We are very lucky that our state has two zoos. The one we frequent relies on donations only which is terrific since to take our whole family to the other one is over 100.00. Curse of the large family when it comes to field trips. While we meant to head over to the zoo on the 1st of July to celebrate Canada Day it was just too busy. So we took off for the beach HERE and instead went back at the beginning of the day on the 5th. Perfect!

New metal piece out front!

Close up detail.

We never quite see everything on a trip. Which is just fine, since this zoo is affordable and not that long of a drive away. But we did see some wonderful animals.

For the most part I see the relevancy of zoos as an educational tool, a breeding program for endangered and critical animals, and often the only chance we will EVER have to see many of these animals in person. BUT the gorillas are hard. I just do not enjoy visiting them at all.

They were just so … resigned to it all.

Lemurs on the other hand, are a family favourite.

And the seasonal butterfly exhibit. That is always a wonderful experience.

On Emanuel’s hat

Of course we took some time with the penguins and the seahorses. 

With our maple leaf friend

So we return often and share equally as often. Hopefully not too boring for those who check back here often. What can I say? We do love to share what we see!

Flamingos

We never noticed this before

Yup a 4 yr old, and she is almost 7 at this point!

So many statues to pose with.

She dressed to match

Zander is far right

Ok so NOT as long awaited as DECEMBER… which I WILL cover BEFORE this December comes about… I hope! But I figured before I shared my Mom and Step-dad’s visit I REALLY should cover Karyn and Lauralee’s. The intrepid duo drove from Red Deer, Alberta all the way down to the Grand Canyon and back again. With a stop off of a week at our house in sunny Minnesota – in the summer – when Karyn is NEVER here (for some reason MOST of her visits occur in the middle of winter… who goes from ALBERTA to MINNESOTA in the winter? Well one of the most amazing aunties ever of course!).

We made sure to show them a little bit of the state – our favourite beach of course.

Karyn and I ducked out for our usual extensive Mall of America shopping – sadly one of my favourite stores is gone now BUT we did manage to find some hidden gems, spend a little cash and walk ourselves into the ground. SO – good day!

Did NOT purchase

BUBBLE TEA

We 3 adults joined Ken for an adult lunch. And some MORE shopping (poor Lauralee).

On my birthday (June 24th) the ladies watched our kids so we could go out for a lovely dinner.

First flowers that are REAL since our wedding!

Karyn drove us to the YMCA a few times and spoiled us horribly. So workouts and playing did not falter. Seriously, this has to be the healthiest summer EVER for this family – 2 miles either way, lots to do while there. ALL GOOD!

Karyn brought us a marvelous car full of gear. Canadian stuff, stuff from her childhood. Which put Trinity right over the moon. (the shirts she brought for us are in our Canada Day pictures on the post for Canada Day of course.)

We checked out the Como Zoo – because really when we did a comparison the animals at the pay zoo were not enough to make the donation only zoo less impressive. PLUS they had BUTTERFLIES!!!!

Trinity snuck off with her god mommy and Lauralee for ice cream and Mommy snuck off with Karyn and Lauralee for frozen yogurt. So there was even some sneaking around! 

It was a wonderful visit, and as usual, not long enough. But then again, I doubt there could be a visit that we would feel was “long enough.” I am just so grateful they added us to their pilgrimage south. Now enjoy the rest of our pictures! I couldn’t resist adding more!

September 1-2

It took us multiple tries to get to the zoo… we totally misjudged a holiday Monday AND a fair which left the parking lot so packed we simply did not have the patience to hunt down a rather elusive parking spot even further from the entrance. Como may not be the biggest zoo in the state but as the “free” zoo there are more than a few draws to have people come out in droves to visit. Our final aborted attempt led us to a park instead.

Miss Echo squeaked in some school time… working on her name for Gammie. 

BUT we made it on the 2nd. This was Karyn’s first trip to the Como Zoo. We didn’t see everything but we had a blast.

It was the perfect day for flowers AND animals…

There was an amazing art display all carved out of wood.

We did another plastic mold. This is our third… we now have a seal, a gorilla and now a bear from the polar bear area.

I have to say the best animal of all was an accidental one – a very courageous chipmunk. He did everything but stop for a pet… running by our shoes… picking up a nut right near us. What an unexpected snack time supplement.

Two of the lions were indoors and rather restless, waiting on their dinner. Echo was VERY unsure of the experience. The enclosures are rather old school and there was only thick glass between us and the lions.

There was a couple of educational opportunities (more than just the ever helpful signs by the animals) with little booths that had helpful guides who could tell us all about the animal they were parked across from. The giraffe set up was very interesting.

I have to say, Karyn being here once again has been an amazing gift! Even better… we had an overnight trip to… of all places… Wisconsin! Of course, that will be a blog entry (or two) all its own. Lots of pictures! But until then, zoo overflow!