Zoo Boo 2011

On Sunday the 4 of us went to the Houston Zoo for the "Zoo Boo". Every year in October, the Houston Zoo adds "not-so-spooky" events for the kids, which are included in the zoo admission fee. We have never been before so we thought this Halloween season would fit our family dynamic perfectly. Pete and I were thinking back and realized that we hadn't been to the zoo since Colin was almost 3! So, we HAD to go! Especially because Ava loves animals. She and Colin's favorite zoo animal is the giraffe. The children were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. So of course, Colin was more than thrilled to dress in his Mario costume for an entire day! Ava dressed as Princess Peach from The Mario Brothers. I couldn't ask for CUTER kids!!!! This pic was as we entered the zoo. See the excitment in Colin's face?!

We had such a blast just spending the day together. The weather was perfect because it was overcast and wasn't very warm. However, the mosquitos were OUT OF CONTROL! I swear we sprayed ourselves and the kids with at least 6 times. Eventhough the bugs were outragous, it didn't stop us from enjoying a nice Sunday Funday together.

Seriously? I thought this sign was pretty funny.

A lot of the animals were sleeping but it was still cool to see them. The zoo has really improved the habitats for the animals.

 Mommy: "Ava, where is the bear?"

Ava: "THAT!"

The new Africa exibit was spectacular! This first habitat you explore is for the Chimps. You are RIGHT in their faces! Colin was fasinated and was making silly faces at them and dancing. Ava, on the other hand, was TERRIFIED! I tried to sit her down next to Colin for this pic but she was NOT having it!

Brother Rhino and Baby Sister Rhino :)

This was the BEST PART OF THE ZOO! Colin got to FEED A GIRAFFE! You should've seen his little eyes and face light up when we saw the sign.  The Giraffes were just beautiful. Colin and Ava were just in awe of these larger than life animals! We thought Ava would be scared because the giraffes were so close to us but she loved it too!

This pic was quick because the zoo keeper said "Do not to turn your back on the Giraffes..."

 Silly Colin and Mommy!

I can't even believe God blessed Pete and I with these two beautiful children! What perfect little angels!

Our 2nd favorite animals and exibit were the elephants. There were a couple babies here too and they were actually running and snorting at each other! The zoo keepers gave them pumpkins as a treat and the elephants totally indulged in the delight! One of the Mama elephants CRUSHED a pumpkin in one bite! Colin said "WHHHOOOOAAAAA!" and then realized to never ever put his hands near an elephant's mouth. ;0)

Showing off his pumpkin he painted at The Pumkpin Patch.

The Red Pandas were so cute and cuddley looking. Ava kept following them up and down their run way. I think she was trying to chase and catch them like she does to Oscar. It was hard to get a good picture of them because they were playing so much.

And you know we had to go through the gift shop. Ava found a little monkey that "talked" (which is ironic considering she HATED the real ones). I showed her the elephant and a snow globe. Below was her reaction to the snow floating around in the zoo-globe.

We had a great time at the Zoo Boo and would recommend it to anybody with Pre-School age kids. Colin and Ava loved every minute of it and so did Mommy and Daddy!