Hogle Zoo

We went down to visit Collin's mom over Memorial Day weekend, and it was a much-needed getaway! It was great even just spending the time together as a family in the car, believe it or not. I don't usually think the car part is very fun, but I enjoyed it this time! We went to Hogle Zoo on Saturday, and the best part was that our Zoo Boise pass was good for 50% off our admission there. Ashlyn was free and Nana is a senior, so we got a steal of a deal! Well truthfully, we probably wouldn't have bothered going if we'd had to pay full price.... expensive! 

Sadly Ashlyn had had a really late night the night before with us getting in and then her actually settling down and going to sleep, and about halfway through the zoo that began to become a big issue! She got really tired and whiny and generally mad at anyone and everything. So we hoofed it as quick as we could with a kid who refused to be carried, or to walk, or to ride in the stroller (I'll let your imagination figure out how that ended up working out) back to the car to get out of there, which still took a good 40 more minutes. But it was really fun and I'm glad we went.I won't bother much narrative as you look at the pics though :)

Did NOT like being in the nest!

She insisted on pushing the stroller on the one up-hill path in the entire zoo.... go figure!

 This was my favorite moment of our entire weekend, maybe even the entire year so far! Even when Ashlyn was at the end of her rope as we were heading out, she caught sight of the carousel and was fascinated by it. We figured why not, to let her have a ride. She has never ridden one before. I didn't know if she would hate it or love it. Well, she BEYOND loved it! She was a little unsure as it started moving, but after a few seconds she was absolutely giddy and laughing almost uncontrollably as she went up and down. I was laughing so hard myself I had tears in my eyes. All the people around the carousel waiting in line were getting a kick out of her too. She was yelling "whooooaaaa!" "weeeeeee!!" and laughing outloud and exclaiming....so so funny. I wish we had known and been ready to take a video. The picture below is the best shot where if you look close you can see her super excited little face.

This little tent with giant legos was a great last-minute distraction when we had to wait for bathroom breaks and Daddy to go get the car. Thanks Hogle Zoo!