Aunt Katie's Zoo Birthday

Granny, Uncle Austin, and Aunt Katie with Sadie

Last weekend we celebrated Aunt Katie's birthday. Having yet to go to the Houston Zoo, she thought it would be fun to go with the whole family. Sadie was, of course, elated to see her animals for this birthday jaunt. We immediately strolled over to the sea lions. Sadie loves watching them swim in the water. While Sadie stared at them through the metal gated fence, Austin reminisced about coming to the zoo when he was in elementary school - a favorite field trip location for the children of Houston.

After leaving the sea lions, we headed out towards the elephants. On the way, my mom had Sadie take a quick picture by this little leprechaun statue. Apparently, this little strange iron-cast man used to be located in the children's section of the zoo when Austin and I were little. My mom and Dad said they had several pictures of us when we were little next to this very statue!

A Familiar Statue

We enjoyed seeing the elephants get their morning bath and then meandered to the Africa exhibit. Sadie kept squirming and wanting to walk on her own to each exhibit, which is normally fine for a slow stroll with Mommy, but not as ideal with a large crowd on a Saturday. Although particular about who holds her and how long, she relished the chance to jump into Uncle Austin's arms, or as Austin has renamed himself, Fun Uncle Austin. Katie and I kept laughing that it sounded like one big crazy word - "fununcle." Everyone needs a great "fununcle."

Checking out the elephants

Sadie screamed until she woke up this gorilla!

Learning how to play the djembe with Sadie's "fununcle"

Here, Uncle Austin. I would like one of these, please.

Right outside of the children's zoo section, we enjoyed looking around the "Swap Shop," a great "store" created for kids to bring their nature findings and trade them for something found in the store. They have everything from bird skulls to snake skins to shells! A lot of fun for Sadie when she gets a little older. After walking back outside I made a quick run to the restroom and came back to find Austin and Katie talking and playing with Sadie at the benches adorned with painted animal tiles on top. She just grinned at them both and was talking away, no doubt proclaiming to Aunt Katie that coming to the zoo for her birthday was an ingenious idea.

Talking with Uncle Austin and Aunt Katie

Sadie's favorite parts of the children's zoo on this particular occasion were the swimming otters, the carousel, and of course the sound buttons by the fox den. The otters were particularly funny because they were drawn to Sadie's white kitty she held for the day. So no matter if Sadie moved left or right, the otters kept swimming up to Sadie. She was delighted with their interest in "her."

Interested Otters

Holding Kitty atop of Mommy

Sadie loves the sounds buttons!

Granny and Sadie

We eventually had lunch by the pond, but for some reason we lost the pictures we took then. However, we had so much fun. Granny brought a chocolate sprinkled donut and candles. We nervously and softly sang to Aunt Katie hoping no zoo personnel would see our open flame. She blew out the candles and opened presents from my parents. Afterwards, we resumed our animal fun and eventually made our way back to the front to look at the reptile house - a safe haven for our skin on such a hot and sunny day. What a delightful end to such a fun celebration for Aunt Katie - a wonderful and loved addition to our growing family. Here's to more zoo trips with Sadie's Aunt and Fununcle!

Telling Uncle Austin a secret!

Walking with Granddaddy