We hadn’t been to the zoo in a couple months.  We left bright and early this morning to try to beat the July heat.  I packed icy water bottles, sunscreen, hats, stroller, gym shoes, back brace, and took a Tylenol and Zantac just to be ready.

The zoo crowds were lighter than earlier in the summer.  We found parking easily and didn’t have to fight to see animals.  Most of the animals were cooperative and playful, coming right up to us. Except the big felines, they were mostly hiding in the shade.  But it was 11:30 by the time we got to them, and everyone was wilted at that point, us included. 

Dusty Cape Buffalo.

Hot day at the zoo

A pelican, as requested on our drive to the zoo.  “Can we see that bird with funny bumpy mouth?” “Flamingos?”  “No, the funny bird, with big mouth.  Nemo’s dad and Dory go in his mouth.”  He laughed with glee when this pelican stretched his neck to let us see his mouth.

Hot day at the zoo

Hot day at the zoo

All the penguins were in the caves except this dummy.  Water or caves, dude. That’s where you should be.  This was the smaller exhibit near the monkeys.  We saw better penguin action by the Bird Palace. 

Hot day at the zoo

Brown Bears

Hot day at the zoo

Better Penguin Action

Hot day at the zoo

Fishing cat making rounds right up to the glass.  He made up for the otters across the hall who were sleeping.

Hot day at the zoo

We took a break in the amphitheater to eat PB&Js, grapes, and water.

Hot day at the zoo

While we ate we watched this guy take a bath!

Hot day at the zoo

The sea lions were very playful too.

Hot day at the zoo

Hot day at the zoo

Despite asking for giraffes several times, when we finally got to them he was feigning interest.  These tigers next door were lounging and bathing.  Jack had devolved to asking useless questions, like he does when he is tired and bored.  For example, this picture he is asking “How that tiger take a bath, mom?”  “uhh, by sitting in the water.”  “But how he take bath?”  Ok, time do go.
Hot day at the zoo

Jack was wearing out, so we headed back to the car.  I couldn’t believe all the people just arriving now that it was almost noon.  Dudes, it’s going to get hotter!

But seriously, I should get some Mommy achievement points for spending the morning Downtown Denver, walking in the high 90s weather while 8 months pregnant, right? This was NOT EASY.

At home we had a bigger lunch with Ben, who was working from home today.  He went back in the basement while I turned on the sprinklers for Jack to frolic.  It cooled him down to chattering teeth.  He played with his cars in his room while I sorted baby clothes.  (Oh my gosh, were his feet ever really this small??)

I was sweltering by quiet time.  These afternoon storms are nice for bringing down the ambient temperature outdoors.  But the rainfall makes our evaporative cooler worthless.  Ben suggested I get out of the house since he was there for Jack if needed. 

Cool down

Ahhhhhh.  If only their WiFi worked as well as their AC.  I was goose bumpy and loving it.  But after several disconnections I had to go home to finish my work.  It was a wonderful respite while it lasted.