The Birthday Zoo

For Reese's birthday this year we decided to take her to Hogle Zoo and it was, by far, the funnest trip there we've had. She was SO excited about everything (especially the new baby elephant, Zuri) and took immediate charge of exactly where and what we were to see next.

Posing in front of the coy pond

Catching the bird show- we're huge fans!
PS- that blur up in front was an owl.

The Giraffes: One of Reese's absolute "must-see's"

One of Reese's favorite children's books, and ours too, is Hooway For Wodney Wat. The 'villian' of the story is Camilla Capybara- a very large rodent (as you can see from the pic above).

So we had to see what the real thing looks like:


"Woot, woot! Wooty toot-toot!!"

Sippin' some H2O while we waited for the Animal Discovery Show




Reese was so brave and petted both the lizard and boa constrictor. . . while Mommy stood far away and used the zoom to take this picture.

Playing on the incredibly hot playground by the Discovery Center. Originally Ryan was just doing the pose, but at the last minute Reese had to be just like Daddy.

Reesey, the turtle, hatching from her egg

This is definitely dangerous comparing myself to the next photo (especially in my present state), but I thought it was funny and kinda cute that this is how we stood watching these elephants:

I guess moms and their babies are alike no matter what the species. :)

Cooling off with the King of the Jungle



Such a fun day! I swear, the older they get the more fun kids are- their enthusiasm is so infectious!
Happy Happy 3rd birthday to our little Bug- we LOVE you so!