Who's new at the zoo?

We recently checked out a book from the library titled "Who's new at the zoo?" - knowing that we had a trip planned.

Then, on Friday, WE went to the zoo! As a family outing, we went to the Milwaukee County Zoo. About a ba-zillion times, we heard "_ook! _ook!" (Note: the L in look is silent.)

When quizzing him on his favorite things, the answer kept changing throughout the day and depending upon who asked him.

In no particular order, here is a list of Sydney's FAVORITE THING(s) at the zoo:

Lion
Flamingo
Giraffe
Elephant
Goat
Sea Lion
Penguin
Moose
Butterflies
Peacocks
Monkeys

Sydney was disappointed that we did NOT find pigeons or turkeys, despite them being on the list of animals at the MKE zoo. He was also disappointed to not see sheep or pigs. (We assured him that someday we will go to a farm to see some sheep and pigs.)

We had announced that we were going to go to the sea lion show. Sydney kept thinking that we were going to SEE lions. We kept telling him that these are not lions like the library on PBS Between the Lions; these lions will swim and jump in the water.

He didn't understand where we were going with our explanation, but it quickly came together for him once the Zoo's "Harbor Seal & Sea Lion Show" had started. He especially liked when the animals clapped their hands or danced to the music.

Anything with antlers... caribou, elk, etc... were all declared MOOSE.

It was a great day! Check out some of our pics:

Our first ever trip to the zoo - with kids. Milwaukee County Zoo. Milwaukee, WI

The photo (colors) didn't do it justice... Sydney exclaimed "Monkey blue face!"

The cutest monkey at the zoo... demonstrating the use of opposable thumbs... Baby Silas!

"_ook, _ook... _ish!"

Mommy and Silas, waiting to gain entrance for the Harbor Seal & Sea Lion show.

California Sea Lion

Sydney smiles.

Sea Lion claps.

Sydney claps, too. (He thought it was funny when the Sea Lion was clapping, playing with toys, jumping and dancing to the music.)

Sydney admires peacocks.

This peacock was especially friendly.

They were all checking each other out.

Sydney learned how to stand on one leg from the "_ink 'la-mingos."

Any animal with horns, regardless of species, Sydney declared "_ook, a moose!" (By the time we finally got to the moose exhibit, he was rather uninterested because he had already seen "lots" of so-called "MOOSE".

Daddy and Sydney watch a BEAR! (Sydney demonstrated a GROWL very well!)

Camels

Rhinoceros

"_ook, _ook, Daddy... la-la-phant. Whoa, BIG!" (Elephant)

"_ook, _ook... graff! BIG!" (Giraffe)

"_ebra and Gonkeys!" (Sydney thought that these were Donkeys with the zebra.)

"_ook! Big cat! Pretty. Pretty big cat."

One of the new(est) members at the zoo: a beautiful member of the feline family.

Sydney loved watching this one pace the exhibit, walking right past the window... inches from Sydney.

"_ook! _ook!"

"_ion! _ion! _ook, Mommy; Daddy! _ook! _ion!" (Lion. NOTE: L is silent.)

Silas, snuggled up with hat and blankets, slept for much of our trip to the zoo, but woke up VERY HAPPY, like usual!

Quite interested in petting (and feeding) the goats. Helped that there was already another little kid doing it already.

Learning to feed the goats by holding out your hand flat.

Very interested in feeding the goats. We bought 2 servings worth of goat food.

Gained enough confidence to stray from Daddy. Galloped with excitement. (Adorable!)

Was thrilled to ride the 'rain at the zoo - with Daddy!

A change of clothes for Silas - while Sydney and Daddy rode the train.

Mommy and the Boys had great fun at the zoo!

We ended our day with a ride. (Sydney picked our first animal, but once the ride started, we discovered that it did not move so, we switched to the next animal inland.) Surprised, Daddy declared "You moved."