Zoo

On Friday we went to the St. Louis Zoo with our daughter and her family.  It was the first time I'd been in almost 30 years and the first time ever for the grandtwins.
We started by going through the Rivers Edge. We walked in with a couple large groups so it was real crowded there making it hard for the twins to see a lot especially since older kids would just jump in front of them.  Highlights included seeing some elephants and a rhino.  We missed the cheetahs or they were hiding which I'd have like to see.
We then stopped by Lakeside Crossing to get some lunch.  We picked the wrong time and the place was crowded.  I got lucky and found a group just getting up from a shaded patio table.  The meal itself was nothing special.  My hot dog wasn't very good but the Glue's cheeseburger was a lot better.  Twin #1 had a little fit when her mother put her dip (ketchup) in with her meal and apparently she wanted to dip it in the little paper cup.
Then it was time to ride the train and we picked the wrong station to get on.  We had to wait for the third train to stop but it wasn't a horrible wait.  I wish we could have all been together but me and the Glue sat in one spot and the rest sat in another.  On the trip around we got to see a tiger rolling around which was a highlight for me.  We also got a good look at the elephants. 
After the ride it was time to visit The Wild.  It wasn't as crowded as the Rivers Edge and the twins were able to see a lot better.  The gorillas were keeping to themselves and were hard to see.  The orangutans were active and the twins got to see them up close at a couple different windows.  One of the highlights of the visit.  We also got to see a grizzly swimming and playing with a tree branch.  The penguins were a fun place, there were a lot of them inside and out and they were easy to see.
We then went to the Red Rocks part of the zoo.  We got a good look at some giraffes and some antelope types but somehow we missed the lions and the other big cats which I think the twins would have really enjoyed.
By this time everyone was getting tired but we had to visit the Historic Hill section before we left.  We went through the bird house and the monkey house.  Then it was time for the one thing the twins wanted to see:  the snakes.  The twins were really wearing down but they really enjoyed looking at the snakes.  The King Cobra was hiding and you could only catch a little of him.  We got to see a Black Mamba moving around which our friend Valya had some experiences with when she was in Africa.  You hear about the size of pythons but seeing them up close really makes you realize how big they are.
At this point we headed towards the exit but had to make a stop in the gift shop.  I stayed outside with the twins wagon and found a nice shady bench to relax on.  They stayed in a lot longer then I thought they would.  They twins got some shirts and stuffed animals from there.
As headed out the exit twin #1 had another fit because she wanted both stuffed snakes and her brother had the nerve to want one.  It was a long day for me much less both of them and they both walked a lot more than expected especially twin #2.
We decided to forego our normal routes home and just go the fastest and grab something to eat when we got home.  We decided to pick up Cummares on the way home.  We split a spaghetti and meatballs and get an extra side salad.  Boy did it hit the spot.  After we were finished there was still enough for a couple more meals.
If you haven't been to the zoo in a while, go.  It is a very interesting visit and I'm ready to go back especially now that I have a better idea where things are and can have a better plan.