Alexis’ birthday weekend fell on Memorial Day weekend. And with my new job, I get Memorial Day off, along with my husband!!! That meant it was a perfect opportunity to take a family trip and celebrate.
We booked a hotel room in the Cities and headed for Como Park Zoo! LOVE IT! If you’ve been to the Cities and haven’t been here, you’re missing out! First off, entrance is FREE! They just ask for a free-will donation at the gates. And it’s the perfect size to take it in walking around on even a hot summer day. All the attractions are close in proximity, so you’re not walking all over the place just trying to see the next animal like at some zoos. 
The first attraction? Take in the Sparky the Seal show – immediately! That way you don’t miss out on it later. We got great seats & the kids LOVED watching Sparky waddle, clap & swim under command. He’s so cute!
We were very fortunate that all the animals were out and playful. It was a bit cooler to start out the day, so they were enjoying the weather too!
One of the last times we visited Como Park, we were with friends, Chris & Jamie when I was still pregnant with Noah. I told them my favorite attraction was the polar bears. I loved watching them swim back and forth, back and forth. But when we got there, we found that the exhibit was closed for remodeling! The polar bears were visiting another zoo. I was totally bummed but was so excited to see them back at the zoo.
They were back! But not exactly active this morning. Lazy bones syndrome, apparently. But I was fascinated to find out the polar bears at the zoo were the same ones I visited as I grew up. Two brothers who got along swimmingly. hehe
For some reason, every time we visit the lions inside the Large Cat exhibit, they look at my kids as if they’re something to eat. Today wasn’t any different. Meow!
I caught Mr. Lion with a bad taste in his mouth apparently.
I’m not sure if this is a giraffe thing or if they waxed the pole with something tasty, but this giraffe was loving it. He went on and on “making out” with the post for a good 15 minutes. The kids found it rather funny too!
Then it was off to the amusement park! We made the mistake of entering the park by walking through the rides. That’s all the kids could talk about the entire time we were in with the animals. “Can we go ride rides?” “When can we go to the rides?” It was time. We started on the train.
Then they were super excited for the swings. I got some great pics of them!
The spinning tea cups also caught their attention. Bill didn’t figure they’d have any fun. But it didn’t take much an explanation before they had that cup spinning faster than any of the other kids! They totally got it!
What happened next was absolutely amazing! We were about to grab more points on our riders card when a park manager asked if the kids would like to get their faces painted. I gave her a funny look and said they’d love it, of course. She said it was on the house, that they needed some “walking billboards.” So the kids picked out their paintings (it’s no surprise what they picked!), and let the artists get to work!
Can you tell where he’s going with his?
A butterfly and Spider-Man, of course! We tipped the artists handsomly and ran into the manager again as they were wrapping up. I thanked her over and over again and explained that it was Alexis’ birthday and how grateful we were for the special gift. Then it was off to more rides with their new faces!!!!!
And after exhausting the second riders card, the kids were pooped and ready to take off, smudged makeup and all. Isn’t that just the cutest pouty Spider-Man face ever?!
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