Zoo Trip

     A little while ago, the husbandman, my brother, and I took Miss G to the national zoo. My sister-in-law is expecting another beautiful baby girl in November, and sadly was stuck with all day morning sickness and couldn't go. So it was the boys, Miss G and and me, and we had a blast.

     To minimize the drive time (and because it's just plain fun) we rode the metro. We are about an hour's drive to the closest stop, and use it every-time we go into DC. Miss G practiced waving to everyone, but soon wanted to try standing up. With a little bit of help, she did very well.
   

     I think Miss G had much more fun watching her reflection than the turtles, but it made for a couple of really cool pictures.

Notice the Tactical Sippy strategically positioned for quick release.

     The small mammal house might have been the best attraction, it certainly was for Miss G. It was one of the few exhibits where all the animals were active and engaged. The Meerkats were not at all afraid of being watched, and went on with life just inches away. This was really cool for Miss G because she loves all things related animals, and these were able to easy hold her attention.

     The orangutans were another set of creatures who weren't very concerned with us. They have a high wire stretching over a good chunk of the zoo. Its probably close to 50 feet in the air, and they have free range across it.

 
    The zoo had so many learning exhibits. Almost everything was hands on, and full of ways to bring the written facts to life. This is a tiger's paw compared to The Husband's hand. His hands don't look that small next to much.

     I wasn't expecting to learn as much as I did. The fact that blew me away was that a sprinting cheetah can cover 23 feet in one stride! This is 23 feet. That's pretty amazing

     Miss G stayed awake for most of the trip, but when she did fall asleep, she crashed hard. She saw the elephants, the pandas, the ape house, the gorilla yard, the reptile house, the small mammal house, the orangutans up on their high wire, the zebras, and the cheetahs, but slept through the big cats.

 
     I would recommend bringing a packed lunch. As with most places, he food is way overpriced, and the booth we stopped at was honestly, pretty awful. But I would highly suggest stopping and get some shaved ice They are huge!! It took all four of us to finish it. It was the perfect way o end the trip. And if gave me an excuse to stop tripping over my feet. (I had forgotten the zoo was built on a hill, and the only tennis shoes I own are shape-us (not the best combination))

    If you live anywhere near Washington DC, or are planning to visit, go to the zoo! The Husbandman had never been before, and can't wait to go again. It's one of the best trips I can think of, and it's free. We can't wait to go back next year, because they should have the renovations on the elephant house finished then. And in 2013, they are opening a sea lion and seal exhibit too. I think we will make this a yearly tradition. But even if you only get to go once, it will be a trip to remember!