Omaha 2015

 What fun would eating oranges with out making funny teeth out of them!? This one barely fits in his mouth! Ha!

 Of course, Gabe's didn't fit well either!

But of course, Ivy tried, but she just wanted to enjoy the fruit.


















 Athena is so happy when it's time to eat anything. She can certainly hold her own when it comes to eating a meal! So glad she isn't picky either! With the exception of BBQ beans.

 

 What good is a selfie with the children if we aren't being silly! Gabe is so good about just smiling, not making funny faces, but Ivy and Noni were squealing.

On our visit to Omaha, we did have an opportunity to go to the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. . I do remember that it has always been a great zoo. Exceptionally so since it runs neck and neck going back and forth from 1st and 2nd place over the years. Their competition? San Diego Zoo.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much to see.  All the enclosed exhibits are open. However, there is SO MUCH construction of mostly the entire outdoor animals so we didn't have an opportunity to enjoy seeing any elephants, rino's, etc...

BUT-- We did get to enjoy the Skyafari, Aquarium, Gorilla's and Sting Ray Beach.

We (3 adults) were in tow of 4 children ages 1 to 8. Yes, we had brought a double stroller! Surprisingly enough, our sweet -2 months shy of being 3- year old walked A LOT of the way! Kien, our 8 year old took his chance for a free ride! Naturally!

Being that our ultimate goal was to reach Sting Ray Beach to feed the Manta Ray's, it was CLEAR across the Zoo. Normally, there would be two entrances, which would have made it  1,000,000,000% easier to just go start there! The walk was good for all of us, we did realize in the massive inclines how out of shape we really are. Yes. Three days later I am sore. My actual hip feels fine, but  EVERY. SINGLE. MUSCLE. I have in my legs and back are SO SORE!!!  (This also includes a two mile walk the very next day and then sitting in the car for 8 hours the day after that!!!) LOL

Back to the story... Both Kien and Gabe had a fish to feed the manta ray's! Kien did it with no hesitation or problem and even said with a grin ear to ear, "That felt weird but soft!"

 This was a photo of Gabe's hand jumping back ever so quickly because the manta ray actually came out of the water to eat the fish!!! It made Gabe jump back and drop the fish! We were NOT expecting THAT to happen! It must have been famished! Gabe wasn't too sure what to think, but he did end up putting his hands back into the water to pet them as they swim by.

Ivy and Kien both thought it would be cool to feed the free roaming peacocks with crackers. Ivy threw her's down when it came close, but Kien let him take it out of his hand. They are not agressive at all, but don't prefer to be pet in any way. 

 Over all it was a FANTASTIC DAY with my parents and children. I can't wait to go back in Spring/Summer 2016 when all the construction will be finished so we can enjoy seeing their other animals!