Boo at the Zoo

Last Friday night we went to Boo at the Zoo. There was a haunted train ride, haunted house, and an animal show with Safari Greg. Plus, we got to walk around the zoo in the dark with flashlights - how cool is that? Spencer wore his astronaut costume and Daddy made a helmet for him that afternoon. Daddy wore his creepy 1980s trashy rocker outfit (which is not over-the-top enough for people to be certain he's wearing a costume...) and I was a butterfly.

 

I was surprised that Dave and I were practically the only parents in costume. We saw one other couple who happened to sit in front of us for the train ride. We decided the other parents were lame. Our family jumps at the opportunity to wear costumes!

Spencer loved the train ride. He knew there were going to be pirates somewhere along the way, but they ended up being nice pirates who gave him a bag of candy at the end. A little girl behind us was NOT happy when we passed some skeletons who caused a bit of a ruckus. After the train we went into the haunted house, which I have to say was more intense than I expected. But luckily the witch at the entrance walked through it with us when she saw that Spencer was a little hesitant - she would call out "little one coming through" so that the ghouls and goblins took it easy on us.

 

 

The highlight of the evening was Safari Greg's show. He pulled Spencer on stage to help him with a trick. Spencer did such a good job - he was funny and so comfortable. The butterfly mom and white trash dad were beaming with pride. :)

After the show, we wandered around awhile spying on animals with our flashlights. It was a fun night - we love supporting the Austin Zoo!

End of Summer

Before Spencer started back at Nature's Way (more on that later), I took two days off to have some time with him to celebrate the end of summer.

On Monday, we headed to the Austin Zoo. We normally stay there an hour at the most, but we had a marathon visit! It was partially because the animals were being super active and chatty...

And partially because we got to participate in an interactive program with one of the zookeepers, Audrey. It was enrichment day for a couple of animals and Spencer got to help out. Our first stop was at the tortoise house, where Audrey set up an "apple-bobbing trough." Who knew tortoises like to bob for apples? Well, they do! Audrey also taught us a little about the animals, including some of the differences between tortoises and turtles. The kids also got to feed the tortoises some carrots and other vegetables.

The we headed over to the pot-bellied pigs, who were in for a fruit and vegetable feast.

Audrey spent so much time talking with us - there were two other boys with their mamas. It made me wish we could go back every week for her programs, but with school starting we'll have to wait until next summer. Sidebar: Oddly enough, we discovered that one of the boys was starting his first year at Nature's Way that week! 

Later in the afternoon after lunch and rest time, Spencer introduced me to Jumpoline Park -  one of his favorite places to go with Daddy. The place was practically deserted, which made it more fun for me. I can't imagine going there when it's crowded. I actually jumped too, and it was a total blast! We ended up going back the next day too, but I didn't jump that time. These pictures crack me up.

 

Spencer's favorite part is when they turn off the lights and start the disco party. Both days he went up to the counter to ask if they would start the disco party and felt proud (and empowered) when they obliged.

I love it when I get to play stay-at-home-mom. We had two great days!