We decided to make a quick trip up to the Point Defiance Zoo the day before Carter's birthday for some fun. Ethan has preschool on Tuesday afternoons and we didn't want to be rushed to get back for that on Carter's actual birthday.
The resident peacocks greeted us as we arrived. We found this other one huddled in the corner napping. Summer is definitely disappearing quickly!
We were really lucky with how the weather turned out. It rained the night before and drizzled on the way up there but it was sunny and nice while we were there. The boys wanted to wear their rain boots and it was a good thing they did. They took advantage of the puddles and did some puddle-spalshing!
We hit up the aquarium first. It's always a favorite for both boys. We hadn't seen the new stingray touch tank yet, so it was fun to do something new first.
Carter peeking in on the stingrays.
Carter was super excited to pet them, but Ethan was kind of standoffish.
Finally, right when we were getting ready to go see the sharks he changed his mind and really enjoyed touching them, too.
Checking out the shark resting on the sand
Carter loved all the colorful fish tanks
The octopus was actually visible that day. She is usually hiding and hard to see!
We stopped by the tide pool touch tanks, too, and the boys had fun touching the starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs and sea urchins.
Stopping for a photo op!
We also managed to see the baby clouded leopards--finally! Every time we go to the zoo it seems like they have them put away. This day they were out playing and attacking each other. It was a lot of fun to watch. (Sorry about the glare. I had a hard time getting a good picture!)
Carter and Dad visiting the elephants
This is the younger of the 3 baby Sumatran tigers at our zoo right now. She was napping in the sun but I managed to get a picture of her furry little head. She was super cute!
We also stopped by another new exhibit at the zoo where you could be in a room with free-roaming birds and feed them. There were flying all over the place and I think I almost got hit a couple of times! The boys really liked being able to get so up-close and personal with them.
Carter was really excited about the meerkats!
Wrestling with the polar bears
The birthday boy and his big brother on the way back to the car
On the way home we stopped at Sonic for happy hour to get the boys a birthday treat. Ethan and Carter shared a Slush and I got a yummy peanut butter cookie milkshake. Soooo good!
Look at that happy face (and chubby chin!)
Slurping it down!
When we got home the boys wanted to use spoons to get every. last. bit out. And, yes, Carter is using a tablespoon to do it! :)
High on sugar!
Ethan was lovin' an excuse to have a "Slurpee". He loves them!
It was fun to get out and go celebrate our little man as we prepare for our next little one to join our family (hopefully soon)!
