Zippin' Through the Zoo

In early October, the kids and I enjoyed an afternoon at Hogle Zoo. Claire is obsessed with animals and she was really looking forward to seeing the polar bear (her favorite). There weren't too many people there that day so we were able to get full views of the animals. During this particular trip to the zoo, I was really impressed with the sea lions. I had never seen them swim so fast and effortlessly through the water before. They were so graceful. Claire, as always, enjoyed the polar bear. Except this time, he was pacing back and forth by the fence waiting for his lunch. She was extremely disappointed that he wouldn't get in the water for a swim.

Ethan made it out of the stroller a few times to pose with Claire on the animal statues. She's never been too interested in these before, however this time, she wanted to sit on every single one. Adorable!

 
This trip to the zoo was filled with varying emotions for me. For the first time ever, I let Claire ride on the merry-go-round. I have never been so stressed at the zoo before. I was all by myself and things got a little tricky. I had to walk the stroller through the line with Claire as far as I could go, but then there was a barrier so I had to stand with Ethan to the side and make sure Claire was following the people in front of her while in line. Then, I had to ask a stranger if she would stand by Ethan while I helped Claire get on the merry-go-round. Once I got her up onto the polar bear, I jumped over the barrier and raced back to Ethan. The ride began and Claire was SO excited! At that point, it was pure joy. Watching her go around in circles with a huge smile on her face was worth it. But only seconds later, the ride was over and I had to ask another stranger if she would grab Claire off of the polar bear and lift her over the wall for me because I was with Ethan and the stroller. Thankfully, she was a sympathetic mom and happily agreed. Claire greeted me with a big smile and then her happiness instantly turned to sadness when I wouldn't let her go on the ride again. Of course!

We all had another fun, exciting, and stressful afternoon at the zoo. It wasn't long and were back again.