We really like going to Northwest Trek each summer and it just worked out that the best day to do it was Ethan's birthday this year. We have had wonderful weather and that day was predicted to be a really hot one, so we headed out to get there right when they opened when it was cooler. We hoped that would help us to see the animals more before they hid in the shade of the woods and also that it would be a little easier on me!!
We stopped by the discovery center where the birthday boy checked out how he measured up!
Ethan and Carter had fun dressing up as a Bald Eagle.
They also had fun balancing on this little obstacle course together.
Carter getting some help from Dad
The "train" ride is always a favorite--at least for Ethan. Carter was really clingy and subdued, so I'm not sure if he was tired just feeling uncertain. We saw these Blacktailed deer while we were waiting for the tour to start--a good sign that the animals were out!
A happy birthday boy (notice that Carter has assumed the position)!
He kept wanting to be passed back and forth between me and Tristan, but no matter who he was with, he looked a lot like this!
I have never seen the bison this close to the tram before. We literally could have reached out and touched them!
We even saw some of the babies that had been born recently!
We had gorgeous views from up on the ridge. It was a beautiful day.
The moose were laying in the grass right off the road, so we got a great view of them as well!
The female Elk herd was hanging out in woods by the time we reached that part of the tour. The males were all laying in the grass down by the lake, but I couldn't get a good shot of them because of how the sun was hitting the area.
Finally perked up at the prospect of some snacks!
Another beautiful view with Mt. Ranier in the distance!
The caribou were waiting at the station for us when we returned. Again they were so close we could have reached out to touch them!
Cute little baby caribou
After the tram, we went to go see some of the enclosures. Carter was much more excited about this part of the day--probably because he could see things better. He kept pointing like this at each animal. The woodland animals were all out, so we got to enjoy the raccoons, beavers, wolverines, porcupines, Fisher and otters.
This porcupine was so funny looking. I swear he was drugged or something!
Finally an excited boy!
We stopped to watch some of the trainers working with the ducks. Funny enough, this trainer was helping the ducks WANT to go in the water. Who would have thought?
Carter with the otters
We didn't have very good luck at the predator enclosures. None of the bears, wild cats or wild dogs were out. It must have been their nap time! I know the keepers were setting food out in the bear exhibits, so my guess is they put the animals in while they do that.
Ethan and Carter trying to get a look at the wolf pack...they must have been sleeping in the woods!
We had a nice little picnic and then headed home. It was fun to go spend the day as a family for Ethan's 4th birthday--how is he 4 already???
