To Atlanta to Go to the Zoo

We passed on Civil War sites this visit. It is a tragedy to me that there is nothing left from that period as a result of the North's razing of Atlanta. One day we made it to Grant Park, but we passed on the Cyclorama (but not on the cannon shot). I wish I would have taken photos of the homes in that neighborhood--they were all colorfully painted with white gingerbread trim.

By a streak of good fortune we got into the Atlanta Zoo for free. Perhaps due to the cold or the lateness of the day on New Year's Eve, most of the animals weren't visible in their enclosures. I think that's why the admissions person waved us in. This was the twins' first trip to a zoo. I don't know if I should feel guilty about that or not.

Of course, the best part of visiting the empty zoo is seeing the animals at such close range without the crowds to navigate. The panda bear, lion, and reptiles were everyone's favorites, I think.

In close second was that the kids could run all over without the risk of getting lost or annoying other zoo-goers.

I don't know what I would have done without a camera since our kids were full of sudden need to pose and wrestle with statues. We had plenty of silly photo ops. If you can believe it, this was the "good" shot, not the "silly" one that followed. 

Note to self: we will go back to the zoo and we'll be sure to watch the schedule for times when the keepers are interacting with the animals.