Daytrip to Detroit Zoo

We didn't plan a whole lot for Spring Break this year, feeling like we needed a little down time after our rushed move.  Taylor and Mia did spend the first few days visiting with their dad who flew in for a visit. It was just a few days, but I sure missed them! As the kids grow up they are more and more my friends. Taylor and Mia, especially,also help keep everyone else in check. More than anything, I think, we just don't quite know what to do without everyone together.

After they returned (and the weather perked up) we thought we'd make a little escape to the Detroit Zoo to check it out. If the weather was better, I would have planned another daytrip to Lake Michigan, but it's been a little chilly and wet this week. I figured we could at least get warm in the zoo buildings if needed, as we grabbed some fresh air between exhibits.

I had braved the downtown Detroit area once before with the kiddos, to visit a museum. After all the scary things I've heard about Detroit from a west-coast perspective, I expected it to be so much worse, and geared up accordingly. I have to say I think Spokane is a little scarier than at least the section of Detroit we visited. The trip to the zoo was even easier. Even so, I  always wonder how I'll do in that big oversized Sequoia barreling through the city freeways and maneuvering around crazy city streets. Luckily these days the kids know to not be too loud or ask too many questions while I'm driving. We made it safe and sound. 

The weather was even chillier than I thought it would be, and even more so than the kids believed I said it would be--I'm always fighting them to bring a jacket. This time I think I actually saw their gratitude. I knew the indoor zoo exhibits would keep us warm, and the first exhibit to greet us did just that. I think the bird and butterfly rooms were our favorites, maybe because we were so cozy, but more so because how peaceful it was watching all the fluttering wings and keeping our voices low in hopes we could spy something nearby. I think these are looks of awe on Kenna and Dax's faces, but they may be more looks of, "I just drove an hour and a half, I'm tired."

I enjoyed trying out my developing camera skills, and think I got a few good shots. The kiddos wanted me to take pictures of all the animals, I focused on our own herd. 

Kenna skipped the whole way. She skips everywhere--it's great. She still is the cheeriest kid ever.

Dax and Kenna were the only ones who wanted to actually smile for photos.

Look at those big girls smirking and avoiding the camera.

This was the best I could get, then I changed my tactics.

We spent a lot of time looking at the map. We knew the highlight was supposed to be the Polar Bear exhibit, which Kenna  kept pointing to each time. We held out and saved it for last. 

Mia really has an eye for good photos, and she especially loves animal shots, so she was having a great time.

Taylor, too. She actually likes how this turned out.

Southern Michigan has been in bloom for a few weeks now. I love these Eastern Red Buds (I think that's what they are).

Kenna was always eager to pose.

Addy was best at dodging the camera.

 

3 oversized groundhogs--Taylor and Mia were too grown up to play along (me, too, I guess!)

Of all the animals the kids seemed to be the most excited about the horse and farm exhibit. We better end up with a farmer out of one of these kiddos. Or at least a gardener. I already know they'll all have mini zoos if they can. I was impressed by how clean that barn was, absolutely no smell at all, not even the pigs! 

The Polar Bear exhibit probably would be pretty cool when the bears are swimming. Just walking through the sunny tunnel through the pools was pretty neat, though, and those 3 on the left could have kept their hands on the ice all afternoon if I let them.

I just can't resist that face.

Nor this one, this is my all-time favorite look Kenna gives to almost everyone around her. She was just smiling at the other girl who was also enjoying the exhibit. I hope she avoids camera fright for just a little longer, all take all of those grins I can get!