LIGHTS, ANIMALS, ACTION!

We went to see the Hogle Zoo Lights with Dan and Dawn and their family on Saturday evening and it was a lot of fun! We thought we'd go while the weather was still warm, and judging by the snow piling up outside, we made the right decision.

We arrived at the zoo shortly after 5:00 - just at dusk. The zoo was just starting to fill up and the weather was just nippy. We were glad for our coats, hats and gloves.





The lights are everywhere in the zoo - lining the walkways, up the trees, and in moving displays of animals. There were frogs leaping, foxes chasing rabbits, bears hunting prey, a beautiful peacock spreading his tail and many more. I think they have to do this because most of the animals go to sleep when it gets dark and there aren't many to see. The monkeys were awake and playing, as were the leopards. Some of the buildings were open to warm up in, like the small animal building, and the snakes were as awake as they ever are!



They have put in a carousel since I was there last and the kids clamored to ride it. Well, all except Morgan, who was terrified of the wild animals. Dan was never able to actually sit her on one and ended up standing and holding her as the ride went round and round, and she called "Need you!" as she saw Dawn. After the carousel, I took her on my lap to cuddle her and warm her up as we scootered along on my Rascal. The next time we went into a building and I let her down and told her to go to Daddy, she said, "No, Cappaw!" and went straight to grandpa and very decidedly held his hand. So, little Daddy's girl, who insists that Dan do everything for her, has a limit, and evidently Dan crossed it with his carousel ride of torture. Morgan stayed with either Robert or me the rest of the night. I loved it!

We saw some Irish dancers perform and inspite of the cold, none of the three kids moved a muscle while watching and we had to drag them away. (I need to point out here that Noah was also with us, and aside from waking up once to eat, he very politely remained asleep and contented the whole time.) About 6:30 the wind picked up and it became horribly cold. We put our heads down into it and struggled to the exit, with our minds full of the hot chocolate we were headed home to, and were glad we were not one of the hordes who had gathered to come then - the parking lot was filled to overflowing and long lines streamed to each ticket window!
If you go to see the Zoo Lights, and I recommend it, go early!