A Day at the Zoo

After all the birthday excitement yesterday I could have happily had a lazy day at home pottering. But Miss L is her mother's daughter and had a weekend of celebrations in mind!!
So off we went to Whipsnade Zoo this morning. For the first time since April 2016 which I couldn't believe!! We pay for annual membership and only live forty minutes away!
We had such a fabulous day!!! Despite the sub zero temperatures and the howling Arctic wind (I could barely hold the camera steady taking the pictures of the views from the escarpment!!)
It was unbelievably cold so it was a case of dashing around to see animals, warming up with hot chocolate and picnics in the car, warming up even more in the butterfly house (which is apparently kept at a lovely balmy tropical temperature, It was heaving there with people thawing out!!!) and then dashing to see more animals.
Visiting the penguins was a low point. To make them feel at home they're in the most exposed point in the whole zoo. The wind was blasting straight from the North Pole at a thousand miles an hour. Even the penguins looked cold!!
But the Little Misses are tough and despite spectacular hail storms and sub zero temperature they insisted on going to the adventure playground. They do love a monkey bar!!
By this time it was near to closing time and we had the place to ourselves. The sea lion house was closed but we went to their outdoor pool and were treated to a private show from a couple of them - Dominic and Lara we think! It was magical watching them as the sun was setting. We're often the last people to leave places and I love it - we see things other people don't!!
Another quick play in the adventure playground as it was getting dark then it was time to go. 
Mr K was lured by the Golden Arches as we headed home so they all enjoyed burgers, chips and salad (bless Miss L's heart, she still gets so excited about her grilled chicken and bacon salad from McDonalds!!) while I sat and virtuously drank my tea. Some of us have got cruise clothes to fit into!!
Another brilliant day. Miss L declared herself happy with her birthday celebrations. Yay!!!