Riverbanks Zoo

As a very last minute decision last Friday, I decided to take the kids to Columbia, SC to visit the Riverbanks Zoo. It's the closest zoo to us and about and hour and twenty minutes away. Another friend has planned to be there, so Ethan was excited to have his buddy Aidan:

Ethan laughed hysterically at these chickens....not sure why:

I signed Madeline up to do a little class they had there:

It was for 3 and 4 year olds, but Ethan joined them for a little bit:

He loved when it was puppet show time:

Sponge painting a shell:

We decided to go ahead and get a family membership this year. It's not only allows us admission into the zoo, but also bracelets to wear that allow us to do most of the other attractions without paying additional money. For example, we got to ride a train!!! This was one of the highlights of the trip:

Ethan was most mesmerized watching the lights and crossing:

Another favorite (probably THE favorite) was feeding the giraffes. Our bracelets got us food to give them. I couldn't believe how brave Ethan was with the giraffes!! Totally out of character!

Madeline was a little more timid with them:

...but was very willing to help her brother!

Our bracelets also got the kids rides on a pony! Ethan was nervous, but I could tell he still wanted to do it:

...and off he went:

HE LOVED IT!
As did she:

One of Madeline's favorite things, the carousal:

I asked the boys to give me a thumbs up:

We loved the flamingos, and Madeline loves telling what she learned about them during her class:

He was intrigued by them man cleaning the tank:

I felt so bad for the turtle with the duck tape!

Funny kids

Family shot:

As we were leaving, I saw Ethan go over to the Lion and this is what he did:

...and found it quite funny:

I asked the kids to sit on the lion so I could get a picture...and this is what I got:

GOOD TIMES!