My Birthday at the Zoo

July was a very busy month – not much time for blogging, but today I’ll try to catch up!
I had a very special birthday: Thelwyn took a day’s leave and she, Dorette, the little ones and I had a marvellous day in the zoo.  In the evening Jan and I went out – the perfect end to a wonderful day.  (My only frustration was my new cellphone which  refused to let me reply to my S.M.S’s – to anyone who wondered about my rudeness – it really was the phone.  I took zoo photos with my cell to show what we were doing, only to find that the “memory was full” and I did not know how to fix that.  Neither did the guy at the MTN shop! He told me to erase all my emails.  Fortunately another I.T. bloke came to the rescue a few days later!)


“Kyk, Ouma! Olifant!”

At three months, Janita was for the most part oblivious of the animals, but she thoroughly enjoyed the outing in the fresh air.
 

The lions were a major hit!  They roared in their under the road “cavern” and their ominous sounds vibrated and echoed through the whole zoo!  We suspect a female was on heat.  At first Franco and Martelize were a bit frightened, but soon started to mimic the lions.

Most of the animals obligingly came closer so that the children could get close up views.  The giraffe stayed far from the fence and we did not get to see the hippo’s, but the pigmy hippo was cute.
 
Another animal biscuit anyone? 

Janita and Martelize both wore the same colour scheme, but before I could get Martelize to sit still to be photographed with her cousin, she managed to get her pretty home-knit jersey full of black jacks and Thelwyn had to take it off – before she too got covered in black jacks!
 
Guess who were the centre of attraction during our lunch picnic?

Martelize wanted to wear Franco’s halter and ride in his push chair (which used to be Gerts’!), but fortunately Franco did not mind riding in her push chair!  Both children were very good and never quarrelled.
 
Janita also never complained – not even once – but we lifted her out of pram every now and then to make sure she stayed contented and felt part of all the excitement!
 

“Martelize, kyk vir Ouma!” Nee, wat!  Martelize was far more interested in the animals than posing for a camera!

A last feed for Janita before we headed home.  It was already 15:00 and neither Franco nor Martelize had had a nap, but both were still very cheerful and bubbly till the very end!  However, both fell asleep within minutes after being strapped into their car seats!
It was a wonderful outing for 2 year olds!  They appreciated everything and learned so much: from the mud covered pig to the monkeys and elephants.  From the bridge across the river to the leaves on the trees and a picnic on the lawn.  The zoo is really a magical place! 
Dankie nogmaals my kinders vir ‘n WONDERLIKE verjaarsdag!