With daycare closed today, Des and dad started the day off at the zoo
After a lengthy nap, Des resumes stacking cairns throughout the front yard
Ants are the new wonder of the world
Tag Archives: Zoo
Tembo!
Des has really up’d his game on napping this weekend, nearly three hours each day.
With normal spring temperatures returning, it was a nice day for a late afternoon trip to the zoo. Des likes to take in all the exotic wildlife, like ducks, for example.
Although monkeys are certainly a favorite too
Photo op on the baby tembo statue
The big news in Omaha last month was the arrival of six new elephants rescued from drought-stricken Swaziland. The elephants were finally settling into their new home and went on display last Wednesday. It was late enough in the day that we had relatively uncrowded viewing.
Photo by Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo
As tall as our little man is, he doesn’t quite measure up to a baby elephant.
“Sure dad, I’ll pause here for a split second while you try to take the traditional tropical fish photo.”
Touching the waterfall with grandma
Listening to the macaws talk, stroking dad’s beard (?)
Hi Fishies!
Another warm, near-spring day perfect for the zoo. Des began by running alongside the penguins.
Mom rubbing the penguin’s belly
Up close and personal with the unusually active sea turtle
“Hi fishies!”
Grandma photographing the gorillas
After lunch when it was usually time for a nap, Des still had energy in him for a lap around the jungle to see all the monkeys. He kept signing “more” 🙂
All the toys, all lined up. And dad answering endless “and dis??” quizzing by reciting names of each animal.
February 6th, 2016
Mom had a speaking engagement this morning, so it was a boys morning at the zoo
Being able to walk at the zoo… a whole new experience
Des was all about watching the monkeys frolic in the trees
Eating lunch with the monkeys
Des and Froggy still BFFs
Baby’s first ramen. Loved it, but probably mostly because he got to use the spoon on his own.
January 3rd, 2016
We ventured out on a cold morning to the zoo with our KC friends. Des nearly wore out his pointer finger…
Mabel smiling, the baby pigmy hippo born October 1st
New York
We quickly dropped our bags off at the hotel and walked east to Prospect Park. We’re greeted at the northern edge by the Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch.
Mom and dad picnic (more bagels and lox) aside Bailey Fountain while Des takes a morning nap.
Des relaxing on the Long Meadow in Prospect Park. The park was designed by the same two architects that created Central Park. It is said that they preferred their second park, and it’s easy to see why. Impressive, rolling green space, tree-lined paths and seemingly endless hiking trails.
At first, Des seemed pretty excited about the carousel in Children’s Corner.
As the ride accelerated to truly a surprising speed, he was less than enthused.
While Omaha is quite spoiled with the Henry Doorly Zoo, visiting other zoos is still enjoyable. We made our way over to the Prospect Park Zoo. Not a lot going on, but we watched the monkeys dance.
Des and dad hanging out on the streets of Brooklyn while mom pops into a shop for some better walking shoes.
We check into the hotel for nap time before mom has to attend an evening kickoff event for the conference. We all ride the subway up to Court St. where we kiss mom goodbye and walk over to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Lots of people gathered to watch the sunset. After a few pictures, we head over to Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. The strawberry ice cream was the first cold treat Des has ever liked. For good reason- it was sublime.
Watching the boats pass as the sun sets.
Back at the hotel, Des is clearly ready for bed.
What do you do with your little one asleep so early? When you’re in New York, you can have anything you could ever fathom delivered right to you. Mom and dad have a sushi feast.
New York, Pt 3
The day started out promising, but towards the post-rush departure time, it was evident Des was secretly yearning for a morning nap. No worries, the trip was going to go at Des’ speed.
After a long nap, we hustled up to midtown for an afternoon in Central Park. The zoo was a hotspot for kids, so we lunched while watching the sea lions swim around.
I fear it may be several generations of projecting, but Des lit up watching the penguins zipping by.
After exploring the main zoo, we walked over to the children’s zoo for some toddler-sized fun. Des meet llama.
It was a beautiful fall day for a stroll around Central Park, even if it was a bit cloudy. Des posing on the edge of Gapstow Bridge.
Before we headed back to Brooklyn, Des and dad walked up to Strawberry Fields to pay tribute to John Lennon.
The final night we all took another long walk into Park Slope to a pizzaria. What better way to spend an evening in Brooklyn?
While mom had one last session to attend Thursday morning, Des and dad walked over to a new bagel place. We enjoyed our breakfast bounty at the nearby neighborhood playground.
Maybe it was early in the morning, but Des opted for “feet first” this time.
Back at the hotel, it was time to pack up. Des is ready to go!
Little did we know, public transportation back to LaGuardia required a bus transfer. Nope, not gonna happen with luggage. We hailed an uberFAMILY ride (with carseat) on our phone, and within a few minutes, we were loading our bags into a new Toyota Highlander for a comfy ride back to the airport. Cheaper than a taxi, way less stress than transit.
Des traveled well on the return trip too, sleeping at all the right times. Of course there was a mildly dramatic start to the flight when Des triggered a TSA screening because dad inadvertently tried to sneak 8oz of water onto the plane via a sippy cup. He was ultimately too cute, the agent let him pass through security.
In all, it was the absolute perfect experience to celebrate Des’ upcoming first birthday. Life will be full of adventures.
Zoo 7
Des, grandma, and dad took a early Sunday trip to the zoo. Great weather, no crowds, and lots of penguins.
The aquarium tunnel is never not enchanting.
Des tried to get as close to the fishies as possible
Des could have just camped out in the aquarium for the rest of the day
Des trying to touch the jellyfish. Later in life we’ll explain why that’s not generally a good idea
Usually the sea turtles are in motion, never got to see one just chilling
Des playing with the interactive projection floor
That’s what I love about these tropical fish, man. I get older, they stay the same color.
Des was both fascinated and weary of the parrot. Its chirp was quite piercing, Des would flinch, but instantly resume staring intently.
We thought Des would really enjoy the budgie experience. Get a popsicle stick with suet for $1, and all the budgies just jump right on. While Des first tried grabbing the birds, he eventually was just ticked off he couldn’t have the stick and eat it.
It’s a good habit to both start and end the trip with penguins.
Baby’s first lo mein
