Zoo fun

I love Hogle Zoo! I went several times last year and have wanted to take Elliott there, but in the Hot Summer Heat it's not as fun. As things have cooled off now, we have gone to the zoo twice within a week. It's also alot more fun because the animals are more active in the cooler weather, not just napping and lying around lethargically. Anyway, Elliott and I went with some friends in our ward, and then the next week my mom and brother and sister were in town for The Lion King (amazing!) so we went to the zoo again.
Elliott liked the giant elephant until it sneezed and made loud music, then he clung to me in terror.

Here are Brittany's favorite zoo animal, the giraffe!

The reptile house was great because some men were trimming trees and bushes in the center so the birds were hanging out in the halls with us. Elliott and his cousin Enoch were delighted to see them up close and wanted to run up to them so badly.

Elliott loves to walk around now. (Only manages 5 or 6 steps on his own.) Grandma was his hand holder for the reptile house. Strollers are banned from this building, but it gave Elliott some stretch time.

We also rode the carousel. Here is my sister-in-law Celeste and Enoch and Elliott and I. Sadly some obnoxious 4-year-old stranger stole the cool elephant, so Elliott settled for a turtle next to Enoch and the dolphin.

Brittany and Brad opted for the more comfortable bench where they could see their cute nephews.

Elliott may have inherited my equilibrium because he wasn't thrilled with the spinning and up and down with music. He didn't cry, but he didn't smile either (And if you know how much this kid smiles ALL the time, it means something if the smile disappears.) Anyway I was a little dizzy after the ride.

Enoch however, LOVED it! He has a great cheeser too!

Of course we cannot go to the zoo and leave without a train ride! It seems like the seats get smaller each year :(

Elliott had fallen asleep by the camels and didn't wake up until I sat on the train and so he was a little disoriented and unsure. He also clung to me in the tunnel.

This scooter was a life-saver. Rental only costs $25 and was so worth it for Brad. In the past we have pushed him in his wheel-chair, but have you been on the hill by the giraffes? Impossible to push someone so big. But Brad loves the zoo and his motorized tour was the best!

Just hanging around by the bathrooms for a little break.

Little boys are natural splashers and so we had some fun in this fountain-globe by the entrance. At first they tried pushing the globe, but splashing was way more satisfying.

Elliott and Enoch were great playmates. In fact, Elliott watched what Enoch did and then did the same. It was precious.

Big boys!

Yep - they became friends on this trip, they even shook on it!

So cute! But we eventually had to go our seperate ways and leave the zoo.

Grandma sent us off with fuzzy giant tiger cubs. Elliott absolutely loves his! Thanks Mom and Brittany and Brad and Celeste and Enoch for such a great vacation day!