We both took the day off last Friday to get a few things done, but to also take Reed out early for a trip to the Zoo. We have seen him take a big interest in animals recently, and even start to make the sounds, even if he can’t tell us what it is… like “meow” for cat, even though he has never even TRIED to say “cat”… and “hop” for rabbit. Those are just a few examples.

It was time to take him back to the zoo, where previously he was only a mild spectator in his stroller, and gave the animals only a passing glance. This time was much different. He was engaged and excited to see real, live animals, and so many varieties.

Our first real stop was the grizzly bear. He was out and about, and almost posing for those that were there to see. Reed latched onto the sight and could not get enough. We spent a good amount of time there taking pictures since the bear was such a willing participant. However, when we pushed Reed to leave, he wouldn’t have it… he through a little fit that we were moving on from Mr. Bear. We got him over to the next exhibit and slowly caught-on… there was much more to see! We set him down for this one, and after only a few minutes he was bored with it and asked, “More?”

It was an awesome day for a zoo visit. There were 25% of the people that were normally there, and there were NO schools visiting. That meant that letting Reed walk beside us on his own was stress-free and easy as a walk in the park. I HIGHLY recommend this timing for anyone interested in the Zoo.

I’d have to say that Reed’s favorite for the day was the fish in the Hippo aquarium. He could get right up to the glass and felt the need to talk to them all when they swam by. I got some great video footage that I have included below.

Great day trip and the timing and weather couldn’t have been better. We will never have just the three of us again, so times like these are getting more and more special as we look forward to Alison joining us.

-RB

ps: There were a few poopage stories that MUST be told… The hippo seemed to be pooping full hay bails, and the rhino’s stench hit us INSTANTLY, even though we were 50+ feet away (we had to grab Reed and run from it)!!