Jada's Trip to the Zoo

 I learned a valuable lesson shooting these pictures.  Clean your camera lens!  My apologies for the cloudy spot on the pictures.

Jason had promised Jada a trip to the zoo and he delivered.  They have been at the zoo most of the day and the last animals for them to see are the gorillas.  Paul and Bridget are there with their two kids.  They've just spent time with the gorillas and decided to take a little rest before moving on to the giraffes.

The zoo has two adult gorillas.  They've named them Desi and Lucy because of their comedic antics.  This is Desi.

Lucy is perched on a ledge in the corner.

"Look how big they are Jada."  (Jason)

Jada is fascinated, but keeping her distance.

Jada gets a little brave and takes a couple of steps forward.  She is quickly stopped in her tracks as Desi moves closer to the front.

"Jada, honey, I don't think you should get any closer."  (Lynn)

Charlotte is telling her dad a little about some of the animals they just saw.  She loves animals and has more than once voiced her desire to be a vet one day.

"Garrett, come over here, please."  (Bridget)

She might as well have said, "Garrett turn and run towards the gorillas", because that's exactly what he did.

"Mommy, monkeys."  (Garrett)

"They are gorillas, and we just saw them.  We're going to see the giraffes.  Don't you want to see the giraffes?"  (Bridget)

Jason is trying to get Jada a little closer to the gorillas.

"Honey, you are making me real nervous."  (Lynn)

Off in the distance, one of the zookeepers is approaching with a monkey.

"Hello.  Are you enjoying Lucy and Desi?"  (Zookeeper)

"Daddy, daddy, look it's a monkey!" (Jada)

"Yes, I see honey."  (Jason)

"This is George.  We named him after our favorite TV monkey, Curious George."  (Zookeeper)

"We know Curious George very well.  We watch him all the time."  (Jason)

They talk a little more and then the zookeeper takes George to see the other family.

"Hello.  George wanted to say hello to you."  (Zookeeper)

"Look Garrett.  A monkey.  Isn't he adorable."  (Bridget)

"Oh my! I've never seen a real live monkey so close.  Can I pet him?" (Charlotte)

"George is a very friendly monkey, but we have strict rules at the zoo against the public petting the animals.  I'm sorry."  (Zookeeper)

George, of course, is eating up the attention.  He is just like a little kid and loves being around real people.

"Honey, I can't get over how cute he is."  (Lynn)

"I've never known you to be so fond of animals."  (Jason)

"I know.  But I've never seen a monkey up close and personal."  (Lynn)

The zookeeper spends a little more time there, then moves on to see other zoo guests.

"Okay, well we really need to get a move on it now, if we are going to finish."  (Bridget)

"I agree.  Not to mention it looks like the rain will be here soon.  I'll take Garrett."  (Paul)

"I can't believe I got to see a real monkey."  (Charlotte, still in awe)

"So first the giraffes and then the elephants.  That will put us closer to the front gate."  (Bridget)

 

Charlotte has snapped out of her state of monkey bliss.

"Lead the way."  (Paul)

"Mommy, can we stop and get some cotton candy?" (Charlotte)

Lynn and Jason are taking a little rest before heading to the car.  It's also a chance for Jada to eat her cheese sandwich they brought with them.  

"Well this was a fun day.  I don't remember the last time I came to the zoo."  (Lynn)

"It was fun.  I guess we need to thank Jada for insisting we come."  (Jason)

"Jada, why aren't you eating your sandwich?  Here, take a bite."  (Jason)

"Awww, honey, look at Lucy and Desi."  (Lynn) 

Epilogue
1.  I found Lucy and Desi at a thrift store for $2 each.
2.  This bird cage has been a decoration in my living room for many years.
3.  I finally got to use the little green bird fountain I found at TJMaxx a few months ago.
4.  The little monkey was purchased from Hobby Lobby about a month ago.  He has magnets in his hands and feet.
5. I have many other zoo animals that hopefully we will see another day.