Enjoying our Christmas Present: The Zoo

Every year my Grammie gives everyone cash for Christmas.  Usually we put it in the bank account and we don't really earmark it for anything.  This year we decided to put it toward something specific that the entire family could enjoy, the Philadelphia Zoo.  Usually a trip to see the monkeys or the big cats is a special treat that you only get to do once or twice a year.  We figured that we could give the family the gift of animals, outdoors, and exercise any nice day of the year.  Today was the first time we were able to take advantage of our membership.

Paddy was off of school and I hate having the kids sitting around.  The forecast was for mild weather and with public schools in session, the zoo would be the perfect place to spend the day.  So we slapped on some sunscreen, packed our lunches, and jumped in the big ol' minivan.  I took a chance and left the stroller in the car.  I knew Paddy could handle it, but it was an experiment with Micky to see how far we'd get through the enormous zoo.  They only really wanted to see the tigers and the monkeys, so I figured we'd get those out of the way just in case the Mickster's short, little legs couldn't make the whole trip.  Turns out, that was just the beginning.

We walked, leisurely of course, visiting all of the animals along the way.  We learned the difference between apes and monkeys (monkeys have tails, apes don't), some ducks are runners too, and that porcupines are plant eaters.  Paddy got to pet a duck and Micky found that he loves zebras.  The otters entertained us, and we decided to be Loraxes and take care of trees (the theme this year at the zoo).  We had a picnic and we walked for hours, even Mick.  We all definitely got our exercise and I was sure it would be a quiet ride home...Wrong!  They talked the entire time about their favorite animals, the things they learned, and on and on, and the conversation even continued right into dinner.  We had an amazing day learning, playing, and being outside.  Turns out the zoo is a great family gift...And we'll be enjoying it for the rest of the year!