A highlight of the zoo day was getting to see the polar bears from the underwater viewing area. Usually the bears are nowhere near the [underwater] viewing area, and when they are it is so crowded that you still do not get a good view. But this day we timed it right and the girls got a front spot at one of the windows.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch under a shade tree near the tiger enclosure. The adults enjoyed leisurely adult conversation while Zoe and Kiana busied themselves with collecting sticks and watching the tiger pace in front of them (visible in the photo just above Zoe's head). [For the record, the Toronto Zoo's tiger enclosure is double fenced to ensure that human limbs (toddler arms included) do not come close to the primary enclosure fence and the animal itself.]
The real fun was found in Splash Island, the zoo's fabulous splash pad. The day was a scorcher and the water felt great! 
After running over the bridge, they decided to crawl under it. Soon they began chanting, "Who's that tripping over my bridge?!" 
... and then someone answered!
The two would be trolls soon found themselves atop the bridge enjoying a taste of their own medicine.
Zoe was not fond of being sprayed directly. Kiana, on the other hand, loved it! Here she is sitting on one of the fountains.
Camel rides followed the water fun.
After a couple hours at Centreville (the amusement park), we rented a surrey complete with fringe on top (a.k.a. a quadricycle) and pedalled from one end of the island chain to the other. Our view over the course of 10.5 km (6.5 miles) ranged from wooded pathway to peeks of the city skyline to hot summer beach. It was a fantastic way to explore the islands!! One that we are sure to take advantage of again.
A couple recent visits to Whittamore's Farm have secured it on the growing list of favourite local destinations. Its close proximity to the city along with the beautiful produce for sale make it nice for us. Zoe likes the expansive "fun farm" for kids complete with bouncy castle, giant slide, various play structures, tractors to climb on, large sand box, toy tractors to ride, hay bales to climb, and hay rack rides.
On our last trip to Whittamore's, Zoe met a fellow 3-year-old and proceeded to spend the next hour absorbed in all sorts of sandbox games with her, including taking the tractor for a spin. She is truly happiest when at play with other children!
A random parting shot of Zoe talking to Julian on the cell phone.
Camel rides followed the water fun.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day with Jila and Kiana and look forward to connecting again soon!
Along with the zoo, Centre Island has been a favourite destination this summer as we make the most of the warm [hot] weather. We were surprised to feel a chill in the air on a recent ferry ride over! It was such that Zoe requested a snuggly perch inside Julian's shirt for the duration of the ride. Alas, the chill was short lived and our summer heat quickly returned. 
Borrowing Craig Bradshaw's idea of shooting pictures while the roller coaster is moving! Not as easy as it looks!
After a couple hours at Centreville (the amusement park), we rented a surrey complete with fringe on top (a.k.a. a quadricycle) and pedalled from one end of the island chain to the other. Our view over the course of 10.5 km (6.5 miles) ranged from wooded pathway to peeks of the city skyline to hot summer beach. It was a fantastic way to explore the islands!! One that we are sure to take advantage of again.A couple recent visits to Whittamore's Farm have secured it on the growing list of favourite local destinations. Its close proximity to the city along with the beautiful produce for sale make it nice for us. Zoe likes the expansive "fun farm" for kids complete with bouncy castle, giant slide, various play structures, tractors to climb on, large sand box, toy tractors to ride, hay bales to climb, and hay rack rides.
On our last trip to Whittamore's, Zoe met a fellow 3-year-old and proceeded to spend the next hour absorbed in all sorts of sandbox games with her, including taking the tractor for a spin. She is truly happiest when at play with other children!
A random parting shot of Zoe talking to Julian on the cell phone.
2 comments:
We had so much fun with you at the zoo! Thanks for a great day. --Jila & Kiana
Hey, I recognize both of those girls at the zoo! All your summer outings look like so much fun. It's great that you have so many places nearby to visit and explore.
Hope the rest of your summer is filled with lots of fun as well (I'm guessing you're probably getting ready for your big trip.)
Cheers,
Tanya
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