Today we took Adelle to the MN Zoo to see the Farm Babies! It was really great, aside from the chilly weather. It was chilly and a little drizzly, but that didn't last very long, thank goodness! We wrapped her in a blanket and put the hood of her sweatshirt on and started walking.
The snow monkeys were first and she liked them. She watched them swing and move around but then the children next to her stole her attention. We moved on.
Next, we saw baby chicks and bunnies! She really loved them and watched them intently for a while. She got distracted a couple of times then went right back to watching them.
After that, we went outside for the walk to the Land O Lakes Grain Elevator. This was a cold and long walk. I was holding her to make sure she stayed warm and we went into any building/enclosure we could find. She watched the snow leopard pace and the wild boars charge each other. The bears were digging in the ground so Addie didn't watch them too long.
When we got to the Grain Elevator we warmed up, changed her, and waited for the tractor to pull us to the exhibit. As soon as we sat down on the wagon (which was pulled by the tractor) Adelle started crying. Papi took her and calmed her down until we got off the wagon a short ride later.
We all clambered off of the wagon and walked right into the pit of he... well, it wasn't that bad but the goats are freaking creepy!!! Auntie Maria got a picture of me and Addie next to a little baby goat. They were slightly bigger than Addie and already had the spots where the horns grow - ISH!
From there we went into the cow barn. It was quite smelly but reminded me of my college days when I went to the farm. Or a really warm day with a breeze. Anyway, I don't think Adelle liked the smell because she made a funny face then buried her face in my shoulder. I told her that they were alike in a way because they both can go to the bathroom whenever and wherever they want. Then I said, the good thing is that YOU will grow out of that!
We headed to the bathroom after that, where Addie proceeded to zonk out! She didn't even get to see the ADORABLE baby piglets! They were born a week ago and were so dang cute! She also missed the chickens, or Belinas as Auntie Maria called them. We also got to see some calfs that were born less than a month ago and a two and a half ton bull that is a clone. Speaking of bulls, does anyone know why they put the ring in their noses?
After that we went back to the trail on the way out. We saw moose, caribou, and couple of sleepy tigers. Nonna was knocking on the glass and got one of them to stretch and roll over briefly! We even walked past a couple of geese sitting on nests and a few different geese running after each other! It was hilarious!
All in all, I am glad we went today. I should have packed her snow suit, or some mittens, or another blanket - but everything was fine. The lines weren't long and the animals were out! I can't wait until she's older and can really look at the animals and ask questions about them - soon enough though!
Have a great week everyone!
