Ginger couldn't take a trip to the zoo without Lion, her ever-present favorite friend. After growing tired of lugging him around, she opted for stuffing him into her two hoods, where he rode securely(albeit blindly) for the rest of the morning.
We pretty much had the place to ourselves. I think November is my new favorite time to go to the zoo. Will spent much of the day in the arms of whoever would let him hitch a ride. He's irresistible, so finding a willing adult wasn't hard. More on our friends the Rudd boys later in the post..
Don't think of it as running from the lion...think of it as running toward the brown bear..
This guy pretty much did ..this. For a long time. I really wanted to put my arms around his neck and bury my face in his squishiness. I realize, of course, that this would occur moments before my face was ripped off and handed back to me. Still.
Lion and Ginger climbing to get a better view. Turned out ok for Ginger, still sucked for Lion who continued seething in his own carbon dioxide.
In this picture, Tony caught something very distinctly 'Willow'. Utterly earnest.
This is Daniel, lucky Dad of Isaac and Will, and someone who is becoming increasingly important to me. The more I get to know him, the more surprised I am that he can exist. He's shockingly kind, intelligent, imaginative, resilient and free-thinking. It's the best kind of surprise. 
Willow and Isaac checking out the river otters......
This young spider monkey was fascinated with the kids...in this shot it's trying to look disinterested, dramatically so. Moments later it leaned over and kissed the glass where Ginger's hand was. At one point Isaac and the monkey were face to face through the glass, both giving each other a kiss.
Ginger took this picture..other than this shot, though, Tony deserves all the credit for capturing our day in these images. :)The girls had crazy fun making beautiful patterns of layered sand with the art project Tara & Tony had waiting for them back at their place after the zoo. It was really thoughtful and was a big hit with Willow and Ginger.
And, thanks to Tara for a dinner that the girls and I talked about for days. We all want seconds.
