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!

April 21

Easter Monday… well the Monday after Easter was the perfect day for our family to head to the Como Zoo… it is a donations only entrance so way more affordable for our small budget than the state zoo. It may not have ALL the animals but there are more than enough to make for a fun and fulfilling day.

We started out with the seals and penguins where we picked up our second plastic mold creature – a seal (last time it was the gorilla). The kids want to collect all of the ones available at the zoo. One animal at a time.

We got some spectacular pictures of the polar bear.

We had a snack in front of the lions who were napping in the sun.

And other cats as well

There was the newly renovated gorilla enclosure to check out as well.

Don’t forget about the monkeys!

We had a quick stop off at the gift shop to look around and get a postcard to send to Cousin Jimmie back home. And then it was out the door and into the sunshine.

Time to head home for the OTHER big activity! Gammie sent the kids a box full of Easter Egg Hunt fun! Pre filled eggs and peeps for all!! I had Ken set it all up –  the pretty eggs in the front yard in pretty plain sight for the girls and the backyard full of  the others in harder to find places. The girls were so excited to have easy to find and the boys totally loved the challenge.

Ready to hunt

After we ran and hunted and laughed it was time to take all the booty up to the sun room to hang out in the sunshine as we painstakingly opened each and every egg and pile up the treats… jelly beans and rockets (US Smarties). Each egg was carefully emptied, closed back up and put into the bag to be saved as I am told we MUST repeat this procedure next year!

Throw some more fun outside with a tiny bit of school and I think we made it an Easter Monday to remember!!!