I "ZOO" like the monkeys

Casey received a free trip to the Zoo this weekend, so we all trekked up Cheyenne mountain to experience the wonderful Zoo together. This was Mia's first time, and though she was a little unsure of what was going on, she really took in the sights, colors, smells, and overall experience. It was a blast. Here is our adventure:

The clock struck 5:30 PM as Mommy and Mia anxiously awaited Daddy's arrival so that we could head on out. Dressed in our most cute, yet casual clothes, we sat. Tick Tick Tick...."There he is!"

"Act nonchalant, Mia."

"Hey Honey! How was your work out? Ready to go? HUH? HUH? HUH?"

Sweatshirts? Check

Diaper Bag? Check

Tennis Shoes? Check

Purse and money? Check

Baby? HA! Check

Yup! We were ready - so we headed out. It had been raining off and on all day, so as we drove down the Interstate, with the windshield wipers going, we prayed for a clearing to so we could enjoy the night. Praise the Lord, it stopped! A slight drizzle in the beginning, but then a lovely, calm evening.

Mia was so excited for our little adventure. As Daddy pushed her in the stroller she gazed at the beautiful trees and bright colors that strolled on past.

First we went to the Monkey house, where it must have been everyone's bed time. They were all hiding in the various corners uninterested in the cute little baby we were holding up (yes, we were trying to bribe the animals closer with a cute little girl.) We were sure to point them out to Mia. She was really wide eyed when she could see the cute little creatures.

The bears were quite entertaining as they swam around in their little area, and roamed back in forth. Mia's eyes were glued on their every move. And the lions...oh the Lions! They lay there like they were the king of the jungle. We even heard some of them roar which made little Mia's head look around in curiosity.

Then came the spotted leopord. I apologize for the blurry picture, but it kept pacing back and forth. Mommy held Mia up to look at the pretty leopord. It stopped. Looked in our direction. And sniffed the air as if to say "yum. Baby!" Daddy, being the protective man that he is, stepped over and growled in the direction of the leopord.

"GRRRRRRR" the leopord leaped at Daddy, all four paws off of the ground, straight for the fence! The fence rattled, and mommy and daddy jumped back in shock! It was crazy. Daddy stared at the leopord, it lowered his head, and collapsed on the ground in total submission. It was so crazy!

"Well, that was fun!"

Then...we found the petting zoo! How fun. There were two little goats walking around, and Mia was able to get face to face with them. It was so cute how intense she was at looking at them.

About this time, Mia started to fade -- FAST. It was getting dark, and it seemed she had no interest to see anything else. However, for Mommy and Daddy, the night had just begun. So, as Mia dozed off, Mommy and Daddy walked around through the "African experience" to visit the giraffes and other interesting animals.

Then we stopped by this little platform that was surrounded by a monkey habitat. There was a little gate that walked out closer to the monkeys that was, of course, locked. It looked like an area that was used for little demonstrations or feedings. Being the good citizens that we are, we thought, you could totally jump that fence! I mean, wouldn't it be fun to shake the little monkeys hand. So, that's what Daddy did. With a quick glance around and a swift hop over the gate, he was in monkey land! He went over to this monkey that was a little nervous at first, but Daddy put out his hand and the monkey high-fived him! It was hilarious. So, daddy inched closer. Closer. Closer. Then...WHAM! The monkey totally socked daddy in the eye with its fist! Daddy's eye was all red, but it was totally worth it. Not many people can say they got punched in the eye by a monkey!

At around 9:00 PM, the zoo was closing its doors. Rather than spend the night cuddle with the bears, we decided to head back home. Mia was ready for her own bed, and Mommy and Daddy had enough fun stories for one evening.

It was a fun trip! We already talked about next summer and how fun it will be to take Mia back when she can walk around and point in excitement at all the fun animals. We can't wait to go again!