Hanging out with monkeys!

This past Monday we had the opportunity to meet up with my parents and my Uncle Michael for a trip to the Louisville Zoo. We all arrived right around the opening time and started out on our trek through the park. Grandma and Grandpa were really excited about getting to spend the whole day with Brinley Kate. They soak up every opportunity that they have to spend with our little lady. The day was filled with many pictures and learning lots about animals. This was not Brinley's first trip to the zoo (we went to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.), but it was her first zoo trip where she was awake and actually saw animals.

We started off with the giraffes. One of our favorite books to read at home is Giraffes Can't Dance. We were unhappy that none of the giraffes danced while we where there.

Baby and parent giraffe.

Next stop was the elephants. Can you tell that these grandparents love their granddaughter?

Brinley was excited to see so many new things.

We happened to be at the elephant exhibit when it was time for a show.  We enjoyed getting to see circus type stunts by these amazing creatures.

Brinley riding a baby elephant statue. I actually had the chance to ride an elephant when the circus came to Livermore when I was just a little boy. This statue will have to do for now for Miss Brinley.

Brinley and her mommy with the zebra baby and her mommy.

Close up of the baby zebra and mommy zebra.

The silver back gorillas didn't seem too happy during our visit.

Bengal tiger made think of the recent movie Life of Pi. Not sure I could have survived on a boat with this fierce animal. We also happened upon a show of this tiger being fed.

The polar bear had just finished eating when we arrived at his viewing area. The polar bear must have still been hungry because it was looking all over for more fish.

After lunch we stopped in to see the Lorikeets. Brinley was holding her hand out, but the bird didn't feel like she was a suitable arm to land on.

The flamingos brought a laugh to Jennifer and me because at the zoo in Washington we changed Brinley's diaper in front of the flamingos. Not sure she will appreciate that story when she is older.

Grandma and Brinley really enjoyed getting to spend the day together.

Brinley was such a good girl all day long and she didn't even take a nap. Jennifer and I were both expecting a very grumpy girl, but she was a great little lady. 

Not a great picture of grandpa, but this was the best one that I got that had Brinley and a penguin in it.

This orangutan was very friendly and allowed us to come up for a photo opportunity.

After seeing all the animals that the Louisville Zoo had to offer we decided to take a ride on the carousel. We got a ticket and I decided to hold Brinley while she rode. However, she enjoyed it so much that everybody decided that they needed to take a spin with Brinley. I think she liked Grandpa's selection best because he picked a horse that moved up and down during the ride. 

Brinley's first carousel ride.

Look at the smile on that little lady.

Brinley trying to tame this zebra, while Grandma is trying to keep Brinley on the  saddle.

One final ride with mommy on the lion.

We had to get a family photo at Brinley's favorite place of the day.

Family photo at the entrance.

Our whole crew for the day!

We had such a great little day trip to the Louisville Zoo. We enjoyed getting to spend the day with Grandma, Grandpa and my Uncle Michael. After grabbing a dinner together, we all left for our respective homes. Brinley was so exhausted that she slept the entire trip back to Lexington and still went to bed at her normal bedtime.

On a side note: It is crazy how many things we had to pack for just a day trip that was only an hour drive away for just one kid. I can't imagine what our lives will be like in just a few short weeks when we will have both kids to pack for. I know that it will be hectic around our home for a few years, but I am excited about it. Thanks for reading and God Bless!