A Trip to the Rainforest

Sadie in Shades

A couple of weeks ago James and I decided to take Sadie to Moody Gardens for our first trip to the Rain Forest Pyramid. Sadie and I had only quickly peeked inside the aquarium so this was a special trip. We bought a family membership to Moody Gardens so we would have a nice summer escape to fun! As we strolled up the long and winding ramp, Sadie worked at putting her sunglasses on herself. Very cool. We decided to head to the Rain Forest first because we were informed it could get rather hot as the day progressed. This was an understatement! It felt as hot as...well...a rain forest! The newly developed facility allows you to enter at treetop level after passing some welcoming river animals that look similar to otters. 

 After meandering through various trees, plants, and even a butterfly section, we made our way to the bottom. Sadie, fully embracing her mobility and new-found toddler energy, probably found the most enjoyment in these little black ropes that hung from the ceiling. We are still not exactly sure of their purpose, but it is truly of no matter since Sadie adored them. She walked back and forth, each time more impressed with herself for making it through the "Jungle of Ropes." We praised her efforts and had to eventually say "bye-bye" to the ropes to allow for others to exit the cave section of the exhibit.

Sadie's Favorite Section - The Ropes!

 There are several animals on display reminding us of God's unending creativity. Sadie enjoyed seeing the alligator because he was low enough to walk up to and view. He was, however, quite still so Sadie quickly lost interest as we ran to the next animal. One of our favorite spots we found was a neat little bench - a perfect "photo opp" for any family so inclined. Sadie had her picture with Mommy and Daddy.

Is it a rock or an alligator? Too still to tell!

Matching Mommy and Sadie

Daddy and Sadie

 After the exhibit, we had lunch next to the main little eatery. I packed Sadie's and she nibbled on fruit strips, noodles, chicken, broccoli, and carrots - our "go-to" meal when we're on the run. Afterwards, Daddy thought it would be fun to see if she wanted any little souvenir from the gift shop. We played in there for a while. Sadie especially loved the silly panda mask. At first Daddy put it on and Sadie laughed hysterically, then Daddy put it on Sadie and she couldn't have been more pleased. She walked up to me and showed off her new furry identity. We also found these tiny little animals that clip to your clothes (or anywhere, I suppose). Daddy and I remembered having these when we were younger and grew nostalgic upon seeing them. This ushered an attack on Sadie's outfit - I think we were able to clip about 10 on her and she just looked at them and smiled. A couple of older women in the store saw her walking around with them on and giggled explaining to us that "That's a way to sell the little toys!" and "Isn't she just adorable?" We left the gift shop with a pink and blue snake in hand that Sadie kept carrying around. It seems three times her length and she loved watching it drag behind her.

Sadie the Panda

Mommy and Daddy's Outfit Creation

 We decided to look in the aquarium before we left. Sadie fell asleep about 30 minutes in, so we took our time looking around - allowing her to get as much rest as possible before getting in the hot car. Daddy had to go by a house to do a quick appraisal, so we had to leave eventually and Sadie transferred no problems. She kept snoozing until Daddy was almost finished. She woke up, ate some freeze-dried fruit - well, not all of it. She kept handing me the peaches because those are apparently her least favorite. We picked Daddy up and headed to Sonic before leaving the island. Sadie was treated to a cup of Sonic ice - her favorite. She crunched that ice - just like her Daddy - all the way home as James and I talked about how much fun it is to have such a wonderful little girl in Sadie.

Sadie's Snake!

Sadie loves Sonic ice!