Playgroup Visits the Zoo!

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather last week and head to the Dallas Zoo for playgroup last Thursday! Stephen was kind enough to work at home that day and watch Carter so Abbie and I could go. There is no way I could have taken them both by myself! Fortunately, Carter slept most of the day. (Why doesn't he do that when I am home?!? I think it has something to do with his loud sister.)



We met Wendy, Griffin, Rachel and Emily around 10:00 at the zoo. Despite there being many school groups, the zoo was not very crowded. We first went to the children's area which is very nice. We saw big fish swimming in a glass tank, chickens and sheep, and even ducks in a little pond!

There was also an area with pigs and bunnies and guinea pigs you could touch.

Abbie wasn't too sure about touching the animals.
Trying to get a better view of a big, black pig.

Within the children's area is a playground and a wading river. Abbie loved playing on the slide and really loved the water! More on that later.

Next we headed out to the big zoo. We saw giraffes, elephants, and a butterfly exhibit. There happened to be a nice shaded table by the exhibit so we stopped and ate our picnic lunch. Abbie barely sat long enough to eat and then was off running around.

Then we went on the see the gorillas. We happened to come across the penguins on our way.
Abbie is not a big fan of gorillas. She loves to talk about them but is scared of seeing them up close. She would get close to the window and then run away. She did that several times until one of the gorillas suddenly turned and lunged toward the window. That was enough of the gorillas and we moved on! We moved on to something a little more fun, the merry-go-round! Abbie finally enjoys riding on them. She chose to ride on a tiger this time.
We ended our day back in the children's area. We went in a bird exhibit. The kids enjoyed looking at the birds for a few minutes. Then they entertained themselves with a game of chase. That is one of Abbie's favorite games! She was loving it!

I think Abbie did touch this bird once, after I touched it first.



Nothing is more fun than a game of chase with your friends!

They calmed down long enough after chase for a sweet group picture.

Griffin bravely fed one of the birds!

Emily and Abbie came across a rainbow to play in on our way to play in the water. Abbie was fascinated by the colors on her hand and shoe.

At the end of our trip to the zoo, we changed the kids into their swimsuits and applied more sunscreen so they could have fun in the little wading river. Abbie had the best time following Emily around and playing with Griffin in the water!
We both had a really fun day with our friends at the zoo! It is so much fun to be able to go to the zoo again as an adult with my own children. We were both tired from our big day. Abbie fell asleep on our way home in about 5 minutes! We can't wait to go back again!