We couldn't believe it when we woke up yesterday to find another cool morning waiting for us. There wasn't any way we were spending it inside so we decided to head to the zoo for the afternoon. It was the perfect day - everyone was happy - even the animals! First thing we did - after grabbing lunch, of course - was head down to the Civitan Pavilion to watch the Birds of Flight show - it was amazing! They had a bunch of different birds that flew right across the heads of the audience!

Evelyn was captivated - almost enough to forget Jason's Dr. Pepper bottle...almost.

After the show was over you could make a donation to wildlife conservation (don't worry - none of it goes to PETA, the Sierra Club or anything anti-ANWR - we checked). One of the birds was perched on top of the donation box and would take the money from your hands and stick it through the slot on top. This same animal would fly through the crowd and take any plastic bottles or aluminum cans that were offered and place them into the recycle bin - it was a pretty impressive little bird.

We were then able to step over and visit with the beautiful macaw bird - Evelyn was entranced.

They made friends fast.

After some much needed refreshment and a little luxury lounging in the stroller - we then headed out to our next exhibit...the gorillas!

This is baby Mosi and his Mommy.

I'm not sure she knew what to make of those gorillas at first...

But she soon found them very interesting. She's been pointing to the gorilla in her favorite animal book and looking up at me with this expression that says, "Hey - I saw this guy! He's my friend!"

Family shot!

Daddy Kisses!

Evelyn was then ready to do some walking on her own and helped Daddy push the stroller a bit. Poor Jason had no idea what was going to happen next...

"Look Daddy! That little boy sure is running fast towards us!"

"You sure are a cutie! I can't control myself - I have to give you a hug..."

"And since your daddy has let me get this close I might as well plant a kiss right on your lips!"

"I hope that was OK with you, Mister."

I don't think Evelyn minded the attention one little bit...do you?

After her brief love affair we spotted our next animal! Any guesses as to what made Evelyn smile and clap?

You guessed right! An ELEPHANT!!! The minute she saw him she started making her elephant sounds - they were so intense that drool just cascaded down her chin.

"Can't we get any closer Daddy?"

The zoo keepers had just finished a presentation on both elephants and we were allowed to pet them! Evelyn thought that was pretty cool. We learned that every morning they allow the elephants to walk two miles through the park and eat any type of vegetation that appeals to them. Apparently elephants need a lot of exercise!

Jason takes control of the camera and these are the type of shots we end up with...so here's a belly shot of baby girl Shephard at 37 weeks. We're only two weeks away from meeting the newest little princess! Yippee!

Next stop: lions! Evelyn loved them so much she tried to kiss them through the glass pane - yes...that was pretty disgusting. When Jason pulled her away she started crying and it was the only time the lioness looked over at all of us.

Evelyn loved the next animals we saw - she was just amazed.

Two beautiful giraffes!

"Hey you! Come over here so I can get a closer look!"

Hello, you little baby!

I'd say Evelyn had a great time.

Our precious angel.