Macie's Zoo Field Trip

I had been planning all year to go on both girl's field trips. Attending field trips is something that I don't consider an option. I still remember how special I felt when Mom could go on my field trips. It didn't always happen because she had to work (and didn't get paid if she wasn't there)- but she went as often as she could. And I always want my girls to have that special feeling that I had.
Brenna's only field trip was to the painting place in December, and parents weren't allowed to go- which broke my heart! I felt for sure she would have another field trip later on in the year, but she didn't.
Kindergarten always goes to the Zoo- and this year was no exception! So when the sheet came home- I was quick to sign up and send it back! As luck would have it, her field trip fell on the same weekend we were setting up for the big garage sale at Mom and Dad's house, and Mimi and Aunt Susan were coming in to help. I told them to hold off and not come until Friday afternoon, and Macie and I set off to have a fun day together!!
I was running a few minutes late getting on the road and was worried that they would beat me there. But I felt a little relief when I saw this as I was passing the Aledo exit..

Woo hoo! I wasn't going to be late!
As we got to the light at the zoo, I began to realize that we may be in for it...there were cars everywhere! And the zoo didn't even open for 30 more minutes. I knew that Weatherford's 1st grade would be there since Aunt Kim was scheduled to be there too. But I had no idea that every other school in North Central Texas was coming on the same day as well!! I really wish I had taken a picture of the parking lot. BUSSES. EVERYWHERE! It was crazy.
This little cutie was happy to see me as she climbed down off of that big yellow bus.

Man- She melts my heart.

Mommy-Macie selfie before we go into the zoo! Sunshades were a must on this day.

 As soon as we got into the zoo, I checked her out from her teacher and we were on our way! We had a whole zoo to see, and a limited amount of time to do it in since Mimi and Aunt Susan would be at Graddy's house about 1:30! (yes- we planned on leaving early the whole time. I'm no ashamed. There is only so much zoo a person can handle. Especially this person. The Zoo isn't really my thing.) But despite my lack of enthusiasm for walking around looking at sleeping animals in cages- I had a blast hanging out with my sweet girls for the day!

A picture on the elephant is always a must! Just to compare- here is a look back at the 3 previous years at the zoo with my class..

I can't believe how much she has grown.

Seeing the hippos out of the water was a very rare treat! They are always in the water sleeping. I'm not sure I have ever seen them up and about. They were enjoying their breakfast!
We were a little disappointed that the elephants weren't out. But the giraffes made up for it! They were out eating their breakfast.

We enjoyed watching them bend down to eat grass- especially since their legs don't bend! Macie thought it was too funny that they had to spread their legs apart to get close to the ground. She also enjoyed feeding the baby ducks! Since it was early in the day- they were very eager to eat the food she was throwing in to them.
Next we made our way over to the tigers. I loved this picture! It was as if the white tiger was posing with her!

And FINALLY we made it to the destination she had been asking for all day long! Feeding the birds!! The first thing she asked to do when we got off of the bus was to go feed the birds "just like I did with My Mrs Sara last year!" haha! She loved going into the bird exhibit with Sara last year when she went on my class field trip with us. And her "My Mrs Sara" showed her how to hold the stick out for the birds to get to it. She squealed with delight when we finally found the birds this year!

 I sure wish she liked to pose and have her picture taken......

She was a little skittish at first last year until Sara showed her how to do it, and this year- she was a PRO! I'm pretty sure we could have left after this point in the zoo and she would have been just as happy!
When your Mommy is a Weatherford Kangaroo- you must get a picture with the Kangaroo!!

Next up was the Merry-go-Round! It was the second highlight for her on the trip!

Oh my my my. She is a mess! She waved like this each time her horse came around by me. Just as any princess would do.
The Texas Wild exhibit was next. And by this point- she was pretty much ready to go. It was 11:15- and she was hungry and just plain DONE. But I persuaded her to go see a little more. We bought a ring pop at the store in the Texas area- which made her happy. And then we found a crocodile to pose with.

Pretty sure she thinks the only purpose of these statues is for her to sit on, smile, and get her picture taken.
We walked through and looked at a few more animals before making our way back to the train and riding it up to the front. I planned on seeing the monkeys and checking to see if the elephants were out yet at this point....but my little one was ready to go! She had Chick Fil A on the brain- and her Mimi and Uncle Susan! She was so ready to see them- and I couldn't explain to her that they wouldn't be there any faster if we left early. So I did exactly as she wanted to do- and we headed to the car! But not before we bought a tacky hat first!

We made a stop at Chick Fil A for some lunch, and went through Nothing Bundt Cakes to get treats for everyone for later on, and headed toward Graddy's house to get started on the mound of work that was waiting for us.
It was a great day spent with my littlest princess! I am so thankful to be able to take off to be there for these moments! Memories we will never forget.