Bonding over mad monkeys and birthing seahorses

That's exactly what McKinley and Savannah did yesterday...and Robin & me too!

Clearly, we have become zoo people - this being our 3rd trip in a month, but that's just fine with McKinley. You really don't need to twist his arm to ride the train or carousel or visit the dragons or seals. We were doubly excited this trip because we brought Robin & Savannah with us! It was so fun to see the kids together in the back seat, and quite a site when they got quiet and decided to dump their waters onto themselves. Ahhh, TWO two year olds! Just kidding, they were awesome.

I must say, they started out the trip well because as we were loading up I noticed a twinkle in McKinley's eye and a second later the two toddlers gave each other a little friendly kiss. OMG, it was the cutest thing EVER! Totally random and unprompted - and stinking adorable. Soon we were on the road and pondering lunch. We ended up at Culver's in Plainfield where the kids barely ate a bite (though McKinley stole his fair share of Savannah's fries...sorry, Savannah) and instead bounced simultaneously in the booth. Did I mention they didn't stop?

When we finally arrived at the zoo, we were so anxious (as were the kids) that we just went straight to the gate, membership card in hand. We unintentionally lead the attendant to believe we were indeed a married couple. It wasn't until we were loading the stroller did we really realize what she was asking. Oops! So, Robin is my wifey, sorry Cary and Ricky. Though, Robin and I have decided we would rather enjoy the two of you doing the same trick next time...as husband and...well, husband. We would both pay full admission price to the zoo for that sight.

Once the wife and I (HAAAA!) gathered our thoughts about that debacle we started with the sea lions and seals - who were rather chill and obviously giving us a taste of our own medicine by staring right back at us. Very funny! The kids loved the sea exhibits, sharks and all...but Robin and I were captivated by the birthing seahorses. Never in my life...wow. Robin is a nurse in the nursery at our local hospital, so she's seen this a few times...well, not THIS exactly, but close. If I'm not mistaken, I think male seahorses carry the children and give birth. Nice.

We visited some more sights then it was on to the monkeys! We strolled up, placed our kids on the railing FAR away from the actual monkey cages and all hell broke loose - LITERALLY. Evidently we were a threatening sight to the monkeys and every one of them let us know. They were all crazed looking and making these, well, monkey sounds - screeching and screaming. FREAKED.US.OUT. Hordes of zoo visitors came RUNNING to see what the fuss was about...it was humbling to tell them it was all directed at US. It was not a pleasant experience, but one to write down for sure!

Next we headed for a quieter beast...the Elephant show, then it was decided we would ride ponies, then the train and the carousel. The plan went over very well, and I'm pleased to announce that McKinley LOVED his pony ride as much as Savannah. McKinley and Chet, the pony had something in common...a mohawk! Okay, well McKinley's is a FAUX-hawk, but whatever!

Later, we visited some more animals then finished up the day in the splash park where McKinley attempted to douse Robin with cold water and we all tried to convince Savannah to run through the sprinklers. It was so much fun, the perfect end to the day.

On the way home, Savannah was out like a light, but McKinley fought sleep and watched Nemo on the dual DVD players we set up for the kids. We had a wonderful time with Robin & Savannah and can't wait to do it again!

Lynn

P.S. I'm hoping to snatch some pics from Robin's blog...my camera battery died as soon as we got to the zoo!!!