Chillin' out at the Zoo

It was Two Dollar Tuesday at the zoo yesterday, so off we went.  We took the Max train and with that discount it cost us exactly $1.00 to get into the zoo.  Even with the one-day pass on Max and a treat for Quinn from the gift shop, and we spent less than $10.00.  Can hardly be beat.

It was a bit chilly - about 45 degrees - but we put on our winter coats and prayed that the rain would hold off until later in the afternoon.  It was a bit chilly when we got there, but with enough walking around we were plenty comfortable.  Not to mention they keep all the interior buildings at 84 degrees. 

We started with the cold weather animals, in keeping with our slightly chilly morning.  The polar bears were a bit lazy, so what we saw were a couple of big white bottoms. 

Even though it was chilly, the sun was out and very bright.  I was trying to take a picture here, but all Quinn could say was "Mama!  The sun is blinding me!".

We visited the elephants for quite a while.  There was a new baby born there last year and we were hoping to see him.  The mama was hanging out near the wall and the baby was there, too.  All we saw of him was his little trunk coming up over the wall in front of us, feeling around, grabbing a piece of moss and going back down.  Strangely entertaining. 

We took a break and hung out in the little kid's sculpture garden for a bit.  It was still a little chilly to not move for very long, but Quinn didn't seem to have any trouble sitting on the stone animals.

The lions and cheetahs have a new exhibit.  Outside the lion exhibit they have still more sculptures.  Looks like this lion was about to bit the butt of this woman, who was sadly unaware. 

The lions were basking in the sunlight and looked frozen - they barely moved.  There's a little cub inbetween the male and female, but all you can see is his ears.  They looked pretty darn happy with their new digs, waterfall and all.

Quinn finally got his turn to 'drive' the truck that is half in and half out of the cheetah exhibit.  No cheetahs (they were smart - stayed inside their toasty warm holding rooms), but this truck was like a magnet to all the kids.

Quinn was excited about taking a train ride but the train wasn't running that day.  Major disappointment.  So, we ate instead.  Brought along some hot cocoa which took the edge off of the disappointment. 

Pretty sure this cougar is never up and about.  I've never seen him in any position but this one. 

Must ride a tractor if one becomes available...

On our way out we stopped in the gift shop.  With such a bargain day, Quinn got to pick a little something out to take home.  He suggested this lovely item, but the price tag was a bit more than I had in mind.  We settled for a $3.99 toy.

The ubiquitous picture in front of the bears. 

A wonderful day all around.  The boy was super well-behaved and for the first time walked the whole time instead of having a zoo cart to ride in.  He did look longingly at the zoo wagons he saw going by, and he did ask why it was that he was too big for those now.  Being almost five has its downsides.