Never in all my days...

...have I seen the zoo as crowded as it was today. The temp hit the upper 70's so Julia and I decided to pick Sophie up after school and head to the zoo for lunch.

So too did the rest of the state.

Unbelievable. The parking garage was full. The lots had signs that they were full. School buses were everywhere. Cars were stalking zoo visitors as they walked to their cars in hopes of snagging their parking spot when they left. After a couple of spins around the lot, we gave up and decided to head over to City Park to play & have our picnic. After eating and playing a bit, we walked through the park to see if the zoo had a back entrance--which they do but it wasn't open today.

So we decided that since lunch time was over, some of the school buses might be leaving. Lo and behold, when we went back & perused the lot, many buses were gone & the lots were open. We got a primo parking space on the shady Tiger level of the parking garage. Score!
So we went on into the zoo which really had emptied out--schools were on their way out so the timing turned out to be just right. We made one circle around, got some ice cream, and watched keepers throw bones to the hyenas & lions before heading on home.

I was a bit frazzled but the girls were pumped that they got to play at a fabulous 'new' park AND go to the zoo...all in one day!

I scream, you scream...

..love the lions by the glass!!