Family trip to the Zoo

The weekend before last we had a very quiet one at home getting over various bugs and illnesses, so we were keen to go out for the day last weekend. As we are only about 30-40 minutes from Marwell Zoological park we decided to head there. When Baby was 1, her aunty bought us an annual pass and consequently we have been so many times. Obviously when the pass ran out our visits slowed down, but it remains a place we know well.

 

 

I couldn’t wait to see what Baby made of it now she is so much more aware of everything and what zoos are.  We were all quite excited to be greeted by this amazing zebra statue.

 

 

Our first stop was the penguins, they are so friendly! She adored watching the swim under water from the viewing area.

 

 

 

 

We have been buggy free for quite a few months now, maybe even a year. I can’t remember the last time she agreed to go in one, but she is still little and sometimes the walking gets a bit too much, especially as she is just getting over being so poorly with tonsillitis.

 

 

 

I feel quite nostalgic when we come to places which we have been to a lot. All the way round I was thinking to myself, I remember when she wasn’t even standing, so couldn’t be measured against the giraffe, or the times in the café when she would be in a high chair. I remember her falling asleep in the baby carrier and covering her head with my scarf, as we had forgotten a sun hat for her.

 

 

I vividly remember Mr Hubby holding her up to have her picture taken as a meerkat, now she ran ahead and climbed up there herself. I am so proud of the little girl she is becoming.

 

 

When we first arrived we missed the tractor train and so when she saw it approaching again, she was beyond thrilled.

 

 

 

 

Just look at her little face, pure joy. Mummy was also pleased as her (stupidly-worn) new shoes had rubbed a rather nasty chunk out of her heel!

 

 

I think as a mum, there are few things I love as much as watching Baby and Mr Hubby laughing and playing together. There’s something magical about watching kids with their daddies.

 

 

She decided to blow raspberries on his cheek and though it was the most fun ever.

 

 

 

I have mentioned before about our love of face-painting and so we were excited to see a team of face painters ready to transform the kids into various animal characters. Baby chose a pink giraffe (I think!). I promise she was happy, it’s just we take our face-painting very seriously! ha ha!

 

 

Once transformed it was time to hit the playground. Again it hit me how different things are now compared to our first visit. She is so capable it actually takes me by surprise sometimes.

 

 

Now there are so many times when I have to trust her, stand back and let her do it herself.

 

 

As you can see, we were blessed with gorgeous weather and it wasn’t too long before we had to escape the sun-soaked playground, for some respite under the trees as we carried on around the park.

 

 

 

Sadly the Rhinos were not out in the paddocks, so we missed seeing them.

 

 

 

 

 

It did, however, leave plenty of time for lots of rolling!

 

 

 

I think one of our favourite animals all-round was the pigmy hippos, they are super cute, if a little whiffy!

 

 

 

 

We made the obligatory shop-stop, where we purchased a glittery unicorn and an ice-cream before heading off home.

 

 

The unicorn has been named Tricksy, in case you’re interested…

 

 

We had such a lovely day and seeing your child’s excited face never gets old.

 

Linking up with Katie from Mummy, Daddy, Me.