The Last Hurrah of Holidays

The Phoenix Zoo puts on Zoolights every year. This year we didn't go, but noticed that in the paper on sunday that they were opening it up to the public once more before it came down for another year.

And it was free...

So we braved the crowds on a perfect winter night in Arizona. We packed up the kiddos and found a parkingspot at the far side of the lot. The place was packed. They asked that in lieu of admission to bring cans of food for the local food banks. We made our way in. We came prepared with stroller and coats and blankets. I tied my coat around my waist, the weather was kind and made us remember why we life in Arizona. (These are the moments we look to in August when we forget why we thought it was liveable here.)

Ashley saw that the he could get a camel ride- why not! So we climbed the platform and he changed his mind. Lily did too. I guess she didn't want to get on an animal whose head was as big as her. :) We strolled along the route that was open and watched the musical light dance in the trees that played every 15 mintues or so. The little ones were enchanted.

the highlight of the evening was meeting "Jengo" the giraffe. He is a life sized talking giraffe who will answer all your questions and talk to the children. Adrian noticed the attendent there and gave him Lily's name. Jengo started talking to her and I think it took her breath away. She buried her head in my shoulder. She was scared, but I couldn't drag her away from Jengo! They were friends now. He talked to her for several minutes, waved his ears at her, and made a friend. Jengo was definitely the best part of the evening.

Someone took this picture of our exausted little family before we went home.

So next year I think we will go on a night when we pay our own way and we will march straight over to our friend Jengo. I know Lily will look forward to it all year.