Well rested children get to go to the zoo

She did it!

Little Sister went to sleep without fussing and slept through the night.

She still woke up early, but I went in once to remind her that the sun wasn't up, and then left her in her crib until it was time to get up. She wasn't happy, but quickly got over it when I finally came in and opened the curtains to let in the morning light.

Since neither of the girls had gone back to sleep, they were both a little crabby. BUT, this was the most rest they've gotten in at least three days, and I wanted to wear them out so they would nap well, so we decided to head to the zoo. Plus, on Wednesdays admission is just $1.

We had a great time!

And before you ask, it was Big Sister's idea to wear matching outfits.

We saw quite a few animals...

Some more up close than others...

(This capybara was one of the girls' favorites. He came right over to us. Some of the other moms were uneasy after they read it was a giant rodent. Guess their kids don't have hamsters. And guess who's kids (mine) are pretty much going to be asking Santa for the biggest hamster he can find?)

The prairie dog liked us a lot too. Can you see it trying to climb the glass? He was even jumping up in an effort to get to Big Sister and another little girl next to her.


The more I think about it, I wonder if the other little girl was sneaking it some food... oh well. Here's another cute little shot of our friend.

We waited for a while trying to see the cougar as it rested and chewed on a water bottle between some trees. As soon as all of the kids around us left, the big cat got up. He (she?) carried the bottle over to another (much closer) spot and started rolling around, wrestling with it- just like our Sophie or Keaton would do! We were by ourselves in a caboose-turned-observation-area taking in the magical moment.

Of course, there was a petting zoo. I don't know why they don't just call it a "goat farm." We got a little food for them and were immediately surrounded by the rude little guys. Except this one below. Big Sister still feels guilty because she didn't save him any food. We didn't see him until after the crowd of greedy goats dispersed.

Oh, yeah... there was a pig too.


I thought it was cute. Until it bit my arm!

It didn't hurt. (I'm remembering the moment in Babe when he first tries to be a sheepdog and "bites" a sheep. "Ya got any teeth in that mouth?") But it was GROSS. I had this crescent of mud & slobber & snot caked on my arm until we left the petting area and while we waited in a long line to wash our hands. Not the most glorious moment of the day, but definitely a memory!

As was this moment when the girls happened upon this African Crowned Crane.

As soon as anyone got close to the glass, he pecked!


Big Sister thought it was hilarious. But Little Sis was not so sure.

After we visited all of the animal exhibits, we rode the carousel and had a healthy snack of goldfish, hot dogs, and funnel cake. I know, mother of the year, right?

We stopped at the playground one more time before we loaded up the car. You know, just to be sure they were good and worn out...

And it worked! Both girls napped! And, as much as I hated it, I woke Little Sister after two hours so that she would sleep tonight. So far, so good...