Let's Go to the Zoo!!!

   Well here it is! My first official blog post after being MIA for the last 7 months. :). Hope I remember how to do this! 
   On Monday morning Mark woke up and found out that he didn't have work for the day. Bummer, right? Actually, NO! We had talked about doing one last "Hurrah!" with just the three of us before Baby Lodder #2 showed up on the scene (have I mentioned that we are expecting Baby Lodder #2? Like really expecting...like due in less than 1 week expecting!). We have talked about taking PJ to the zoo for a while now. She loves animals and is getting quite good at different animal noises. This surprise day off gave us the perfect opportunity to follow through on this plan and enjoy a family day at the zoo. We packed up and headed out...and got stuck in traffic. PJ wasn't a huge fan of the 2+ hour drive (should have only taken a little over 1 hour) but eventually we did get there. 
   The weather was perfect for walking around the zoo. It was about 26 degrees, sunny, but with a cool breeze. The animals were all out and since it was a Monday in June it wasn't too busy. We had to deal with a couple of school groups for about three hours but after that, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We really enjoyed connecting as a family, experiencing the animals through PJ's eyes, and seeing all of God's wonderful creation. It truly is hard to not see the amazing hand of a creator when looking at all of these different and intricately designed animals. 

Checking out the Rhino! 

She is becoming so independent. She quickly decided that the stroller was not for her and she attempted to walk the entire zoo!!

Turtles!!

So tired but still having fun :)

PJ LOVED the penguins. We watched them play in and out of the water for a long time. We are not sure if she loved them because of their antics or because she thought they were called "peytons"!!

My handsome hubby and I :). The last time we went to the zoo it was just the two of us...for our 1 year 'DATING anniversary' (I believe) :)! 

We showed up at the polar bear exhibit just in time to watch them being fed. They are such huge magnificent creatures!

PJ was not really in the "picture taking mood". Here is our best family shot of the day.

My beautiful daughter and I - with a snapping turtle!

She eventually did get tired so we were able to get her back into the stroller. This is her expression when she saw the panda bear for the first time. I just love her look of awe and wonder!

The panda bear - on loan from China (for ten years so you have time to see them!). 

A ride on Daddy's shoulders! Attempting to put his hat back on :)

We didn't realize it but the Toronto Zoo has an amazing Discovery Zone for little children. We ended up going there at the end of the day when PJ was quite tired but it was still cool. Checking out the rabbits!

Taking a break...on her own park bench away from Mommy and Daddy!

There is something about PJ and goats. She loved them last year at the Bee Farm and she loved them again here. She just kept trying to pet them and talk to them.

   
   It was a wonderful day. I was hoping that all the walking would encourage Baby Lodder #2 to make an appearance but so far - no luck. I guess the baby is quite comfortable where it is! Getting excited to meet this little one though! Can't come soon enough.