Did ZOO have a good Father's Day?

Jeff, Jack Everett, and I had a great Father's Day yesterday. We woke up without plans for the day, but got all spontaneous and decided to go to the San Antonio Zoo. It was one of the destinations on our list of things to accomplish one weekend B.B. (Before Brother.) We decided that waiting for it to cool down was out of the question. We finally had to accept that in a South Texas summer, it is only going to get hotter.

We had lunch at "Taco Cabana," the only restaurant where Jack can order off the menu and eat like the rest of us. He loves it. As we left the house, all we told him was that we were going "somewhere special" to celebrate Daddy. He was so excited when we got to "the restauwant that has my chicken and my wice" and I think he thought Taco Cabana WAS the "somewhere special."



He was so excited when he finally figured out the surprise - the "REAL Zoo!" He wore his sunglasses the entire time, and spent most of the time out of the stroller standing at each exhibit. I love that we have one of the only cage-free zoos in the country. He kept getting his sandals stuck between the wooden bars in many of the exhibits. I am surprised we got home with both of them.

Walking across the lily pads into the Children's Area. Here are some of his favorite animals:



Crazy mohawk bird, and baby ducklings.



Weirdest alligator you will ever see with a long skinny mouth. Click on the pic to see a close-up.



American Bald Eagle. Yes, we were surprised too. These two beautiful Bald Eagles were shot by mean people, leaving them unable to fly. Luckily they were rescued and have a home here in the San Antonio Zoo. It was sad seeing them in an open area with no netting. The story, "A Second Chance for Bald Eagles" was posted for all to see.



The absolute favorite of the day - the Rhinoceros! "Momma, that Rhino is SO big!"

For the most part, the animals looked like these two lions... sleeping in the furthest back corner in the shade. The cheetahs, hyenas, kangaroos, and several other favorites were not about to brave the heat to stand out for us to see. During the three hours we were there, the temperature was 98 degrees. Many of the animals were hardly visible. Even the giraffes were under trees near waterfalls tucked away. Jeff and I were a bit disappointed, but Jack was amazed and interested the entire time.



Last, but certainly not least, the ZOO TRAIN ride through Breckenridge Park. I am not sure whether Mommy or Jack was looking forward to it more.

The train ride through the park, over the San Antonio River.

"Happy Father's Day, Daddy!"