Birthday Trip to the Zoo

Grandpa Jerry, Grandma Denise and Auntie Jillian were supposed to come to Seattle for Abby’s birthday last weekend. Due to some unexpected work issues, they had to cancel and miss the festivities with Grandma Zoe, which was a big bummer for them. The plan was to have them come out and visit whenever they could and as luck would have it, the following weekend worked out for everyone. Yesterday afternoon they arrived tired from the road but so excited to see all of us. We hung out, had dinner and caught up with each other. 
When asked by Grandma and Grandpa as to what she wanted to do for her birthday while they were in town, Abby decided that she wanted to go to the zoo. So on their first full day in Seattle we started out early and headed to the Woodland Park Zoo. Thankfully the weather was spectacular and allowed for a beautiful day to see the animals.
We had to stop and see our favorite tuxedo friends

Our fearless leaders showing us the way through the jungles being followed by Auntie Jillian the ferocious beast. Abby and Ellie didn’t have a clue she was there.
The Asian small-clawed otters were out with their babies. Unfortunately they spent most of their time hiding behind the rocks playing in the bamboo.

Standing guard over the family
Meerkat cuddle huddle

Abby really wanted to see the Kimono Dragon and she was surprised with how big they are. There were even babies too!

Lion smiles. These statues are original to the zoo which opened in the early 1900’s.

“Mommy, I want to smile but I cant. The sun is in my face.”

Sleepy lion cubs.

Swimmin’ Hippos

Coming up for a bit of a breather

Pondering the meaning of life… That and picking food from his teeth.

The oldest female Gorilla between both groups at the zoo. She has been with the zoo since 1970.

Afternoon snuggle with mommy Jaguar

Mama keeping a watchful eye on her adventurous cubs
A little cub out for a stroll and a climb, still getting used to those climbers legs

Fall is starting to set in at the zoo.

Trying very hard to sleep until some “local” decides to throw rocks and food at the wolves to see what they would do. Let’s just say I chased down a zoo employee and got them removed from the zoo. Your welcome.

After having a cheeseburger and chips thrown at her, this female was on alert. I am betting she is the alpha of the pack and she was not thrilled about the disturbance.

So beautiful. I could never get sick of watching wolves… EVER.
The Brown Bear out for an afternoon stroll. It was also quite apparent that dinner was coming as this one paced the back of his enclosure.

Auntie JJ taking a rest with a few little monkeys.

 
Crazy squirrel trying to reach a strategically placed ice cream cone.

Before we knew it the zoo was close to closing and it was time to go. On the way home we decided to stop at the mall so that Auntie Jillian could do a little shopping for work clothes and other items at stores that are not located in Bozeman. Hey, when you live in a smaller town its things like this that cause a lot of excitement. If you have seen the mall in Bozeman, you would understand what I mean.

After some shopping we headed out for dinner at Abby’s favorite place, you guessed it, Red Robin! Hey, she is the birthday girl and she gets to pick. After a yummy dinner and some great conversation it was back home for presents. When we arrived, Abby was greeted by a table full of fun and colorful boxes as well as a cute mural and Mario play set made by daddy. She was super thrilled.

All of the lovely presents and play sets!

Abby was pleasantly surprised when she came through the door.

Thank you Great Grandma Laura for the cool shoe piggy bank!

“Lalaloopsy, loopsy Hair!”

All I have to say is that Abby is one lucky and very loved little girl. I am not sure about where all the presents from the last two weekends will go! I am sure we will find a place or two. Happy Birthday little monkey! I wonder what tomorrow has in store for us?

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