Family Day at the Zoo

A few weekends ago, we spent the day at the NC zoo.  It was a delightful family day, sponsored by Chad’s work, which included free tickets and free lunch!  Really, does it get any better?  We did tons of walking in the 90 degree heat (I was quite sure it would put me into labor, but to no avail, it just made my feet swell and hurt.)- although the tram ride through the zoo was a favorite because of the amazing breeze!  Nathan’s favorite parts were the frogs (the poison frogs that are orange, blue, and yellow) and the gorillas and the tram ride. 

Mommy’s favorite parts were the tram ride and the hysterics of the dinosaur eggs…  life sized dinosaur eggs.  And of course me and my 34 week preggo self just had to climb in like my 2.5 year old.  He looked so relaxed, comfie, and shaded and it looked so fun…

So yes, I flopped my way into one.  Fun? yes.  Cute pic? well absolutely.  Shaded? yes.  Cool ?absolutely not, about 20 degrees warmer.  Relaxing?  not at all, but super sweet to share with my little guy.  Getting out of the egg?  Fun for everyone watching… seriously.  I mean, Chad had to pull me out with all his might.  :)  Worth it? TOTALLY!

This picture?  priceless!

Daddy’s favorite part?  The tram ride (sense the theme here), the banana pudding with chocolate, the sweet tea, the chili dog… yes, they are all his favorites… but his favorite part of the park (meaning the zoo) were the Dora and Diego “ride” – well watching Nathan during it- and watching Nathan in awe of the frogs.  :)

Funny story about this ride-ish adventure.  It’s a 4D movie… you know the ones where you wear the 3d glasses and they shoot a cool breeze from the sky when you’re “falling” and splash you a little when Diego falls in the water… that type movie adventure.  Unlike the simulators of old, this one does NOT move, so we figure it’s Dora and Diego, Nathan will LOVE it!  right?  wrong!  He loved Dora and Diego, but hated the 3d and 4d effects!  He is still talking about how he didn’t like the butterflies that flew at him.  Chad and I were admittedly cracking up at first while watching him jump in his seat when something seemed to be jumping off the screen.  Poor kiddo, he was actually afraid they were gonna touch him. He liked the story line, but told us later he liked movies that didn’t touch him. :)   Now watching him as the airplane we were “on” flew through the air was another story.  He loved the simulated motion and it was really cool to watch him actually move in his chair as the twists and turns came.  Definitely something to remember, and I’m sure we’ll all laugh later about the movie “touching” him! :)

It was a wonderful day at the zoo, because of the company and closeness of family.  I treasure these kind of "family adventures” and I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to go and spend the day together!  Of course, Chad’s company providing the opportunity and yummy food only enhanced the day! :)