Our Life in Pictures: Milwaukee County Zoo Ala Carte

We blessed with such beautiful weather during the last week of summer vacation. Upper 70s, low 80s, just perfect. This isn't really beach weather so we had to dig further into our summer options to make the most of our remaining free-time as a family. So, on a lark, I suggested that we head up to the Milwaukee County Zoo last Friday night to take part in their Ala Carte Night. I equate it to what would be Taste of Milwaukee with bears. There were dozens of Milwaukee food vendors spread throughout the zoo along with six music stages. I think we arrived around 6:30, a late night for Sweet Pete, but more on that later. There was a line backed up on Blue Mound Road leading into the parking lot. Our Zoo Pass got us in for free, but didn't help us with the back-up. But, in true Doug fashion, we arrived in this terribly crowded parking lot, turned the opposite way of all to the lemmings and ended up with a space 100 yards from the entrance. Peter got loaded into his stroller and we were on our way. Our main goal of the evening was to see the dinosaur exhibit and eat some yummy food, which is exactly what we did and it was the perfect plan. The dinosaur exhibit was an extra charge so not many people had it on their agendas for the evening. Therefore, it was not very crowded and Peter got to roam rather than ride. What a treat! He is so much fun to watch when he is free to do as he pleases. He stopped at every dino, pointed and squealed! And when I asked to take a picture, he would stand and look at me with his hands folded in front of him. So very formal.

After the dinosaurs, it started to get darker and the animals were harder to see. We grabbed a little food, sat down with the bears as they took their evening dip in the pool and listened to Los Lonely Boys for a bit. It was then on to the famous zoo train. We made it in time for the last ride of the night and it was pitch black out. And as the zoo normally closes at 5:00, the track is not lit very well, so it was extra spooky. Let's just say everyone was pointing and squealing, so much fun.

After the train, we used our remaining tickets to get some dessert and then back to the Land of Lincoln. It was about 9:30 so I put Peter in his pajamas anticipating a nice sleepy ride home. He fell asleep when we hit 132 in Gurnee. I don't think the other two made out of Milwaukee proper. Oh well, best laid plans...

So here is the photo portion of the photo blog. Lots of Dinosaurs...