saturday zoo

last saturday we went to the zoo. i never really liked the zoo all that much. beth and i went to the "world famous" san diego zoo & wild animal park a couple of times when we lived in san diego, but i could take it or leave it. it probably has to do with my disdain for large groups of people touching me. really, don't touch me if i don't know you.
having kids has changed this monumentally. i now love the zoo. why? because they love the zoo. their complete joy at seeing the different animals affects my joy level. of course, i still don't want strangers touching me, but i'll put up with some discomfort when there is that much joy surrounding me.
saturday was about the most perfect zoo day you could imagine. just slightly overcast, in the mid-70s and the animals were out. even better, the people weren't. i love the oregon zoo. it's quaint, they have great animals, their prices are great (with a season pass) and i can easily find my way around. we found a parking spot, brought in our wagon and the day had begun.
our boys first reaction when we get into the zoo is one of excitement.

they took off running to look for "amnals." unfortunately, the first animal you come across going this direction is a mountain goat. they don't like goats. ask them. they'll tell you.
the wagon is a great tool at the zoo. in fact, a lot of times, the boys will do the work:

the day is always great when you get to the primate section. the boys love the monkeys, and they always seem to be doing something awesome. today was no exception. we got to the chimps at feeding time, and then there were two primates that really wore their emotions out there for everyone to see:
This guy was awesome. he sat here the whole time. not happy at all:

and the orangutan. what can you say. haven't you had a day when you just wanted to sit in a giant bowl with a bag on your head? i have...

anyway, it was a great day at the zoo. if you ever want to join us, we're ready to go! the boys talk about it any chance they get. maybe the tiger will be out again: