Another Great Day At The Zoo

The school holidays are over so we can now get back to visiting all our favorite haunts around Sydney, with less queues and masses of people. And as it was a lovely day we headed across the Harbor Bridge to spend some time at Sydney Zoo.

Our routine on arrival is always the same. I grab a soy flat white while Jarvis goes and grabs a map for himself, as he's always our leader. As I paid for my coffee, the boys spotted the chupa chups on he counter and asked if they could have one; well Jarvis asked, Felix just pointed and screamed! As they were only 50c each I gave in, which is most unlike me.

The next thing we always do is ride the Sky Train to the bottom and back again, so we can get a good look at the Zoo and decide where we might go. I asked Jarvis to keep a hand on Felix's back as he stood and looked out of the window. He did this all the way down and back up again. I think we are really starting to see the odd act of kindness to his younger sibling now.

After looking at the reptiles Jarvis ran on ahead and started playing with a group of little people. Once I caught up I met a very polite boy called Elliott who knew every super-hero question I threw at him. Elliott (nearly 5) was with his Mother Amy, his younger Sister Maddy (nearly two I think) and their Cousin Stella. They all seemed to be getting on well and Jarvis was really keen to tag along with them, as I think he was a bit in awe of Elliott, as he's normally very impressed by bigger boys.

Our next stop was the Southern Oceans area where they have this wonderful tidal pool, that has been set up so that little people can have a paddle. Being me, I was ultra prepared and had togs ready for the boys. Jarvis was into the water in a nano-second, splashing around and having a wonderful time with his new buddy Elliott. It was also nice for me to chat with Amy, as it can be quite a draining experience when you just have little people to care for all day. So yeah, we had a lovely chat and may hook up again with our new friends in the future at the Zoo.

Once dried, feed and watered I felt the boys still had another couple of hours left in them, so we went down to check out the penguins. The Southern Oceans exhibit is an excellent place to escape the sun too, as they is a most wonderful section where you go under the pens and can see the seal and penguins swimming around.

It was in here that I spotted the smallest of yawns from Jarvis, which was my queue to start walking back up the hill to the exit. The walk from the bottom to the top is at least a 20-minute hike, made harder by having a fully laden stroller with Felix in the front and Jarvis on the skateboard behind. I don't mind though, as I'm constantly thinking that the trudge to the top will increase my uphill running stamina.

Once in the car, both boys were fast asleep within 60-seconds of pulling away. I even managed to transfer both of them from the car, into bed and join them for a lovely afternoon nap. How good is our life or what?

House Dad.