Portland ZOO!

While we were visiting Nana & Papa this past weekend, we had the FABULOUS opportunity to venture to the Portland Zoo. I think Beau enjoyed his experience even more than the children! (He had to double back and get a second look at the wolves.)

Hazel was a little confused about when she would see her "cousins." Papa's joke about going to the zoo to see our cousins (the monkeys), was a little lost on our almost three-year old. I think she kept thinking Chris & Kelsey would pop up around the next bend! Now that WOULD have certainly been fun.

Here are some pictures of our crew's adventure to the Portland Zoo.

It was an adventure to ride to the zoo on the MAX light rail train.

Hazel was delighted when we began to move. (Her new outfit from Nana made her easy to keep track of at the zoo!)

Henley enjoyed the moving landscape outside the train window.

Nana and Papa are always great company.

Come over here mr. beaver.

The distortion of the glass & water makes mr. beaver look a little silly. He was definitely a highlight for me. He was so social and kept on coming right up to where the kids were.

Beau was in charge of the map, thank goodness. I love to follow. Hazel was helping him plan our next adventure.

Wow, this polar bear was huge.

The kids measure up against the size of the zoo bears.

The orangutan was also a big hit. That wing span was amazing, and his HANDS were so big. Friendly guy!

Of course Miss Hazel loved the elephants - especially with the good view on Papa's shoulders!

Our Hippo view. Two BIG rears.

At the other side of the habitat...still our same view.

The petting zoo was fun. Hazel was shy around the little goats at first, but then warmed up and enjoyed being so close to the cute furry animals.

The giraffe was resting much like the hippos. We were hoping to see his full height, but seeing how his legs bend up under him was interesting too.

Richie enjoyed spending the day with Papa.

Hazel had the opportunity to make her own bug. Very cute interactive station and she was very serious about making just the perfect bug.

She was proud of her creation!

Perched (resting) and waiting for our train to take us back to our cars.

One last silly Hazel face as we ride the train for home.

Henley enjoys time with Nana.

The train dropped us off, we got in our cars, and Hazel was instantly fast asleep. A day of adventures has a way of wiping her out. (Me too!)