Libi and Mommy's Adventures: Lorax, Mollies and Spears...

just another Friday with the Ippolito's!

Tonight we were lucky enough to go to Music in the Zoo-- Classic Rock night!

We were greeted by a stilt walker who juggled-- not sure how Ron felt about this seeing as how it was kind of close to a clown.

It was really different to be at the zoo after hours. There were food stands everywhere, bands at 4 locations in the zoo, and different animals were active.

Sadly the mingos were GONE!!! This was Libi's sad face saying, "What happened to the mingos??" It was especially sad for her because she wore a mingo outfit just for them.

They had lots of neat displays for the kids! Here Libi is dressing up like an aligator. She wouldn't wear the whole costume, but she didn't want to give the flippers back.

We also learned what happens when it rains: all of our pollutants run into rivers and the ocean. This was very bad! Not as bad as Libi's aim when she tried to simulate rain-- she hit her hat, Daddy, anything but the board.

They are doing so much construction around the zoo that the animals change location every time we go. The sea lions are now over by where the crocs and alligators used to be and my otters are clear across the zoo by the tortoises!

In Australia we all cheered as this koala saved himself from a nasty fall by hanging on for dear life to this branch (which wasn't strong enough to support his weight!) When he made it safely we all cheered for him-- I don't think he thought there was anything to cheer about because he never got the leaves on the end of the branch which Ron thinks he was going for.

The gorillas were very active tonight. We enjoyed seeing the big daddy running through the enclosure followed by the rest of his family.

On the way up the hill we came upon the ibex. They were all sitting up on top of their enclosure and Ron and I were trying to remember their names. I said that they were Lorax's-- Ron insisted that that was a Dr. Seuss book. He said they were antelopes. Not until we got to the sign did we find out that I was closer-- Ibex/Lorax, same diff! It was good for a laugh though!!

We made our way to the top of the zoo where the music drifted in the air.
It was so cool to be at the zoo and hear the Eagles, Bob Dylan or other classic rock around you. Libi loved it becuase she enjoys any chance to dance!

In all the time we've been to the zoo I think we've seen the takin once. Today all 4 of them were out including a little one who looked very unsteady on his rock.

Libi loves checking out the telescopes. I think she climbed on every one we passed tonight. Oh and she's still collecting leaves through the zoo-- some trends just keep on going!

Both tigers were lounging tonight-- I think they liked the music too!
On my new favorite path from the tigers to the elephant enclosure (which isn't open yet, but you can still see the pachyderms which is fine with Libs!) Libi decided to take off on her own. It's too bad she has no sense of independence :)

My personal favorite of the night was seeing the snow leopard up close. I've never seen this guy awake let alone that close to the fence. It was really amazing!

After a brief stop to listen to some Grateful Dead we all decided that we were hungry-- too hungry to wait in lines here...

so we set off for.....

(I'll let the sign speak for itself!!!)

Of course there was a wait here too, but isn't it so much worth it to wait for crab wontons and cheesecake than BBQ sandwiches at the zoo??? While we waited Libi pretended to be the water in the fountain. This was all her idea and it was so cute to watch.

To fill the time Ron and Libs went on the free trolley ride.
When they got back to tell me all about it Libi said, "Mommy I rode the molley!!!" I think she made a hybrid of mall and trolley, which is just too cute!