Winter at the Zoo

One of the things I truly appreciate about homeschooling is scheduling flexibility.  We are able to take advantage of pretty days, especially in the Winter, to go on (field) trips for a much needed break from the books and the stifling indoors.  I look at it as a day retreat to re-charge but at the same time to give the kids the opportunity for real-life learning.

Today was a good day to go to the zoo, it was practically empty but the animals were awake and playing.  We originally planned to go hiking but with the recent rains/melting snow we really didn't want to deal with the mud.  Plus there was a little girl who just got new (bright orange!) runners that she didn't want to ruin.

Here are some snapshots of our day:

baby watching a wolf

running after the others with his exaggerated (cute) stance

goofy kids

love this shot

bison

who's the fairest of them all?

the only animal he's allowed to feed: sculpted ones

mama bear with her cubs minus one

polar bear

gnarly!

black bears

middle child trying to make me laugh

five-year old fascinated by this showy tiger, it kept marching in front of the kids

figuring out who can reach up the highest

king of the jungle

her shoes almost match the pink (more orange really) flamingos

the aquarium is his favorite

Happy Winter!