turtle back zoo

today, we met up with grandpa, grandma, aunt betty and justin at the turtle back zoo.  john and gillian have never been to the zoo.  it was a gorgeous day to walk around the zoo.  john and justin were the map readers and led the way for us through the zoo.  our first stop was the penguins.

our next stop was the prairie dogs.  john and justin loved peeking out through the prairie dog holes.  i personally loved all the giant sunflowers that lined the walk.

daddy splurged and bought john a zoo key, so at every exhibit we got to listen to a fun song about the animals displayed in that exhibit.  the zoo had interactive exhibits as well.  we got to walk through an aviary and they also had animals available to pet and feed as well.  watch out...she bites:

there were plenty of places to stop and play.

john also got to ride the ponies, unfortunately justin couldn't ride the ponies (he was too tall).  aunt betty, justin, john, gillian and i all got to ride the carousel.  it was a huge success.  justin road a leopard, while john road a zebra.  i actually got gillian to sit on an eagle.  she was a little nervous at first, and about mid-way through she started waving to everyone around her. 

at the end of our trip, everyone got to enjoy a train ride.  it was a great time at the zoo.  i'm so glad that we were able to join grandma & grandpa!