Many hands makes light work

There's no way we would have attempted a trip to the Zoo without some extra help. With my mom still in town, we decided to get out last week, and asked Rose if she could adjust her hours to come along with us, too. My sister gave us a "family membership plus one" for Christmas, so this was perfect. Owen decided to stay home this time around, which in meant that he was able to help Matt's mom with her diabetes medication at lunch time, so everyone was covered.

Right inside the gates are the Japanese snow monkeys. You could almost make the argument that it's worth a trip to the Zoo even if all you do is watch the monkeys and then go home. We had a Zoo membership for a few years when Owen and Leah were younger, but I don't think Evania had ever been here before, and certainly not Gloria. Bobbi had been to the zoo in Sofia, but that was quite a few years ago. There were shrieks of delight coming from both our youngest and oldest daughters. ;)

At the center of the Zoo is a large water feature. We ended our day here (photos coming later in the post), but Krassi took a quick ride through with Rose both to cool off, and for something fun because looking at stuff just isn't his thing.

Mira did quite well. I often wondered what people thought as they walked past us and the poor girl was often far from the exhibits...and often facing in the wrong direction to even see any animals! But is it right to, for appearances sake, move my blind and deaf daughter to where it looks like she's actively engaged?

It was hot. The bears were sleeping.

This summer there was an Australian exhibit.

Rinnah and Evania

Bobbi and Leah

Grandma F and Gloria

The camel was WAY cool!! He was not actually there for petting, for was giving rides for $5 a piece. We don't do $5 each rides with ten kids, even if not all of them are interested in riding! But since no one was in line, we got to spend some good time petting the camel.

He was a very personable camel. (Not that I've known a lot of camels!)

A distant moment of Leah soothingly scratching the back of Bobbi's head.

There was a new l-a-r-g-e climbing area since the last time we'd been at the Zoo. Leah single-handedly helped Reuben (green shirt at the very top), Evania (can't see her), Rinnah, and Gloria (who she's carrying) get all the way up.

Rose and Krassi had skipped the Australian animals because Krassi really isn't all that into looking at...anything...but he did really enjoy getting out of his chair and crawling around in the sand for a while!

Reuben making music:

This was part of the play area - a pile of logs! "Look mom, we're just like the monkeys!"

Time for picnic lunch. Five sisters eating together:

Eben wasn't too interested in the zoo, either, and slept through most of it!

Here's Leah trying to get Krassi interested in some cotton candy.

We have taken many photos on these tiger statues!

Four girls today

And ten years ago - Leah at just over a year old!

The seals were really neat to watch. We did not go up to the top observation arena, but did enjoy watching him playing with his baited ball from below.

Love this one of the two girls together - they look so much like they're enjoying the moment together.

On the way out, we caught some photos with the wolf statues, too.

Tiny porky Eben with Dad.

All of the big kids are able to help us out making the day work. Here Rinnah's got Mira. When everyone does what they can do, we can make a fun day like this work out pleasantly for everyone!