Birthday zoo trip: Polar Bears

We decided to start off Amara's 2nd birthday weekend celebration similarly to how we did last year--at the zoo.  We had heard amazing things about the new polar bear exhibit, so I have to admit, I was geeked! 

Amara was actually starting to get a little Spring cold--so we debated whether or not she'd actually feel like going, but she awoke happy, and we all got dressed and headed up.  Because we didn't get there right at opening, it was already busy--but we try to go to just a few concentrated things when we do a zoo trip, so straight to the Polar Bears we went.

Back through North America, past the petting zoo, and the railroad tracks, FINALLY we got there.  We first headed underground, to the water exhibit.  It was pretty neat, because you're under the water, and can see their paws swimming about.  It was some big field trip day, so dozens of kids were standing around taking video and giving the play-by-play.  Amara loved watching the kids as much as the bears!

We headed up to the above ground observation areas, and these guys were HAMMING IT UP!  There were two AMAZING, beautiful bears.  They ran and played and were kind of tackling each other, when one took this dramatic run down the hill, up on a rock, and belly flopped into the water, right in front of us!  Then, he proceeded to get what I called his "toy box" and carry it around and swim around with it, litterally inches (and 6 inches of glass) from our face.  The sweetest (and saddest at the same time) was Amara saying "wanna jump IN, wanna get IN" because she REALLY wanted to jump in the water with the bears. 

We told her that they were so big, they might accidentally hurt her, but she didn't seem to get it, and we had to pry her away.  On the way out, we saw some beautiful black and brown bears in their new habitat, but it was too crowded to even snap a photo!

We also passed the new Arctic Fox exhibit--an apparent close cousin to our pup Ily, and of course, Amara wanted to play with them.  One was even carrying a tennis ball around, which further complicated the issue of her not being able to get in the cage and play...so we quickly moved on.

Since we'd crossed the train tracks on the way in, it was no surprise that Amara asked to ride it.  We were apprehensive because the line was QUITE long and it was getting warmer by the minute (our car said 92 degrees when we left) but we waited--and also got a ticket for the pony rides while in the line too.

The train ride was fun--though, in this pic, it's kind of sad--because you can see how sick her little face looked, but she was having fun, and was bound and determined to keep going.  She makes me feel like I can NEVER complain about being sick myself, EVER!  We saw the moose, and passed the Polar Bear exhibit, and saw a few other critters, and were quickly back at the train depot.

On to the pony rides we went.  A VERY long wait there--but we finally got to ride Socks.  Socks is a 19 year old pony, who has only been with the zoo about 5-6 years, but his handler said he'd retire in another year or 2...though, the average life-span is around 30 for them (I know, I totally irritate the workers).


We had a quick jaunt around the path.  Amara was pretty quiet, but did 'pat' him a lot--and a few times as we got off him as well.  We met up with daddy and headed out to the car.  It was quickly getting later, and we knew we had a long car ride home (not to mention this was the Friday of Memorial weekend, and the day before her party) so we just wanted to get her comfortably resting in her bed.

Last year, exiting the zoo, we got her a pink trucker hat with a monkey on the front.  This year, I had decided we really didn't need anything, so I wasn't going to stop, but Eric said "aren't we going to get her something?" :)  We hit the kidddie gift shop, and the two of them found a cute little Polar Bear, to commemorate her visit. 

She was immediately snuggling with him in the car as she and daddy watched Mickey Mouse in the back seat--so E had me snap this quick shot before we pulled out.

It was a great time and a lot of memories for all of us.  I can't wait to go back and see those guys again!  If you haven't been to the zoo lately, I tell you--it is worth the trip, JUST for those big, silly, white bears.