The Dallas Zoo Rocks!

We have had some gorgeous weather the last few weeks, and Sunday was the perfect day to go to the zoo.  It was one of those days where you wish you could bottle up how you feel and feel that way forever!

Ben had never been to the zoo, so I was very excited to see how he would react to everything.

Mimi's apartment is on the way to the zoo.  The boys were very excited that she wanted to come along.

Just inside the zoo gates, we are always greeted by the parrots.

I love this picture!

I love how Ben plays with my hair.  

We weren't stopping long at many of the exhibits.  I was trying to get over to the new Giants of the Savanna exhibit.  At least it's new to us, since we haven't been to the zoo since it opened two years ago.

The best part of the exhibit is getting to feed and pet the giraffes.  It is the most expensive lettuce you can buy at $5 for three leaves, but it is well worth it.  We got there fairly early so there weren't many people at the exhibit yet and the giraffes were eager to eat the lettuce.

There is a baby girl giraffe named Jamie that was getting lots of attention.  The boys wanted to feed her the lettuce (and so did lots of other kids).  They were poking it between the fence and the floor since she is not tall enough.  At one point the big daddy giraffe got a little annoyed and tried to run her off.

It was so cool to see the cheetah exhibit.  We got there in time for the Predator Encounter so they were out and moving about.  I swear, usually when we go to the zoo, there are lots of empty exhibits with signs for the big cats, but we never actually get to see them.  

Looking out over the savanna.

One of the interesting variables of the day was the fact that Ben has been potty training for about a month.  We weren't going to risk wet clothes or a fight, so we put him in a pull-up.  We were pleasantly surprised that he stayed dry and used the public restrooms.  A big first for Mr. Ben!

Happy Dance!

Benny, Benny, in a hurry (to see the train)

Sisters

This is Benny's tired face.  Thumb in the mouth, hair in the hand, and twirl, and twirl.

Finally, the train!  Sam said we had to wait an hour!  (Not really, we only waited ten minutes max, but the boys thought that was terrible.)  

Ben was pretty excited to get on the monorail.  I think it's a nice break after standing and walking so much.  

Ben called the lynx a tiger.  He also called the cheetahs tigers.  I'm pretty sure the lions were tigers too.

The chimpanzees were not out and moving about when the monorail went by.  Big daddy was out standing guard.  They have two babies in the exhibit and mom and babies were hiding in the corner playing.  We caught a glimpse of them just as train was passing by.

What an awesome place to eat lunch!  See those lions in the background?

Those big cats just laid in the sun and rolled around the whole time.

Always need at least one picture of Daddy to prove he was there!

The carousel was a big hit!

until it was over ... so sad!

Bye-bye zebra

The "river" in the children's zoo is one of Sam's favorite things.

It is not Ben's favorite ... yet.

We were at the zoo for about four hours and we saw maybe one fifth of the zoo.  They even have a new exhibit opening this weekend with koalas and rainbow lorikeets.  If you haven't been to the zoo in a while, go now, get there early and plan ahead what you want to see.  I can't wait to go back!