The Buffalo Zoo

After a visit to the oral-deaf school at BHSC, I decided to take the boys to the Buffalo Zoo. The Buffalo Zoo is much bigger than the Erie Zoo, so we weren't able to see the entire zoo before the boys were exhausted from the heat. We'll have to see the sea lions and children's zoo another day!

We stopped to look at some bears and to enjoy the scenery, but it was soon time to stop for lunch. The boys did remarkably well, especially since there are so many things that they want to run and see! They both stayed with me, though Nolan did try to run for the playground at one point.

Checking out a grizzly bear

The play structure is rather nice, and includes a slide which looks like a giant snake. We stayed here for a while, but a child pushed Nolan to the ground when he was out of my sight. This caused a small abrasion and a bloody lip, so I decided to vacate the playground. We'll play there again when I have a second adult to keep an eye on both boys at the same time!

Matt climbing out of the snake slide

Nolan was brave enough to try it by himself!

The Buffalo Zoo also has a boneyard- a large rocky area which conceals dinosaur "bones." Both boys loved digging in the dirt and finding dinosaur bones. I loved the fact that I could see both children at all times, and had them in an enclosed area!

Sticking your tongue out helps greatly with digging

Matt is looking for more bones to dig up

We left the boneyard for the rainforest exhibit. This is very nicely done and includes scarlet ibis, ducks, giant anteaters, turtles, bats, monkeys, and a swinging bridge. We spent quite a lot of time in this building, since Matt thought of the place as a "maze" and loved navigating the paths.

Nolan really liked the ducks

Peter T. Anteater (I'm a UC Irvine alumnus, have to brainwash the kids!)

Bouncing on the bridge

Matt on the second level of the rainforest

We wandered off and saw some rhinos, zebras, and stopped by the children's learning "treehouse" where the boys could cool off in the air conditioning and play with some toys.

Matt was really upset when he couldn't ride a real rhino.

Nolan wanted the rhino to go somewhere.

Playing with toys in the "treehouse"

As we were playing in the "treehouse," the boys started to let me know they'd had enough. For those who aren't parents, this means they started having a complete breakdown. I carried and lugged my tired brood back to the car and started the journey home. Thankfully, both boys were out cold before we pulled out of the parking lot!

I'll have to take the boys to the Buffalo Zoo again. We really had a great time and both boys took a great nap when we were done!