Every direction on a main highway that would lead us to the zoo was closed. What would have been a quick 20-25 min drive turned out to be almost an hour trying to navigate through the city, hitting every stop light along the way. That is very frustrating and the kids kept asking how much longer it would be to get to the zoo. Thank goodness for DVD player. Madagascar was the only DVD in the van and that was perfect for getting ready to go to the zoo. The minute the movie starts, Rylan sings the “I like to move it, move it” song and bee bops all over in his seat. It’s quite hilarious.
Our first stop is the Savanna area and African trail. They were very interested in the Giraffes, Watusi Cattle, and the Rhino’s. Unfortunately they really wanted to see the Zebras, but hey were no where in site. 
Monkeys, Orangutans, Baboons and Mandrill’s were next. Rylan gets a kick out of these guys. Especially the baboons. For some reason he can’t help to point out how colorful the Baboon’s butts are. Of course he has to make a big ordeal and say something silly when a lot of people are around and embarrass the crap out of us. I wish I could remember what he said. It was pretty funny. Chad and I looked at each other, laughed it off under our breath, grabbed the boys and ran out of there!
Monkeys, Orangutans, Baboons and Mandrill’s were next. Rylan gets a kick out of these guys. Especially the baboons. For some reason he can’t help to point out how colorful the Baboon’s butts are. Of course he has to make a big ordeal and say something silly when a lot of people are around and embarrass the crap out of us. I wish I could remember what he said. It was pretty funny. Chad and I looked at each other, laughed it off under our breath, grabbed the boys and ran out of there! The Lions and tigers are always a huge hit. 
The lions were out playing and very lively. By the time the boys got up there to see them they mellowed out and went into their little caves. That was a bummer. The elephants are always a big hit. One little guy was out all by himself. The boys said "ahhh he is sooo cute!". And he really was, but he needed some friends in there to play with. So we threw Tanner and Rylan in...ok, i'm kidding. Chad went in!
The lions were out playing and very lively. By the time the boys got up there to see them they mellowed out and went into their little caves. That was a bummer. The elephants are always a big hit. One little guy was out all by himself. The boys said "ahhh he is sooo cute!". And he really was, but he needed some friends in there to play with. So we threw Tanner and Rylan in...ok, i'm kidding. Chad went in!
On our way to the petting farm we ran into an interesting character...one that is seen here in Phoenix quite often. A bobcat. Just like Rylan is with our cat...he went ahead and teased this little fellow too. The kitty gave the boys a big ol' hiss right back to let them know he was scared. It looked more like a ...If I were able to break out of my cage, I would rip you to shreds hiss. He was looking pretty mean and ferocious! I think I jumped back a couple of times. Ahh yes, the petting farm. Who doesn't love a germ infested, disease spreading area?? Rylan got out a bush to pat down his little buddy. Chad picked leaves off the trees and Rylan got a kick out of the goats eating in his hands. Tanner found his friend. His name just happened to be T.J. Tanners initials. He insisted I take a picture of them! Check out the red collar.
After we left the petting zoo it was time to rub our dirty hands in a big bag of kettle corn...did we wash them...nah! Ok we never got kettle corn and we scrubbed up to our elbows before we left the barn.
Here are some other random shots throughout the day
Despite the fact that the temperature was 105 degrees today we all had a blast. Its a dry heat!!!
