Lets go see some animals!

Jack is certainly obsessed with the abc's but he loves animals as well.  The kids usually go to their other parents on the same weekend, but last weekend we only had Ellie and went to Six Flags, did fireworks, went hiking at Erwin Park, and went out to eat a lot (things we can't do with Jack).  This weekend we have just Jack.  We decided to try the zoo.  I was nervous because he has meltdowns and it's very hard to have those in a public place, but we kept an open mind that if it didn't work out we could always leave.  We also had a free ticket.  Well let me tell you………..

It was magical.  You know those moments where you are like "Yes!  This fits, it's meant to be! " (I felt that way on my wedding day) I had that feeling at the zoo.  We don't get to do too many things with Jack due to sensitivities, behavior, and interest so finding this match was beyond thrilling.  He LOVED it.  He loved getting to walk around with space- he walked beside us and occasionally held hands, but loved the freedom.  He and Jon ran up and down the sidewalks and he sang the abc's as he trotted down the paths.  He loved every animal, especially the penguins, elephants, flamingos, and iguana.  He loved playing in the water at the Children's Zoo and feeding the goats.  He also enjoyed riding the train and carousel.  He was so happy on the way and while we were there and all of the way home.  He kept saying P!  P is for penguin!  It was so great to be able to see the animals he talks about when he says the abc's.

We got to meet the cheetah and dog who are best friends.  They were in People Magazine.  We saw them up close with trainers.  The cheetah really liked Jack- pretty sure she wanted to EAT him.  She attacked the fence- jumping and rearing back.  She went crrrrrrazy when he ran up and down the sidewalk.  The trainer was flipping out so we left….

He was sooooo happy :) Which makes me happy!

He loved the flamingos and giggled a lot when they 'ran' across the water

 He rode on the Tiger and yelled 'Mommy!'  'Where Mommy!!!' most of the ride :)

He kept smelling the goat's bottoms…no idea..

His favorite part.  He kept wanting to get in every animal's water area.  Jon had to hold him to look at animals because he tried to jump out of my arms twice over a rail and he is pretty strong now.  He had no concept of 'danger.'  ;)

This was hilarious because he kept high-fiving the iguana thing and kissing the glass and the iguana kept kissing and high-fiving back!

Jon and I have both been to Africa so we were like pshhhhh :)

He LOVES elephants

He was not interested in a picture but I enjoyed the snuggles!  What a wonderful experience!!!  So glad Jack was able to do something fun and new that perfectly met his interests!

*We went at 9:00- when it opens- it wasn't too crowded and it wasn't too hot!*