Zoo Lights!

 We finished early at our CF clinic visit and decided to make a quick trip to the zoo to see their annual light festivities. We have not been able to attend for a number of years because of Toe's health, so it was like the first time for him. For me, it was an amazing example of how quickly kids grow. Last time we went, I had a stroller and a baby carrier with me, and in the time it took to wait in line for the train, the kid cried because he needed to use the bathroom and then fell apart so completely that we had to leave after the train ride.

This year was a breeze. The weather was perfect: mid-40's, no rain. We could see our breath but did not need gloves. We got there early and walked around before the train started going. We didn't get to ride the adorable steam train, but instead rode the regular zoo train. However, it worked out better for us, because there was hardly anyone on it. We had a whole car to ourselves!!

Steam train on left, regular on right. We took the regular one.

After the ride, it was dark enough that we walked through the zoo again and it looked completely different (although much more crowded this time!). The Zoo Lights officially start at 5. We arrived at 4 and left by 5:30 as crowds began pouring in.

The tunnel of lights - my favorite, especially AFTER dark.

The experience is pretty wonderful. Various performing groups were setting up and we could see that one could make a full evening of the experience. However, we needed to get home and left after two "laps" of the zoo and a train ride.

Jason has been swamped with both jobs this holiday season and we have not seen him much. It was nice to have this experience as a family.

See the moon?

This was J's favorite. The photo does not do it justice.

Wall mural