This morning Sophie, Alice and I had a very special visit to our wonderful little Zoo in Wellington. Frances, who is happily living at our place, didn’t have any work on this morning and chose to join us – which was wonderful. She took heaps of photographs (normally I get to hide behind the camera a little more!).
We had a fabulous time and Sophie really loved being the ‘big sister’ for a change (and keeper of the map)!
We delighted in seeing the otters swimming; the new little monkey exhibit, where the male Emperor Tamarin was showing off with great agility (the keeper said they are on the look out for a ‘mate’ from another zoo!); the sun bears feeding; the lions resting; the rooster strutting and the red panda up close.
Alice loved viewing the animals from the back-pack. We let her out at the fabulous ‘African Village’ where we had a fun drum session (you’ll laugh at the video at the bottom of the post – we reckon the birds thought we were nuts)!
Sophie absolutely loved being the ‘big sister’ for a change. She’s really loved this week with Alice and is bonding with her so strongly. She’s over her cold now and we will ease her back into school next week. It’s going to take a while for her to adjust to her new class and teacher, but we’ll give it a good go. She really did LOVE school last term. She was fortunate to start in new entrants with only nine children and the most AMAZING teacher (who has sadly left the school now). It’s quite a change for her to be in a bigger class where everything is new and different. She LOVES learning, but isn’t liking the change of environment.
Ah well, we’re all happy at home and with the love and support she gets in bucket loads she’ll soon be settled. And if it doesn’t work out, we’re grateful to have alternate options, but it’s still early days. In the meantime, we’ll cherish the amazing moments we’ve had together this week, ease her in with part-time hours next week, and a chat with her teacher, and see how we progress.
Our darling, young Alice has no woes to worry about at the moment (apart from a few eye teeth cutting through). She is striding out in confidence at 14 months.
And with such adoring big sisters, she will always be well supported.
This was Alice and Charlotte before school drop-off this morning (the dolls house is Alice’s firm favourite!). Alice LOVES to put animals in the house – and she finds it hilarious to see them tumble down the stairs!
Now here’s that video… (as I said before – there was no hiding from the camera with Frances tagging along – cheers mate!):
Have a great weekend! x
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What a lovely time you had at the zoo…one of our favourite places to visit and so many lovely photos!! Well done Sophie using the map around the zoo and also lovely to see Charlotte peeping over the dolls house with Alice.Have a good weekend darlings big and small!!Â
 What fantastic photos. You have inspired me to take my 12 month old to the zoo very soon.
Loving the pics – so wished we lived closer to the Zoo!!Â
 Weve lived in Napier for 5 1/2 years and I still miss the Auckland zoo.  I use to love watching the seals.  Napier doesnt have a proper zoo.   Looks like a neat educational day 🙂
Lovely time had by all 🙂 I HEART the zoo! Wonderful seeing your two lovely gals hanging out together too.
hahahahaha…..Alice loves to see the animals tumble down the dollhouse stairs! Priceless!! All your compassionate trips to the zoo come to nought, Sarah!!!
hahahahaha…..Alice loves to see the animals tumble down the dollhouse stairs! Priceless!! All your compassionate trips to the zoo come to nought, Sarah!!!
I thought you’d appreciate the photos Phil – I included them thinking of you 🙂
I’m so sorry I never got round to posting up the pics of that other amazing doll’s house you made – hope it sold well on Trade Me? Let me know if you’re still looking for a buyer and I’ll mention to friends.
Alice plays with the dolls house you made every day. She LOVES it. I enjoy playing with it just as much 😉
I thought of you Meghan. And recalled your beautiful photographs from the other week. So lovely to see they’ve put up new prayer flags in the red panda exhibit – they look absolutely glorious. I have a little strip of them hung in front of our play-house in the garden – but they are getting quite weathered now! I shall have to order some more for spring… when it comes :)Â
I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time Jodie. I love that Wellington Zoo isn’t too big to get around and has so many ‘themed’ areas for the children to play – not all about the animals – but plenty for the imagination and discovering different traditions from other parts of the world, having a good ‘ole bash on the drums and a pretend safari ride on the jeep etc. and learning about conservation work too. Endless fun! We have an annual pass; only have to visit 4 times a year to get the value out of it.Â
Thanks Jen, it was so wonderful. So much organic leaning. We are very fortunate to have such a fabulous little zoo only 10 minutes away from where we live.