Zoo Trip with Grandma

While my mom was here visiting, we took the girls to the zoo. We got there about 10:30 and planned to see the bird show. But I guess we spent a little too long looking at the giraffes and a few other animals because we arrived to the bird show at 11:02 and the show was already closed. We watched for a few minutes from outside, but the girls were quite disappointed to miss it.

However, it worked out okay. We saw a few other animals and then headed toward the new Rocky Shores exhibit. The river otters were really active and we enjoyed watching them. Then we went to sit down by the seals and eat a snack. We found out that a seal training show was about to start, and so we got to learn about the seals and sea lions and watch them be trained. They explained how they got the seals to do tricks such as spin around and climb up on the rocks (they use their whistles and voices as well as fish to give positive reinforcement. They ignore any "mistakes" the seal makes and just reinforce the good things they do.) They also explained why (they watch them closely and also feel their bodies to check for any injuries or problems. They also need them to follow directions so that they will respond if they need them to seen by a vet or to get them out of the enclosure if something fell into the water that could hurt them.)

The polar bear was also very active while we were there. We enjoyed watching it swim and splash and show off.

It was a hot day, so we didn't last long. But we enjoyed spending quality time with Grandma.
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On the day that my mom and Mike were leaving to return to AZ, we went to my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Phil's home. My grandpa was there too. We spent some time visiting with them and took some photos.

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Grandma and Grandpa gave each girl $1 when they were leaving. The girls begged me to take them to the dollar store after we took Grandpa and Grandma to the airport. They each got to pick out one item. Michelle got a little set that has a sheriff badge, handcuffs, glasses and a few other items. Ella got silly string which, of course, was gone in a few minutes, but which had her giggling (and then yelling when someone grabbed it and sprayed it in HER hair!). Gabby got silly putty. They loved their toys.