Akron Zoo with the Smiths

One afternoon, a week or so ago, I decided to take the kids and go to the zoo after naptime and before closing. It's always more fun with friends so I called Lesli Smith up to see if they wanted to join us. They were game but would be running a bit late. The kids and I had some time to kill at the zoo when we got there so we hung out with the penguins and made like 5 trips to the bathroom...kids!

The older Smith kids had not been to the zoo yet but since we were running out of time we headed straight for Grizzly Ridge.

The female bald eagle was sitting right in front of the glass. Every time Pepper cocked her head the bird would follow. Maybe we've watched "Coraline" too much.

The bird spinner started making this horrible grinding sound. Scared the poor kids to death.

The grizzlies were running around playing with each other. It was an awesome sight!
They were standing up and swatting at each other then knocking each other over and chasing each other.
Amazing creatures!

The otter slide was by far the biggest hit with the kids. And since no one else was around they got to go a bunch of times.

Morgan and Lafe

Pepper looking for the otter.

Ellie with Addison waiting.

Addison had to try something new.
I love the two younger boys in the background.
So excited to try it, too.

Lesli and Ellie helping Hazel go down.

She loved it of course!

We finally got to see the red wolves out and about.

I told the kids to be birds.

At least the girls tried.

We only had time to see Grizzly Ridge that afternoon and all the kids were pretty bummed. Lesli and I decided to take them all back on Friday morning, August 16th. We planned to see the whole zoo and take a picnic lunch. Once again, our time was cut short so we had to skip Grizzly Ridge but managed to see most of it and have a great time.

Ellie the photographer taking a picture of the Jaguar.

It was pretty crowded that morning but we still had fun.

Lesli and the kids waiting for the carousel.

Pepper is always good at waving.

Morgan showing off for the kid next to him.

Lafe was totally mesmerized and we never quite got him to wave.

Morgan the polar bear.

Hazel the big girl exploring the playground on her own.

Lunch break.

Oh, her "cheese" face just kills me!

The girls playing house.
While the boys were outside trying to figure out how to climb onto the roof!

Caught Lafe in the middle of a cough.

Pepper's photo of the underside of a hermit crab.

Checking out some tortoise and turtle shells.

These two ran off to do the touch tank without me. Guess they are big kids now.

Hooray for this picture!
Still can't believe I was lucky enough to catch her peeking through!

Trying to capture a little girl ready for a nap is easier said than done.

Another fun day at the Akron Zoo with friends. Now, that school is starting and the older kids will be busy I'm not sure how often Hazel and I will get back. But I'm sure glad to know it is there if ever we get a desire to get out of the house and see some animals!