The Zoo - Part 2 - Big Cat Falls

We were all looking forward to the new Big Cat Falls habitat. It started off with a whimper. We went on a typical August day, so the lions were doing what lions do in hot and humid weather. In other words, the lions were lying around and trying to stay cool.

The jaguar was perched on the wall in the back of his habitat. Hidden to the point that a zoo worker was standing there kindly pointing him out to guests. We didn't even get to see the leopards because they didn't want to be found.

Our last hope fell on the tigers. And then the magic happened...

After their fellow felines had underwhelmed us, the tigers put on a show. Initially, they were all lazing around, except for one that was using a Little Tikes picnic table as a chew toy. That was chuckle-worthy enough. Then, one of the other tigers went over and dragged the table towards glass wall. Those two started playing a tug of war with the table at the edge of the pool. Finally, a third tiger joined the fray.

Melissa and I stood there with our jaws dropped open. Zach ran up to the glass and even banged on it a little. We watched the three of them biting at the table for 5-10 minutes and they were still going strong when we walked away.

How many people can say they stood within a few feet of three tiger cubs playing with a chew toy? I don't know, but I know Zach is now on that list.

The Zoo - Part 1 - Large & Lumbering

Last week, Zach made his first trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. Needless to say, he loved it.

The first big hit for Zach were the giant tortoises. I don't know what drew him to them, but they were clearly among his favorite animals of the day. The fact that the tortoises were lumbering around quite a bit probably had something to do with it.

Speaking of lumbering animals, the hippos were next animals we saw. To Zach's delight and wonder they were waddling their way towards us. He didn't quite know what to think.

We were fortunate enough to see the elephants. I say fortunate because, sometime this fall, the elephants are moving to a bigger habitat across the state in the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Check back to see what Zach is pointing at.

Laundry Helper

Zach's laundry help generally consists of pulling all the clothes out of a basket, regardless of whether or not those clothes are folded. To distract him from "helping", I put one of my shirts on him. He wore it around proud as could be for about an hour.

Zach's musical inclinations

He's funny too.

Manderach Playground

We are fortune enough to live near this awesome playground. It's divided into two sections - one for older kinds and one for younger kids. Zach had a playing ball on the side for little guys.

I don't even know what to call these things, but Zach ran right for them as soon as we walked in.

Zach loved this car thing. He kept wanting Melissa and I to sit in the front while he sat in the back, which is our normal setup for car rides.

We played on some other stuff...

...before finally tackling the big slide. Zach typically approaches anything new with some trepidation. Not this time. I had to fight him to wait for me to get in the slide. I guess the size of the slide didn't phase him. It was a slide and that was all he needed to know.

As you can see by how flushed Zach is in the next several shots, we wore him out that day. If I remember right he fell asleep before we were completely out of the park and took a 4 hour nap.

One final keeper.

I've amazed that Melissa even got this picture and even more amazed it came out so well. Zach's head couldn't have been in that window for more than a few seconds. Good job Mom.

Watering the flowers

Zach helped Melissa water the flowers one evening. Our clever little boy picked up the hose when Mom wasn't looking and figured out how to work the nozzle. As you can see he was quite pleased with himself.

Church Fair

Our local church runs a fair every June. We make a point to go every year. It's pretty low key. They don't bring in a Gravitron or anything like that. Just the usual church bazaar / boardwalk type games.

Zach loved the ball pit. He initially just stood for a minute or two not sure what to do. Once he dove forward, he was hooked. We eventually had to drag him out.

Zach also enjoyed the ring toss game and got an up close look at our local fire truck. Unfortunately, he didn't hold still long enough for a picture with the fire truck.

Melissa took the little guy for a ride on a train they had running around the perimeter. Zach wasn't quite sure what to think of that either.

Kiddie Pool

Zach got a kiddie pool for Easter. During that hot stretch a couple weeks back, we were finally able to take it out of the package.

As usual, he was initially hesitant. Once the water warmed up and we brought out some of his bath toys, he got the hang of it.

Happy 4^th of July! Zach will be back after the holiday.

Smile for the camera

Then again, sometimes it is that easy. What can I say? He's funny.

Our other 'child'

Izzy can still high jump with the best of 'em.