The kids got an early release today from school and I decided to take advantage of it and the absolutely gorgeous weather, here in Phoenix, Arizona. It was windy and a little cooler than usual, but that means I was wearing my favorite jeans and a jersey sweatshirt. This is code for Happy Jenny.
Sam and I read an animal book every night and she always talks about wanting to feed the “Raffies”. I did some research and then remembered the Wildlife World Zoo. It’s about 40 minutes from my home and I had been once before with Emily’s Kindergarten class field trip. I was very pregnant with Sam, so I didn’t climb the tower to feed the giraffes.
It was amazing how close we got to the giraffes. The giraffes loved being fed and would let you touch their leathery tongues, but gently moved if you tried to touch their faces. They are truly magnificent animals. And on a side note, I loved how their house/enclosure had a tall, skinny “doggie door” cut out for them. The kids really got a kick out of that.
Sam was thrilled to watch Rebecca feed the “Raffies” because she wasn’t a big girl today. Yes, she explained this to me in the cutest way.
Please stop growing kids. I want you to stay like this forever. I think this will be my new screensaver.
Ben and Rebecca fed the birds some apples, but as you can see by her expression, Emily was sharing the dangers of bird feeding with Ben. Ben said, “I’ll take my chances, Emily. You need to chill out. Geez!” Emily looked over at me, rolled her eyes, and then winked. I wish I had the conversation video recorded.
And we couldn’t leave until we made our second trip to the playground area. That of course, was after we rode the Air Tram over the park and rode the “Choo Choo”. Here is a great picture to show you the typical fourth child. She went up things you should go down. And here she decided to slide on the divider between the 2 slides. I love how she dresses herself, stands up for herself, and loves to explore. She will be my future world traveler. And yes, I am going with her.
Their favorites:
Rebecca – Air Tram & Feeding the Giraffes.
Ben – The 2 Boas that were constricting the rabbits. “It was awesome but disgusting, too!”
Emily – Seeing the baby porcupine, named Munchkin. There was nothing small about that porcupine.
Sam – Air Tram, playground, and the flamingos. Note: Flamingos represent many animals. She would pass the kangaroos, the ostriches, and the deer and say, “I love you Fa-mingos.” Awesome.
It was a great day. I was so excited to experience another item off my life list. And my favorite items always seem to include my family. I really like my kids. I am indeed blessed.
Blessings sweet friends – Jenny
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Comments
Julia
Lovely post.
Jenny
Thanks Julia. It was a magical, lovely day.-J
Marna
Awesome! Looks like fun. Somewhere I have a picture of Chip feeding a giraffe several years ago. Chip put the carrot in his mouth and the giraffe reached his tongue out to grab it. It looks like they are kissing…gross but a cool photo! I will have to find it and email it to you so you can show the kids.
Jenny
I would love to see that picture of Chip. I still remember hearing about his African Safari adventure and that’s on my list after hearing about it from him.
I was surprised at the texture of their tongue. It was indeed strange, but they way they look right into your eyes was really neat.- J
Heather
That picture of the four of them? Precious.
Love zoo memories! The Cincinnati zoo built a new giraffe exhibit where you can feed them up close, too…my kids loved it!
Blessed, indeed. You, to have such wonderful kids. Them, to have such an amazing mom.
Jenny
Thanks Heather. I LOVE that picture. It’s rare to get a picture where all four are smiling, looking, etc.
I wish our public zoo offered this all day. Instead we went to this private zoo and the problem with that is it was way too expensive. I would love to take them back, but I think I will stick to the public zoo due to solely the cost. Bummer.
But on a good note, I had a magical day.-J
Shawna Rae
Makes me even more excited about my upcoming trip to Savannah, Georgia with my son, daughter-in-law and grandkids. Can’t wait to experience outings like this with them! This will tak up several pages in my Project Life album. So good to hear of your fun adventure!
Jenny
I’ve only been to GA once and it was truly beautiful. Enjoy your time with your family. Project Life is such a great way to document vacations!-J
Nicole
You captured some really awesome moments – love your photos Jenny! Feeding the giraffes at our zoo is for sure on our summer to-do list!
Jenny
Thanks Nicole. I think the people at the zoo were laughing at me doing a happy dance after getting that picture of all 4 of them. It’s just such a rare thing to get them all looking and genuinely smiling.
I hope you get to do this in the summer – we had a magical time. – J
Lisa Muniz
I’ve lived here 16 years and have never been to that zoo! I thought the days of being able to feed animals were over, who knew? I might have to make the trek out there. It looks like you had a great time.
Jenny
We had such a great time. The only disappointing thing was the price. It cost $60 (with coupons) for admission and Sam was free. $32 for the train and the sky tram and again Sam was free. They also want $350 for a yearly membership. I am a member of the local public zoo, Children’s Museum, and the AZ Science Center for a little over that price.
The kids LOVED it and Sam asked to go back, but it’s hard to imagine paying that price again.
Maybe Groupon has deals for them? I will definitely be on the lookout. – J
Christine
You know what I love about this? Only one of your kids listed the giraffes as their favorite. You opted to do other things and your kids now have their own ideas of why they will want to go back. I’m from St Louis. We have an awesome free zoo and it has been a favorite of mine for all 46 years of my life. My son could be an official tour guide!
Jenny
I thought that exact thing that only Rebecca mentioned the giraffes initially. I love the St. Louis Zoo. We have our family reunion in Springfield, MO every 2 years and Rebecca and I went by ourselves one year and went to the Zoo. If I recall correctly, they had dolphins? I do remember it being a beautiful day and having a great time with just the two of us. And I love that the St. Louis and Washington D.C. Zoos are free. Such a special treat for kids and adults, alike.-J
Lee Ann
My daughter’s favorite thing to do at the World Wildlife Zoo too!! When we lived in Tempe, we took every chance to go there and the Phoenix Zoo on a beautiful day! Great pictures, and something they will always remember. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny
I love both zoos. Also love the AZ Science Center and the Phoenix Children’s Museum. I’m really happy with all the museums that are available here. I feel really blessed and spoiled.
I’m really thrilled with how the pictures turned out, too! Thanks LeeAnn – J
Jessica B
Love hearing about your life list items. I always wanted to go to the zoo when we lived there and we just never made it. I guess we will have to go back to AZ to go!
Jenny
Exactly Jessica! I can always find a reason to go back and visit anywhere and everywhere. I was just telling Jeff that I NEED to go back to Costa Rica. I do believe he rolled his eyes at me.
-J