Our crew at the Zoo!

Two days after we moved up to DC, Brad and I did our zoo trial run without the girls. I was intent on doing a run-through without any distractions so that I would know what I was doing when I took the girls back by myself. Before we left Durham, I mentioned this plan to a few of my friends, and they gave me a little bit of a hard time for my over-planning. It's who I am, guys. Perpetually an over-planner. AND, BOY, AM I GLAD I WAS ON THIS OCCASION. Trying to take the three of them by myself on public transit would have been a nightmare.

After making our way to the zoo via bus (and realizing that taking the bus with the girls wouldn't be an option), we walked around to get an idea of the layout of the zoo (and learning that the zoo is on quite the incline). As we walked, we made the decision that it would be worth the money (slightly more than $100) to purchase a membership. The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, which means that entrance is free (I will never get over how many of the incredible museums and exhibits here are free, thanks to the Smithsonian's ownership). However, you can purchase a Friends of the National Zoo membership. We chose a membership level that includes parking (!), as well as discounts on food, souvenirs, and covers unlimited rides for 4 riders on the carousel. DONE. And we haven't regretted it, not even once. 

We took the metro back home and were extra glad we bought the membership after we walked the half mile to the metro. We have a double stroller that can accommodate a third kid on a glider board...but that would leave me pushing three tired children. None of this is ideal.

As soon as we got home, we loaded up the girls and Mom and went immediately back so we could show the girls the fun of the zoo!

Wearing our koala best.

Also. That spot on Lily's shorts is where her water bottle spilled.

First stop: the great cats

Tiger

Next up: primates!

Of note: this guy was not doing his business, although his posture suggests it. He was very industriously pulling a stick out of the ground.

The girls were SUPER excited about the carousel, and Claire was particularly excited to find a ruby-throated hummingbird, just like the one she studied in Kindergarten.

A really neat "pollinator" themed playground

Later that week, I took the girls back by myself, primarily so we could see the pandas. We got to the zoo shortly after it opened and learned that that is a great time to see the pandas in their outside enclosures. It's also not a super busy time; it's before school groups and tourists are really out in force. It was us, some serious amateur photographers, and joggers. Our efforts did not disappoint! 

Mei Xiang, female giant panda

Bei Bei: male giant panda. Bei Bei was actually born here at the National Zoo.

The pandas are located on the Asia Trail, along with some other fun animals, like the red pandas and river otters.

The only red pandas we actually saw for many a week were these statues. The red pandas, apparently, do not like to emerge when it's hot. I FEEL YOU, RED PANDAS.

The river otters put on the best show for us! We probably stood and watched them frolic and play for twenty minutes.

They're big fans of the otters!

We spent a few minutes looking at African savanna animals...

...and a few in the elephant house! It was at this point that Brynnie was done and wanted her morning nap.

Being so close to the zoo and getting to go whenever we feel like it has been one of my favorite things about life in DC. They girls love it (and so do I!), and it's such a unique opportunity. Stay tuned: more zoo posts to come!