Como Zoo

Last week I met a friend and her two girls at the Como Zoo. Jess and I met during workshop week before starting at Mounds View High School (both teaching math.) I remember the first conversation we ever had as we walked through the lunch line -- something about neither of us liking mayonnaise on our sandwiches. An instant bond was formed. We became good friends teaching together, going to the same church Eagle Brook, our husbands became fishing buddies, going through pregnancies and both having two girls (hers are 4 and 2, mine are 3 and 2 -- she wasn't QUITE as insane), doing our master's degree together, being in a Bible study together for many years, and so much more. Even though I switched schools and went to Irondale in 2003 and we didn't see each other as much, we still talk often and try to get together here and there. Jess, if you're reading this, I miss our "pre-kid" days of hanging out together! Although I do love sharing little girl stories with you.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the Como Zoo. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time.
We started at the fairly new butterfly garden. Here is Rachel showing Bri the art of butterfly identification.

There were 4 adult giraffes there, and this adorable baby giraffe.

This monkey was exposing himself a little much, I think.

It was free carousel ride day. Great idea, we thought! Unfortunately, it was right at lunch time and the girls were starving. Also, the workers were not very kid-friendly. Who do they think is going to ride the carousel, all old people? Then, just our luck, they cut the line for the next ride off right in front of us. So we had to wait another 10 minutes, an eternity when you're trying to keep 4 young children from escaping under the ropes. Thank goodness Bri was able to be bribed with fruit snacks.

Was it worth the wait? Not sure!

It was a great morning at the zoo, and luckily Bri didn't fall asleep until the last few minutes of the ride home, and still got a nice long nap in. Always nice for mom.