we're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

Yesterday we hit the Oakland Zoo with our buddies, the Larsons. It was fun to get out on a nice Summer day to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the wild animals (not counting the four little monkeys who we brought along).

Maddie watches the elephants

It's no surprise that the girls enjoyed the lily pad leaping pond, otter slide, and frog statues as much (if not more) than the live animal exhibits.

This photo reminds me of an outside concert where one leans

against a friend when tired of sitting up. Too cute.

buddies!

But the absolute highlight of the trip had to be yet another set of inanimate animals--the gorilla and jaguar our girls rode on the Carousel. We saved the rides for last, knowing the girls would be tired out after lunch.

Ben, Maddie, Kate and Kevin are all smiles

The babies stayed behind, but it couldn't stop

sweetie pie Claire's toothy grin!

Another trip past the "mamarazzi"

"All aboard the choo-choo train!!!"

By the time we boarded the Zoo Train, both Maddie and Kate snuggled down against their daddies. It was the quietest part of the day. All in all, a fun trip. Thanks, Larsons, for a great morning!