Indy Zoo 2012

We seem to have a psuedo family tradition of taking the girls to the zoo for their 2nd birthday (not that that's the only time they go to the zoo though). Since it's a little cold in December we put off Nora's trip till today and I think it's safe to say we all had a better time because of it. Since we went to Indy we met Grandma and Grandpa VanDuyne and saw uncle Alex before he heads off to Denver.

We started out early after a big breakfast, the trip was long and the girls were thrilled to have a chance to burn some energy.

We started out at the aquarium. Not our best choice since just as we went in the Boy's and Girl's club showed up.

(Flotsam and Jetsam).

The penguins were one of our favorites. The babies were separated off in their own exhibit and for some reason shunning all the visitors.

From there we went to the forest exhibit. Surprisingly the tiger decided to get up and prowl around the window when we arrived. I think he was seriously contemplating eating the girls, but lucky they didn't notice. We also saw the bears, though they didn't bother to get up.

(The bear did lift his head up briefly when Gingham roared at him, I think that made Gingham's day).

After all that we were ready for a lunch break. I think it was mostly chicken fingers and fries for everyone.

From there we went on a brief safari through the African plains. I think we had the best animal interactions in that section, but the girls were getting very tired and cranky. They did get to stand within a foot or two of a mom and baby giraffe.

Finally, we decided to stop for some ice cream on the way out. I believe both girls later mentioned this as their favorite part of the day.

And, as the measuring stick for all such adventures, by the end the girls were completely spent.

Mission Accomplished.