Zoo Day! Zoo Day!

I loooove the zoo! As part of our anniversary weekend, I asked Mike if we could go to the new Teton Trek exhibit since it was too wet to drive out to Shiloh like we initially planned. To my surpise...he agreed! :D We ended up leaving early to try to beat the crowds. The day was a little cooler than I expected but it warmed up a bit later.


Donnie and Liz came along. While we got hot cocoa, Donnie made a friend.


Later, Autumn made a friend, too. Well, she tried really hard to make a friend, at least. "Cheeckin! See? Cheekin!"


The petting zoo area is pretty cute. They had this little play area and Autumn was totally enchanted by the big, fake cow that had a carving of its innards on the side. Someone else was on the cow and she kept saying, "Moo? Wan' ride mooooo?"


:) I got lots of snuggles partly because it was chilly and partly just because Autumn needed a snuggle fix.


I love this photo. Not sure why. Maybe it's because their eyes are the same color as the trees.


Monkey Tongue!


This is what she was so excited about:


Autumn maneuvered us into holding both of her hand so she could swing. :) Now that's a funny face!


Anyway, a couple hours, a zen seal...


A lazy panda...


And some grizzly cubs later...


It got noticeably colder.


Even Autumn the perpetually hot and sweaty baby was cold.


So, we went home...Mike went very happily and rapidly although he does admit it was fun. I don't blame him too much--there was chili and kettle corn waiting for us at home! :D

By the way, this stuff is so awesome, I'll end with the recipe!


Kettle Corn
1/2 cup popcorn
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 T sugar
1 t salt
(the salt and sugar can be adjusted to taste)
1. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan that has handles and a lid over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, pour in the popcorn, sprinkle salt and sugar on top and cover. You can toss in 2 or 3 kernels while the oil is heating. When the oil is hot enough, the kernels will pop. It's really important that the oil be at the right temp.

3. When the popcorn starts popping, shake continuously until the popcorn is popped. I like to grab the handles and lid with pot holders, lift and shake, rest, and repeat until the popping slows down. The shaking keeps it from burning. And I take the pot off the burner before the popping completely stops to be extra safe against burns.

4. Pour into a a serving bowl and lightly toss with a large spoon. The popcorn will dry as it cools.

This recipe makes 8-10 cups. I usually half it when it's just me, Mike, and Autumn. The corn is salty, sweet and crunchy! Yum yum!