On Sunday afternoon, we decided to carry these two little Halloween-lovers to our local zoo for the annual Boo at the Zoo event. Despite what our daddy says, it did not disappoint.
Just in case there is any question, Ella is Olivia the Pig for Halloween and Sophie is a pumpkin. Due to some unseasonably warm weather, Sophie skipped out on her costume, with the exception of her ‘boggin. Hopefully, come Sunday the weather will be cool enough for some fuzzy knits!
Sophie had the pleasure of hanging out in the carrier for most of the night and it was a life-saver. I was not looking forward to navigating a crowded zoo with a stroller and we all know that carrying a baby for hours while waiting in line is not a fun time for ANYBODY.
We were smart enough this year to head straight for the haunted train ride. The lines last time were awful and I’m pretty sure we spent the majority of our night waiting our turn. Although it wasn’t dark yet, Leila & I were sufficiently scared by a jumpy spider. In our defense, it even made Ella cry!
After the train-ride came trick or treating in Candyland. Stations were set up throughout the aviary, reptile and social animals exhibits. We {SD & I} were a little disappointed with the goods, but thankfully Ella loves suckers and tootsie rolls, so she didn’t notice the lack of chocolate.
Sophie was a little peeved at the lack of candy being thrown in her direction, but was satisfied enough with her chubby little fingers.
Ella & Isabella tried their hand at several carnival games – bowling, throwing balls into a jug, wheel of fortune, football toss and the duck pond. The best moment came in the “scary” house for littles. It was lit with blacklights and had fluorescent polka dots painted on the walls. There were two people dressed in black, covered in dots, who stood in your way as you wandered through. Ella stopped right in front of them and said, “Who ARE you people?!?!”
We had to find time for a requisite family photo op {thanks, Miss Leila!} and Ella’s favorite, the carousel. No complaints here – Mommy, Sophie & Leila were thrilled for a minute to sit on the carousel’s bench and watch the girls. On Halloween, the carousel is haunted and only spins backwards!
We made a stop by the Alabama booth on our way to the farm animal exhibits and hay ride. Who can resist a photo-op with Big Al?
Fun was had by all, but we sure did miss our Nana & Cookie. They gifted us the tickets, but got sick at the last minute and couldn’t join in the fun. Maybe next year!
