Douglass Family Blog: John Ball Zoo

Summer bucket list here we go! Over the weekend we visited the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. We've been there many times now but this visit was special for a couple of reasons. The tickets were part of a Spring Celebration event for the Ella Bullis foundation which is an organization that provides support for families impacted by premature birth or infant death. It's a great organization and a cause that obviously very near and dear to our hearts, check it out if you get a chance. So that was the first reason this visit we special.

The second reason is this was the first time the girls were old enough/knowledgeable enough to engage in conversation about the animals they were seeing. Instead of me pointing out what the animals were, the girls were able to tell Craig and I what the animals were and tell us things about what they looked like, how they acted, etc. I love it! Every milestone they reach makes me think "this is my new favorite age!"

The zoo added a new wallaby exhibit. The wallabies are free to roam this certain area and will approach you if you are still and quiet enough.

Here is a photo of us and all our luggage! haha. We usually make the girls walk (makes for a good afternoon nap) but Sofia was sleeping when we arrived at the zoo and I wanted to bring some drinks and snack and a bottle along... and I wanted to use our fun new wagon! The girls hardly rode in it but oh well. Also pictured is our turkey friend. She followed us for quite a while... the girls were not fans. I can't blame them, if a turkey as big as me was following me around and making strange sounds I think I would be a little frightened.

Craig and the girls pet the sting rays. Well.... Craig and Georgia pet the sting rays. Madelyn was not interested so she hung out with Sofia and I.

Just before this photo we saw an ape of some kind picking at his butt. Oh man, if he only knew what a hot topic he was with all the little ones looking through the glass. "silly monkey" the girls said.

I don't think this bear picture is to scale but it still made me laugh a little. Maddy looks so tiny.

The bears, who are generally pretty lethargic when we visit were up and roaming around. It was a beautiful day and most of the animals were up and walking around. The lions were even wrestling and growling which was a big hit for the girls.