Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

We have had this past Saturday planned since April and we were very excited for it finally to get here. Our first trip to a zoo!!! We went to the zoo in Madison that is free with Grover and Sarah. Grover is Alex's godfather as well as one of Jeremy's best friends, fraternity brother and Jeremy's bestman in our wedding. Sarah also went to Platteville. Anyways, we were very excited to hangout with them for the day as well as share the kids' first zoo visit. The kids all needed haircuts so before we got dresses I buzzed the boys' hair and trimmed Liz's bangs. Then after they were all dressed I could not help myself but to take pictures...tell me they are not cute!!!

Prior to leaving we had to deal with the potty training issue. The boys do not mind being in their diapers but Ms. Elizabeth wanted nothing to do with a diaper, so the training pants went on. We finally got on the road...late. After getting lost just a wee bit in Madison we finally got out of the truck and headed into the zoo.

We had small potty break where Liz changed her mind about the diapers. She tried to go on the big potties but talk about distractions...all the noises-other people talking, loud toilets flushing, hand dryers blowing, etc. etc. So after we switched it was time for lunch. Here Zach is trying to keep Alex from stealing his food.

Liz enjoying her hot dog, fries and milk.

Sarah giving Alex better viewing to see the lions.

Grover helping Zach see the lions. (I know it is blurry but I had to post it...too sweet not to)

Daddy showing the boys the sea lions.

Grover teaching the kids about the Rhinos.

Zach preferred to hold Grover's hand rather than daddy's.

Grover telling the kids about giraffes.

Alex and Liz checking out the camels.

Sarah and Grover trying to explain to the kids that we can't feed the goats as they had reached their ration quota for the day.

Alex asking Grover about flamingos.

All the boys discussing the rhea.

How about a ride on the carousel? Not a favorite of the boys but Liz had a blast!

Grover and Alex guessing the tortoise's age.

How about a family picture? Not too many of these around they are a rare find...lol!

The bear's posed nicely for me.

Polar bears are tall!!! What about my baby polar bears?

Alex is thinking you are not expecting me to put my head thru this, really???

Zach says...head thru sure...do you think I can climb all the way thru?

Liz says how can you not love a polar bear with this grin?

Coincidentally there were three Macaws that were talking really loud...hmmm...that is something we are familiar with.

Can't go to the zoo and not have an ice cream break...once we were done seeing the animals we took a rest.

Zach already eyeing up Alex's and he has not even started his own....lol.

Three very tired orangutans...they did great for having a very short nap on the way to the zoo and being pushed thru their naptime.

We had the most wonderful day...and what better way to end it than with a present from the gift shop...monkeys...the very thing we talked about before we got to the zoo...I thought it to be quite circular.

We could not leave without a picture with Grover and Sarah. We, as a family, are so incredible lucky to have them in our lives. The kids were soooo comfortable with them, which always makes it easier on mommy and daddy. We will be making the trip to the Madison zoo as annual event for our two families. I am also happy that we waited to take the kids to the zoo until now...they were able to walk around or ride in the wagons. It just seemed to be the perfect time. Thank you Grover and Sarah for sharing this first with us. We could not have asked for a better day!

After the kids said their goodbye they hopped into the truck and watched us say goodbye...they are hard to see but Liz has her nose pressed up against the back window.

The state capitol...not sure if the kids were awake enough to see it, but mommy enjoyed seeing it as I have only been that close to it a couple times.

It was a quiet ride home!