Christmas at the Zoo!!!

We've just gotten back from an awesome night at the zoo. Man, I love that place! We all do! And much like Zoo Boo, our beloved zoo again did not disappoint!

Cary was privledged to have the entire weekend off (a nice rarity) and we had been itching to find time in our little packed schedules to make a wintry trip to the zoo. So today, on a whim, I boldly suggested we head that way --- and so, we did. Much to my surprise, as we were finalizing plans, Cary discovered that actors from my favorite little guilty pleasure, Days of our Lives were going to be there hosting some special events. Even better!

Soon we were on our way, with a car load of extra items to bundle us up for our cold venture. Even in the daylight the zoo was seriously something to see, you could just feel the warmth of Christmas in the air. But when the sun set...WOW. Magic. Obviously, McKinley's favorite thing was riding the train, and again the zoo had it goin' on with the attractions. There were gorgeous light displays through the entire ride - elephants, little houses, giant snowflakes, even the tunnel was dressed as the most gorgeous castle. It was stunning. I held McKinley close to me as we wrapped up in our blanket (the same picnic blanket used for our fall picnics, and the same one we all huddled under to keep warm at the midnight Toys R Us Black Friday sale! That thing seriously comes in HANDY!), our ride was nothing short of magic. And McKinley grinned from ear to ear the whole time!

Though most of the animals are vacationing for the winter, we still got to see the seals, sea lions and polar bear, who obviously thrive in this weather. The indoor animals were fun, and a really great way to warm up too! And bless those male seahorses...they were still there, giving birth!

Aside from the small number of animals we could visit, the zoo again provided some cool things to do, as always so age appropriate! In Santa's village we wrote a 'wish' on a red ribbon and a 'blessing' on white and tied them to one of the beautiful live Christmas trees. We purchased a sugar cookie just waiting to be decorated - which I must say that Cary and McKinley did a bang up job on the decorating. Heck, Santa was even there to visit and take pictures with all the children!

Santa's Village also played home to the two actors from Days of our Lives, who were so happy to sign autographs and chit chat with fans. I had fun standing in line with some great people and enjoyed meeting the two actors who play Chad & Melanie on Days. They were very kind and even offered to take a picture with me. Rock on! McKinley and Cary sat this one out, though I still say McKinley would have stolen their hearts. I'm not sure who has the Days of our Lives connection in Indianapolis, but someone does because a Days actor is almost ALWAYS at the Indy 500 and making other appearances. I always admire a celebrity who takes the time to be with the 'little people' and is still gracious and kind. That speaks volumes.

We wrapped up the trip in the warm refuge of the White River Gardens, which were breathtakingly beautiful decked in the flowers of the season. There were so many varities of poinsettia and narcissus, and others I wasn't familiar with but were SO gorgeous. We played a little scavenger hunt (provided by zoo and gardens staff - for which we got a cool color changing pencil for finishing) and we even visited a real reindeer!

I cannot say enough about the zoo, it's such a gem! We had a wonderful time, but we were seriously famished so we headed out to Buca Di Beppo...yum! The wait was forever, the crowd was insane and we were all so tired but it was well worth it when that bruschetta shimmied up to our table. OH YEAH! I think McKinley's favorite thing there was no doubt the adorable little gelato cone - in chocolate, of course! It was by far the yummiest way to end this awesome day.

I love days like these, beautiful sights, my favorite company and a happy ending!

Merry Christmas, Zoo!!! Oh my, how we love you!

Lynn