ZOO 2015!!

We had our annual FREE trip to the Atlanta Zoo on Monday morning (yes, FREE - go watch that boring DVD at your local library....SO WORTH IT!!) We were so very excited that Grandmama came with us this year!!

Of course, we got there early, so we checked out Grant Park for a minute:

Waiting for about 15 minutes for the doors to open. We sometimes get ridiculed for always being so early wherever we go. Laugh all you want, but we beat the heat, the traffic, and the crowds. Winning!!

Antsy to go in:

Finally, we were able to go in, and we always check out the flamingos first. (Side note - while all of the girls love the zoo, Ella is EXTRA intrigued by it. She notices, observes, and points out things about the animals that blow our minds. She could totally be a zoologist or veterinarian one day):

So happy that the elephants were active!!

Feeding the birds in the birdhouse:

Warthog eating on his knees. He was HANGRY:

Stopping for some photo-ops:

The meerkat on the left was just too awesome. He kept nodding off and falling over. Hilarious:

Rhinos!

We were able to get up close and personal with the giraffes. So neat!!

Watching the lions play on the rocks:

This was our first time seeing the zoo's new reptile and fish exhibit. Super nice!!

Alligators.....

.....and snakes....

....and lizards!!!

After stopping to have a few snacks....

....we headed over to see the gorillas. Our FAV!!

Nora the Explorer:

Loving all the fun sights:

Pandas are another fav. They have to be enclosed this time of year because they can't take the heat:

We couldn't take the heat, either, so we found allllll the mist fans :)

Petting zoo!!!

This poor mama was pregnant. Way pregnant. We gave her some extra loving:

Train ride!!

Carousel Fun:

Enjoying the playground before we head out:

Ella gave the outside entertainers some money. She said, "They've been working so hard in the sun all day. I hope they're blessed." If everyone had a heart like that baby, this world would be a beautiful place.

Before heading home, we stopped to have a picnic in Grant Park. Nothing says "summer picnic" like bologna sandwiches, barbecue chips, and COKE. That's where it's at.

No day is complete without a cartwheel:

Such a fun, perfect day with the 4 ladies I love most in this world!!

Cheers to the zoo (especially when it's FREE!!!)