Our babysitting days are coming to an end quickly, so we took the opportunity to go to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with the girls today. The zoo is located in the city of Tacoma which is north of our Tumwater location.
The only combined zoo and aquarium in the Northwest.
From several areas in the zoo you can get a glimpse of Commencement Bay, which is part of Puget Sound. We never get tired of that view! We arrived about 10:00 and it was already getting warm outdoors. We brought a picnic lunch along with us to eat while we were in the zoo, as we saw many other visitors had done.
Most of the animals here are native to the Pacific Rim. The girls have been here many times and they knew just where they wanted to go first. They wanted to go to the aquarium first. We saw some great looking sharks at the underwater viewing area.
I’m having the urge to watch “Jaws” again.
The small fish area had a great view of some seahorses. They were really large and very active. There was also a touch tank for the kids to be able to gently touch some underwater critters.
Zoey touches a starfish very carefully.
We went to the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater where a show was presented with a variety of animals. The girls enjoyed this very much.
There was some kind of vulture with a wing span of 4 feet or more.
The furry little aardvark was a funny guy to see.
At the Wild Wonders Live Presentation.
The grounds of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium are beautiful. There are many species of native plants on display, not to mention those amazing views! We could also see Mount Rainier clearly today.
Many trees at the zoo that helped shade us on this hot day.
The mountain was “out” today.
After we ate lunch we walked through the other areas at the zoo, looking at Arctic Fox, walrus, polar bear, monkey, elephant and a camel. Before leaving we stopped at the Kid’s Zone to let the girls play on the equipment for a while (and to let us have a rest).
By 2:00 we were hot, tired and thirsty. We stopped at McDonald’s on the way home for a cool refreshing ice cream treat.
It was another good day with the “Grands”. It appears that they will be heading back to daycare on September 1st and our job will be over for this summer. Mackenzie is really missing her own friends, and I can’t blame her. Hanging around with your little sister and Grandma and Papa all summer long is getting old now. She’s looking for people her own age!
Until next time…..so long for now!
Those ice cream treats look really good...something we have been missing here all season.
ReplyDeletePlan to rectify that when we begin traveling once again...ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We would love to see Puget Sound and area. I really like the picture of the seahorse. They are such fasinating creatures. No words can describe Mount Rainier...
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't really want to sit through "Jaws" again, would you? Before I saw it I read about how the music interpreted the action, and how you could tell that the shark was imminent. So when I heard that music, I just shut my eyes until the screaming and/or splashing was over, and then I opened them again until the next shark episode. I wasn't scared at all throughout the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe mountain I'm guessing is Mt. Rainer - spectacular picture! Almost as good as the one of the Grands eating their chocolate dipped ice cream cones. Now, if you could chocolate dip Mt. Rainer, it might be even been better than the Grands with the cones!! I think of everything in terms of food!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a fine time at Point Defiance. We've been there a few times, but I don't remember the play area. Jonathan liked aquariums so that was our favorite part. And of course, we enjoyed the fine zoo lights on that very cold Saturday after Thanksgiving last year!
ReplyDeleteNever saw Jaws. Never want to! I am such a whimp.
ReplyDeleteBut it is altogether another story about the ice cream cones!
Never saw Jaws. Never want to! I am such a whimp.
ReplyDeleteBut it is altogether another story about the ice cream cones!
Wow a trip to the Zoo, Adam loved the aquarium at Newport KY. Bet you guys will miss the babysitting even if the girls are kept bust with school,but Cristmas break will be along before to long. Love the pictures of the ice cream break, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteMackenzie is going to look back on these days of hanging with the grandparents and realize she was the envy of her friends...to have such quality time to spend with grandparents is a cherished memory. You are one in a million!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your granddaughters. And you did so many great things with them...even the simple stuff. Hope I get a chance to do the same some day with my grandkids.
ReplyDeleteThis really looks like a fun place to visit.The girls look like they are having fun! I still think you win the grandparents award this summer..way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteCindy and Walker
A lot of folks think that zoos are terrible places and that all animals should be out in the wild enjoying life. I'm not one of those folks. If it weren't for that zoo, the Grands would never see an aardvark -- me too! THanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteLooks as though you had a great day making memories with the grands! Lovely. If you have a few minutes, come by and read about Jonathan and Nellie Tate - The Midlife Cruisers at my blog - A Camp Host Housewife's Meanderings http://acamphosthousewifesmeanderings.blogspot.com/. Take care...
ReplyDelete