Detroit Zoo - Grandsons and Dinosaurs

Th' Luvly Laura and I took the grandsons, Luvly Dotter Elizabeth, SIL Nick, and friends "Uncle" Tom and "Aunt Melissa" to the Detroit Zoo yesterday (Labor Day).  It was also the last day the zoo would have the animatronic dinosaurs, so we obviously HAD TO go.  The dinos were a BIG hit - even with th' Bubba, who won't be three for another week.

Nick and Uncle Tom left us all behind on the way in

But we all bravely struggled to catch up

Once we were inside and had rented the wagon, it was potty time.  Three women and two kids?  How would it NOT be?

And, they're off!  To th' DINOS->

Photo op at th' fountain.

Some Bactrian Camels were spotted on the way

Thru the "germicidal wash" into th' Dinos' lair

Megasauras & Bubba (Daddy too)

Megasaurus holds no terrors for Jacob

Watch those teeth, Nick

I ain't scared a' no teeth!

Teeth? What teeth?  I'll protect you, Jacob!

Grab those sunglasses Grampa! (photo by th' Luvly Laura)

Relax, Jacob! (photo by th'  Luvly Laura)

British isles crocodilian (spits "venom?")

Moite oi 'ave a bite o' yer arm, Guv'nor?  Oi'm that 'ungry, oi am.

Some careless dino wandered off and left his rib-cage.  No wonder they went extinct.  Buncha absent-minded...

Now, I like a long-neck as much as the next guy, but..

Bubba's favorite

"Behind you, boys!"  Oh, it's a herbivore.  Well, watch out for those wrist-spikes.

Bubba explains one of the finer points of paleolithic botany to Aunt Melissa

What is THAT thing?

Ah - it's a Pachycepha... Pachycepho... Pachysallywutzis!  Yep - that's what it is.  A bone-domed dinosaur who "used his head" when he fought for his ladies

Echo chamber?  Air conditioner?  What IS that thing on his head?

Momma's upset.  Baby's across th' road and all these "two-legs" are in th' way.

Uh-oh.  More teeth!  Probably why Momma was upset.

Well, no more dinos.  Time for a rest.

That's a Polar Bear taking a nap.

He's waking up... uh, no... just taking a peek... back to sleep.

Arctic Fox pups (not even the same Genus as the Red Fox)

Hey, look!  A seal!  And two in the water you can't see.

Polly the Brown Bear is eleven years old - Same as Jacob

A trip thru Australia

A supercillious Emu

Red Kangaroos

Aussie Mining Town Fences

Aussie Signpost (may not be entirely accurate)

Aussie Termite Mounds (th' little buggers get EVETYWHERE!)

Escape from Australia - heading home

American Bison (Buffalo)

Wild pig (Peccaries?)

Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog?

Prairie Dog NOT

Headed home I

Headed home II (but slowly)

Elk in rut ('tis th' season)

Red-polled Crane

Doin' th Bubba Dance!

Przewski's Horse - The most primitive equine remaining.  Stocky. short mane, short spinal ridge of stiff hairs.

Proud lookin' bird, isn't he/she?

Pretty birds (Scarlett Macaws)

Tapir close up

Tapir has a goal

He just wanted a shower!

Flamingos (budgets are tight... not enough shrimp to keep 'em "in th' pink."

Flamingos - closer shot

Capybaras (largest rodent on the planet)

Capybaras - closer shot

The day ends at Buddy's - "One of the five best pizzas in America"

Waiting for Dinner

Still waiting for dinner

Dinner's finally comin'!

Jacob is a bread-stick eatin' machine.

Now, THAT'S a Hawaiian Pizza!