Houston ZOO

On Monday, I decided to take the kids to the zoo. We had gone the week before, but because I bought a zoo membership we can now go anytime we want. It was a really good investment, we got a 25% discount through Dan's work and we got a supporting membership which allows us to bring in 3 adults and 10 kids every visit. All for about $90, so we will probably go at least monthly, if not bi-weekly or so. Mostly I like it because I don't have to feel obligated to stay when the kids melt down. We go in the morning and about lunch time or shortly after the kids start to go crazy and I know it is time to go home.

This past visit the kids and I and UNCLE PAT (who is home for Thanksgiving) went to the zoo together. The weather was gorgeous and I'm happy we went. Though we did spend a good chunk of the time at the zoo playground, the kids still enjoyed the animals.
We left before seeing the reptile exhibit last time so I was pleasantly surprised home much they enjoyed it when we went this time. They thought it was pretty cool. Ellie was way into the snakes and Owen loved the lizards. GROSS!

Ells bells seeing how her hand matches up to a monkey's hand.

This was a little crazy because she was right next to this HUGE ape (picture does not do him justice)... he did look a little hungry and kept eyeing my children.

The girls.

My brother and I cheesin' it up McPherson style.

This little Magdals... I am thinking about keeping her...snotty face and all.

Uncle Pat!!! Sure wish he lived closer.

Owen was so funny, he stayed in this little tunnel for like a half hour.

Mom and Ellie.

My boy.

Uncle Pat catching Maggie on the way down.

Magdalyn-- this girl makes too many goofy faces.

Owen having a little snack on the playground.

Elise thought it was pretty cool that the hippo was eating her. She kept asking me to go see the hippo at the zoo and I kept thinking that the Houston zoo doesn't have any hippos, but obviously, they have one!

The giraffes were fun as they have two baby giraffes and they are all always so easy to see!

Ellie riding in the choo choo wagon... which was so much better than the stroller I brought last time!!!

I love this picture for some reason. Owen and Uncle Pat. Owen is at this stage where he doesn't want his picture taken so it really is like a miracle when I get a decent one. McPherson cousin pictures are happening this week... should be interesting to see how that works out!

My Magdalyn chowing down on fruit snacks. This girl LOVES fruit snacks (I never have liked these much) and will eat several bags if I let her... thankfully she is also a good fruit eater and loves crackers as well.

Uncle Pat and Owen checking out the Sea Lions--- I told Pat on the way to the zoo that he is playing man to man (Uncle Pat to Owen) and I will play the zone defense. Worked out well I think! Certainly much easier with another set of hands around. We look forward to lots more zoo adventures this year.