DC Zoo Trip!

Anabelle went to the zoo for the first time today! She's been very into animals and their sounds these days, and so I was very curious to see how she handled the zoo. We were able to go with a very fun group: My Aunt Elena & AB's Bday Buddy James Henry, my cousin Deeann & her kids Ben & Natalie, and my sis Lauren & her kids Isabel & Douglas. I will say, the trip flew by between the commute to DC, parking, feeding the kids their packed lunches, and then just walking the zoo trying to get to a few exhibits before the kids nap times arrived & they fell apart! Plus, unlike on TV, you walk up to these animals in these large habitats and most of them are fairly camouflaged and/or have their backs to you or are high up in the trees. So, you kneel down by your kid and say "See? See that furry ball way up there? That's a Sloth Bear!! No, no, look over here... yes, there... no no, see it just moved into that cave...bye bye Bear..." =) As a Mom trying to capture the interest of my 16 month old, I found out quickly that I liked the animals that were in small quarters (sorry PETA) or the animals that were larger, or brighter, than life ~ They made my job much easier!

All in all, a very fun trip, especially when done with good friends. However, much to Adam's delight, we still have much left to see there, so we will be back soon!!

Anabelle reading up on the different animals A-Z. She LOVED having Isabel Kate squeezed in beside her in the car for the ride down. She kept screeching with delight... which always throws poor Isabel off a bit =) The real trooper of the trip was little Douglas who was inbetween the girls and should get a big KUDOS for putting up with them sticking their fingers in his face, playing with his toys, and screeching while he tried to sleep.

We quickly figured out perfect picture poses at the zoo were not going to happen easily!

This past week Anabelle learned to throw her 'trunk' (arm) up whenever an elephant pic or sound comes up... hence she was fully prepared for this massive mammal =)

Anabelle & Isabel checking out the elephants

Ben is always happy to be with the crew - he has such a great smile!

All the kiddos (sans Natalie)!! A photographic feat!

Getting close to naptime

My comrades, Lauren & Deeann, tending to their littlest ones

We quickly realized that most of our pics and videos would be of the back of the kids' heads =)

I love how Isabel Kate just puts her arm around Anabelle when she walks up. Such a buddy.

The meerkats were a highlight as we could get quite up close and personal with them

Looking for monkeys

Can you tell we're getting close to nap time?

Blankie out, fingers in; Thanks for the fun Zoo, we'll see ya again!