here's little Tate on his first zoo trip - all dressed for a long hot day of seeing the animals. Even though it was sunny, it wasn't too hot, a perfect day for the zoo.


One of the first stops were the elephants, the kids love to watch them play with all their toys!


Of course, baby elephant Zuri was so cute! We got a picture of her playing in the mud - the kids just laughed and laughed.


Here's everyone watching the elephants - such a good looking group!


Once Hailey figured out we were all wearing sunglasses, she decided she had to wear hers as well. Too cute!


Here's Zach in front of the rhinos.


This scale shows how your weight compares to different animals. The four kids didn't even register as the first animal on the chart - we have some skinny kids!


Here are a couple of quick poses by the rhino statue.


And on the rhino statue - first Zach ...


and then Hailey.


The kids were so funny as they would cluster around certain windows - I thought this one was funny since Hailey had her glasses on ... indoors!


The zoo was very smart and put up a carousel with zoo animals for kids to ride - of course it's extra, but we decided that since we got such a great deal on our entrance fees, that we'd let them ride the carousel this year. Hailey of course chose the ladybug.


And Zach chose the leopard (or is that a cheetah?) - I'm not great on my "big cat" identification.


Here's Nana and the kids posing on the tiger statue. Tate really was there, but spent most of his time in the stroller sleeping - he was such a good boy!


We just happened upon the giraffe area as one came right up to the fence. Almost looks like they could have reached out and touched it!


A bunch of monkeys!


I couldn't help but take the annual pictures of the kids in front of the gorilla chart ...


they are both getting so big!


I snapped this one of Aunt Awa (Kylie) without her knowing it - she took quite a bit of convincing to even stand up there. See her cute little pregnant belly? Only 2 months away from little Libby's arrival!


And last, but not least, the ride on the train. Thanks to Aunt Awa for taking this picture and going with the kids on the train while I fed the baby.


Yep, it was a pretty fun day! We all had a great time and can't wait until we visit the animals next year!