Sarah and Jake, Eve and Sam, and Dwayne
The Jones family live in Oxfordshire. They drove down and met us at Bristol Zoo on Saturday morning. We seemed to arrive just at the right time before it became busy. Thankfully tickets had been booked in advance so we didn't have to queue with the kids, who were raring to go.
Playing in the gardens
It had been pouring with rain the day beforehand so we were mega lucky with the weather. It was lovely and warm. Eve and Jake enjoyed running about the gardens. Sarah had unfortunately broken her achilles tendon and had her leg in a cast. She booked a mobility scooter which was brilliant as otherwise she simply would not have been able to keep up with us. Great facilities offered by the zoo, good service.
I personally enjoyed seeing the seals and penguins the most. It was fun walking under the tank watching them swimming under the water. I'm always in two minds about zoo's. I know they are good for conservation and breeding, but I still felt awful seeing huge lions and gorilla's inside cages. Their 'houses' are large, but I feel, not large enough. A fun day had, with a little bit of guilt thrown in for good measure.
Boca Bar
Penguins
Eve loved watching the seals with Daddy (he was pretty excited too as you can see!)
After wandering around most of the zoo we headed back to the gardens so that Eve and Jake could eat a picnic lunch. Sam and I took Eve to the playground afterwards, where she had a great time going down the slides.
Eve has now mastered the slide and goes down pretty easily and with determination.
Fun swinging with Daddy
The gorilla's were being fed at 12.30 so we headed over to their enclosure and got a good position at the front of the viewing area. They are incredible creatures, though I found it quite scary to be so close to them, with just a tiny electric fence and a little river between us.
Jake and Eve enjoyed a snack of seeds, nuts and raisins whilst they sat in their prams watching the spectacle.
Our final stop was to walk through the butterfly house. I have a fairly big fear of moths and butterflies. I don't mind if they are outside. The thing I don't like is their unpredictability, especially if they are inside. They are always very likely to fly right into your face. This is what scares me. A few years ago I was going to face my fear at a butterfly house in London but it was closed. So, I finally walked through facing my fear, with these fairy-like creatures fluttering around all around. It was fun and quite exhilarating. I'm glad I did it. Unfortunately Eve was asleep and missed out, as I think she would have really enjoyed it.
A big butterfly having lunch.
We drove over to the other side of town, so that us parents could have lunch in Boca Bar at Paintworks. It's our go-to place. It's so easy with the kids. They have freedom to run around a big space and you don't feel like they are bothering anyone.
We had a nice time looking out the window at a wedding reception down below in the courtyard.
Jake and Eve having fun in our little garden
When we arrived home we just chilled out, played with the kids and prepared for bath and bed time. Everything went well and both of them slept through until almost 7am. Phew! Sarah and I got up with the kids. Us Mummy's and Daddy's felt a bit worse for wear as we stayed up late having a good time in the kitchen together.
It was so great to see Sarah and Dwayne. We had a good catch up, which was much needed after the last few stressful months. Laughing and joking about with good friends is so important. I think both Sam and I felt our spirits rise. Between this November and February 2016 as couples we will both celebrate our 15 year anniversaries which is pretty cool.
Daddy and Eve cuddles
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