Fun at the Zoo

Yesterday we were able to go to the zoo with Tony's parents, brother (Nate), his wife (Amy), and their son Matt.  Tony's Dad's work had reserved the whole zoo for the evening and we all had a great time.  The only bad part was that Tony had to work and couldn't join us, but we still managed to have a good time.
We started off meeting Tony's family at the zoo about 4:30 pm.  They had provided a BBQ dinner with all the fixin's and non-stop drinks.  Tyler and Josh seemed to like the drinks the best and didn't really eat any dinner.  Then we headed to go get our free hats, visors, and t-shirts for the kids.  They really did so much to make their employees and their families feel special.  We also got three snacks each from the concession stands.
After getting our goods, we headed to see some animals.  We saw lots of monkeys and the ape was really fun to watch.  He was sitting right in front of the window looking back at us.  We saw the elephant with her baby - super cute!  And the giraffes rounded out my favorites. 

Josh did really good just sitting in his stroller drinking his lemonade (he loves cups with lids and straws).  Tyler did good either sitting on top of the stroller or walking right by me.  There were a lot of people there so I was a little worried when he walked that he might get separated from us, but he did good.  He liked going over all the different bridges and seeing the different sites.  We got to do the carrousel and ride the train.  Then we let all the boys play on the big play ground that they have.  Always a big hit with the kids.
Then we decided we were all "zooed" out and decided to go.  When we left the park Tony's dad, Lloyd, gave Tyler his map of the zoo.  Tyler LOVES maps and was so happy that Papa gave it to him.  In the car Tyler told me that he thought that the map belonged to Papa, and I told him that it did but Papa gave it to him and then Tyler said, "I know, that's what makes it special."  I thought that was such a sweet thing to say.  Both boys really did have a great time, this morning however Tyler did tell me that next time he goes to the zoo, he wants to go with Daddy.  I think that is only fair.  Thanks so much to Papa Lloyd and to Rio Tinto for such a fine evening.