Out on the Town in ABQ: Part 2

Our Albuquerque outings continue...

Outing #5 -- The Rio Grande Zoo

We picked a gorgeous day to attend Albuquerque's zoo! In fact, upon arriving at the zoo we decided that the weather was so warm, the boys would be more comfortable in shorts. So, after a quick parking lot change and then a special gate unlocking at the zoo's entrance (our stroller was too wide to fit through the normal gates!), we were ready for our day at the zoo. 

One of our first stops was the giraffe exhibit. Jaden and Cody had never seen a real giraffe before.

Can you sense their excitement? :)

We loved seeing how the zoo workers stuck leafy branches into the fence, giving the giraffes the feel of a real tree, and allowing visitors to get a close-up view of the animals.

The boys got a little more animated once we took them out of the stroller. Cody happily laughed and pointed at the new creatures.

Grammy and Cody led the way to the next exhibit---

Elephants!

We got to see this guy play with the water fountain, step on it, and eventually take a drink.

Some animals, like this peacock, we got to view REALLY up close!

The zebras were another big highlight.

We're not sure what Jaden and Cody enjoyed more at this particular stop-- looking at the zebras or having the chance to run up and down the nearby sidewalk!

Next, Grammy helped Jaden get a better view of the rhinos.

And finally, saving the best for last, we ended with the gorillas and the monkeys. It was obvious that these two guys were excited to see us.

Jaden and Cody weren't so sure what to think of this up-close encounter.

Quite likely, the boys' highlight of the entire day was playing on this wooden bridge. The shaky feel of the bridge made the boys laugh and laugh! At first, they would hold onto the netting alongside the bridge as they walked, but soon both boys bravely ran straight down. Talk about two little risk-takers! Two stumbles, a set of scraped knees, and a bump on the head later... we decided it was time to go home. :) All in all, we enjoyed our wonderful day at the zoo!

Outing #6-- The Aquarium & Botanical Gardens

This outing was extra special because we got to visit with both Grammy AND Papa as well as dear ole "Auntie" Tyler (Amy's good childhood friend). The only one of the group that had ever been to the aquarium was Grammy, so it was a treat for all of us to see the various exhibits here.

The floor-to-ceiling tanks gave Cody and Jaden so much to see--

like these bizarre fish,

and a whole tank of jellyfish.

Cody and Jaden's favorite spot was sitting atop this large (not real) starfish. They loved the bumpy texture, and, of course, being out of the stroller is always a plus!

Jaden and Cody proudly sport the cute onesies given to them by Auntie Tyler on their birthday.

We practically felt like we were underwater with all the sea creatures in some of these exhibits!

Papa shows Cody the sharks,

while nearby, Mommy and Jaden marvel at their close proximity to these large, frightening fish!

Outside the aquarium, we walked through the botanical gardens, toured a butterfly pavilion,

captured a sighting of a famous NM roadrunner, 

and toured the Children's Fantasy Garden. In this crazy center, we walked through a large pumpkin (complete with a squishy floor and a netting full of seeds hanging over our heads), saw ants as large as us, and let the boys have a heyday inside these carrots!

Isn't it great how children can create so much joy from the smallest things?

Thanks, Tyler, for accompanying us to the aquarium. It was so good to see you! And thanks, Grammy and Papa, for giving your little grandkids such a variety of new experiences. These outings made our trip extra memorable!