Going Solo. . .

Today was my first outing alone with Matthew and Evelyn for a day trip. We have gone to the local parks, and things like that, of course, but not to a place like the Minnesota Zoo before. During past trips to the zoo, with helpers like Ethan or Grandma in tow, the twins insist on getting out of the stroller, and running on opposite directions. We talked about proper zoo behavior over the last few days, and today we were ready!!

The Zoo is fantastic in the winter--no one is there! And to top it all off, today was a beautiful 50 degree day!

The Grizzley Coast Trail is Awesome! One of the first things we saw were these bears. One is in the water right in front of M&E fishing while the other watches from the rocks. It was amazing to see them so close up!



As soon as Evelyn saw this Leopard, she went running to get close. There was a second Leopard roaring in this exhibit too, which was so interesting for them to hear!

After making our way down to the Family Farm (which unfortunately is closed in the winter months) and back, we visited the Tropical Trail. M&E spent a lot of time climbing on this tortoise! Then we saw 3 live tortoise too!

We then made our way down the Minnesota Trail, and found out that Evelyn is the size of a Pileated Woodpecker--who knew?? Matthew didn't want to see what bird had his wing span, so we skipped it.

They're favorite part of the day, by far, was Discovery Cove. They loved the sharks and the dolphins, and of course all the other fish too. We ended up back here twice, and spent more than an hour watching the sharks and dolphins swim around!

Evelyn kept telling me the sharks were having a party (because the sharks say they are having a party in Finding Nemo)! Cute, cute, cute!

We had a great day! Can't wait to get back to the zoo again this winter, and I feel much more confident taking M&E out on a day trip now as long as they destination isn't too crowded!