A VISIT WITH THE KIDS TO THE RIO GRANDE ZOO--JUNE 2011 A memorable welcome to the Rio Grande Zoo................

Where we've met the kids and their cousins. Here Landon and his cousin Max ride safari style...........

Talk about your having to eat and run........

A most interesting bird.................

But someone else is really showing off..................

Chace (Chase) really enjoys his cousin Constance....................

Because we arrived at the hottest time of the day, we decided to enjoy some of the indoor habitats like that of these fish....................

And some other bizarre ocean dwellers................

This sign outside the snake house says: "Litterbugs Rattle me!". I soooo agree.............

The lovely Miss Makenna................

We saw some teenagers playing with the monkeys................

But Dwight realized that they were teasing them, so he asked them to stop.............

Gavin also despises teasing of the animals......................

After all, technically, they are STILL newlyweds..................

In China, my mother bought a coat made out of these enormous rodents..............

Wondering which will be the coolest way to go..................

THE PHILOSOPHER. If he were a human philosopher, he would be gesticulating with a different finger...........................

Dwight enjoying a snack at one of the larger refreshment areas....................

The kids have spied something grand...............

And Gavin is proof that the Zoo is fun for all ages..................

Everyone crowds around to see the crocodiles in their new digs..................

Two grandmas discuss the kids................

Shelley stopped off on her way home from work to visit with the kids................

Another section of the Zoo that looks decidedly Northern New Mexican...............

The best view is always from Mama's arms.......................

This is Daizy--the Zoo's new baby elephant..........................

Who is carefully watched over by Rozie, her Mama. Rozie was born at the Rio Grande Zoo and was a baby when my children were little and we frequented the Zoo...................

Makenna and Constance enjoy the pachyderms................

Daizy seems to be laughing about something..............

Mr. Curly Head and Mama wonder what it is.......................

I'm not sure, but I think rolling that ball in the cage somehow exercises her trunk..................

This haughty peacock is posing for a portrait.................

Even a close-up! (I guess that's why they call it "Peacock" blue!)...........................

As the sun is setting, the ducks on the pond enjoy the end of another lovely summer's day............

This handsome duck is about to get a treat.........................................

Being hand fed by the Chaser...................

Makenna feeds them too................

So we bid "Goodbye" to all the waterfowl on this golden pond........................

As we head to the exit and on home.......................

AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!