Back to the zoo

When Ryan was a tiny baby, I joined a "play group" run by one of Seth's co-worker's wives. Cheryl was one of those type A super moms who knew the answer to every baby related question, and for the next two and a half years, she was my mommy mentor.

Ryan and James with Cheryl's kids, Billy and Elizabeth at the National Western Stock Show

Cheryl and her family moved to California in the fall of 2002, but before she left she did two last things for me: she signed me up for a MOPS group and bought me a membership to the Denver Zoo. I only attended the MOPS group for a little while, but I used the heck out of that zoo pass.

For the next couple years, Ryan, James and I went to the zoo several times a month. It was one of the few places that appealed to all of  us. I liked the animals, Ryan loved the train and James was all about being outside in a sea of other children. Those were good times.

As the kids got older and busier, our zoo trips became less frequent. Eventually I let my membership lapse, and our visits dwindled to once a year, then every other year and finally not all. The last time I went to the zoo with one of my kids was 2016.

This year has been all about staying home and not doing things, but strangely, it's also brought the zoo back into my life.

For the second time in as many months, Mary Jo and I visited the zoo last weekend. 

With all the new restrictions and safety precautions, it's a very different experience than it used to be. There are no crowds, no train, no carousel. Young Ryan and James would have hated it, but it suits me just fine at this stage in my life.

Mary Jo and I spent a pleasant evening walking around the zoo and admiring the real
animals...

and checking out the newly installed Lego animals.

 These are placed throughout the zoo...

and some of them are really fabulous.

 Mary Jo liked the Chameleon best.

I was most enamored with the zebra. 

Now this is a Lego kit I would buy for myself!

After we'd walked the loop, we retired to the beer garden for a socially distanced meal...

 and live music. 

As much as I miss the Before Times, I have to admit that I am really enjoying this new zoo phase. I am already looking forward to next month's visit!