Kindergarten field trip: Zoo

Today was a big day for many of the kids in the girls' elementary school. The kindergartners were heading to the MN Zoo, and the 5th graders were off to Valleyfair!! Needless to say, poor Regan was feeling pretty left out. Her big field trip of the year was to a local planetarium, and she thought that was no fun in comparison. Ahh, but alas, she has no idea what is in her very near future (more on that after it happens). For now, mum is the word :) 

Back to today, Sidney was so very excited for her big field trip day! I'm not sure what made her more excited: going on the actual field trip, or having me chaperone!? She was soooo ready for our day!!

I felt like a veteran this time around, having been on Regan's zoo trip 3 years ago. I knew what to bring, I knew what to expect, and I was armed and ready for my small group of 4 little ones, even naming our group: The Fabulous Four! At one point, we ran into one of their classmates who darted past us. As quick as I could ask "who is that?", he was gone. I speed-dialed the teacher who quickly informed me he had ran off from his group and was pleased as punch to be pointed in the right direction to locate him. Within 2 minutes, he was back in his group. I, on the other hand, was relieved he wasn't assigned to my group! 

At this time of the school year, the energy level is high and the eagerness to learn is pretty low. That didn't stop me from trying to give these 4 the best possible zoo experience out there. We stuck together, we pointed out animals, we laughed, and we maybe even learned a little bit :) 

There were 3,000 school children at the zoo today (yes, we were told that actual number!). Keeping track of The Fabulous Four was not an easy feat. I was constantly counting heads. 1-2-3-4. Over and over and over. These kids climbed on every rock, every tree branch, every everything! It was crazy. I think this bear gives a pretty good depiction of how we all felt when the day was done! 

Spending time with Sidney and all the kindergartners from her school, gives me perspective. She is calm and well-mannered, even though she despises long car (bus) rides and is quickly impatient. And goodness sake is she not the cutest little 6 year old out there! 

Hearing Sidney announce that today was "the best field trip ever!" makes all that exhaustion totally worthwhile. I love you Sid and I'm so happy we got to spend the day together. 

a trip to the zoo

 Ryan's new gig is pretty sweet and I think they are #1 in putting family first and actually meaning it. There are companies (and bosses) that say "we put family first" and then there is his company who actually demonstrates it. Yesterday, they closed up shop at 10am and the whole place (plus families) were invited to a picnic and day at the MN Zoo. How cool is that! 

Sid was in her prime before we even entered as she tried 'milking' this statue....

We explored for hours on end, and enjoyed nearly every inch of the zoo (we skipped out a couple of exhibits at the end without the girls knowing it as our feet were tired and bellies were hungry and it was time for this family to exit the zoo!).

Lincoln enjoyed all the animals from his stroller or his seat on my hip. We talked about all the animal sounds and got up close and personal at the farm site, where he giggled and laughed as the sheep crawled into my lap. 

While in the bear cave, we were able to watch the bears "play" and then stroll into the water for a swim. They got right up in our faces and all 3 kids were in awe! 

 News to us, there are now camel rides at the zoo (we generally go to the Como Zoo and it had been 2 years since we've been to the MN Zoo). So we obliged to their request and paid the fee, letting them stroll around for a mere 2 minutes on the back of a camel. Oh but they were excited. 

I couldn't help but snatch a picture on top of the big pig's back. We had a wonderful family day and so happy that Ryan has such a great employer! 

California 2013-Day 3

Day 3: After spending the night near San Diego, we slept in a little and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. A short car drive later, we were inside the San Diego Zoo and admiring some pretty amazing animals. 

Poor Ryan did 99% of the pushing with this massive double stroller, often up (and down) some pretty steep inclines. He definitely got in a workout on that day. 

These koalas were my most favorite. Gosh are they cute!! There was a baby koala atop its mama, and the caution that the mother took as she made her way down the tree branch was impressive. We all just wanted to cuddle them, they really looked so adorable. 

These vibrant pink flowers were everywhere. I couldn't believe their color. I could have taken pictures of them for hours, but the girls lasted long enough for just one quick shot :) 

Ryan's favorite was the rhino. We were actually leaving the park, when we realized we missed the rhinos. He pushed that double stroller a quarter way back around the park to find them! 

It was another long day, as we spent over 5 hours on the paths of the San Diego Zoo, but it was well worth every second! 

Lions and tigers and bears

Today I had the opportunity to help chaperon Regan's Kindergarten class to the MN Zoo. It was a wonderful day and the kids were very well behaved. We broke into small groups so it was two adults with four children....thank goodness! That proved to be an excellent ratio.

I had lots of opportunities to practice with the new camera, and clearly I have a lot to learn!

Here is our day in pictures:

Regan and her buddy

Helping to train dolphins

 On a trail to see more of the zoo

 Lunch during the bird show

Regan and mom

 Chicken head!

 Don't worry dad, I was keeping careful watch on them :)

 Regan and her BFF