Our First Trip to the Zoo!

My sweet cousin Natalie drove down from West Jordan to babysit my kids for me on Monday, and then on Tuesday she met us up at Hogle Zoo to get me and the boys in free. Seriously! Isn't she amazing?

This was huge because I have wanted and wanted and wanted to take the kids to the zoo for so long, but each summer finds us again with no money-- lets face it, it's not just summer. It felt kind of depressing. I mean it's one thing to not be able to afford fun family trips to California, Colorado or even St George. But to also not have the funds to just enjoy on some local fun gets a little discouraging. I don't want to get all "sob story" on you, I just want emphasize how much it meant to me that my cousin offered to help get us in for free. 

I took the boys all by myself because working with my schedule, Natalie's schedule and Craig's schedule seemed too crazy. Tues was good for Natalie, and I had no appointments that day, so we went for it.

The boys were beyond amazing. Even Baby S who was sick with croup-- unknown to me at the time, I thought it was just a cough and it was getting better. Seriously the day was nearly stress free. There was a moment at the end where Little M needed to go potty. I had to try and get the twins to stay with Baby S, and get Little M to use the potty by himself. There was a lot of drama! But they were great!

Little H was so excited to see the tigers. Sadly the big cats were sleep and hidden. I was so relieved to walk around the bend and find the tiger in the back side of the cage.

I was so excited that we found some bat's for Big H to see. He is obsessed with bats, and he is determined to get a pet one. Of course, this led to him saying, "I just want to take one of those bats home," the rest of the trip.

The kids had so much fun at their little Splash pad area.

And they loved Rocky shores.

They could have watched the seals and sea lions all day.

Some fun candid shots.

After the zoo we went home via that Parley's Canyon route, so we could take in some more beautiful, fall, canyon foliage. We stopped at Park City and bought some needed clothes at the Carter's outlet.

I could not believe how beautiful Park City was. The Mountains were covered in yellow.

And we saw some deer.

I then took the kids to Main Street to get a treat from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Then we headed home. Thanks for the fun day Natalie! We loved it!