Penguins and School Kids

Yesterday, we took the boys to the zoo. It was a little too windy (= cold) for us to want to explore most of the outside exhibits, so we wandered the aquarium, tropical and half in/half out Minnesota trail. (Which, D proclaimed are his favorite parts anyway ... K was a little disappointed that we didn't go out to the tiger, but once he got a bag of trio mix popcorn, he focused on that instead.)

This was the first time going to the zoo where O would call out some of the animal names (he clearly knows monkeys, and everything about them) so there was an added element of excitement. The only thing we didn't think to plan ahead for was ... school groups. Typically we go on the weekends, but because I decided to use some vacation this fall to take Fridays off when K doesn't have school ... we are quickly learning that Fridays are not Saturdays when it comes to family adventures. This meant we did have to do some navigating around the kids with their scavenger hunts, but all in all, it was fun. We got to check out the new penguin exhibit. This was definitely the highlight as both boys are major penguin fans. And it was extra special that one penguin wanted to stay near the glass where O was. He was particularly pleased with himself.

The biggest surprise was when we were leaving and D said thank you to me for thinking up the idea of going to the zoo. My husband is always super appreciative ... but I wasn't expecting a thank you. (Especially since we are members ... and we usually are pretty good about going ... but maybe he was thanking me for getting them all out of the house.)

In two weeks, we'll be back at the zoo for their members-only HallZOOween event. This is something we've gone to since K was two, it's a nice way to go trick-or-treating indoors and with a better range of treats than just your standard candy (which is better for mommy, too.) It's also nice, because the goal is to be family-friendly, so masks are not allowed (it does mean K is a little limited when he wants to be certain costumes) but it also means I don't have to worry about teenagers scary my little munchkins. I am curious to see how long this will be an acceptable Halloween venture for K, I think this year I need to take note of how old the oldest kids look ...