Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City UT

The Hogle Zoo is so close to home and so convenient to go to, I feel like we never make the most out of it each time. We just do a little here and a little there. But it's always so fun to go and I love all the changes that they have made to it. The new African Savanna is amazing. It made me want to go back to Africa more than before, which I didn't even know was possible.  

The female lions were out when first arrived at the zoo, and Madison had so much fun being so close to them as they napped against the class. When we took the train ride right before leaving the zoo, they had the male lions out. I can't wait until they are all out at the same time!

 One of my favorite animals, the elephant! I tried getting Madison to love it as much as me.

We went on the carousel together (of course she needed to ride the elephant - all part of my master plan, lol).

I rode on some sort of animal behind them, but it was fun to watch Mike and Madison as an observer. They sure are cute!

We went to the bird show which was ah-mazing! They had so many awesome birds and I can't even remember how many times they flew right over our heads - or even hit our heads at times. It was so neat to learn about them, to watch them, and to feel like a part of them for a minute.

After walking over to see the big cats Madison got really excited and just started giving me kisses for about ten minutes straight. I won't complain. I could live off those kisses ;).

 Family Photo <3

The bear on the right made me laugh because it sleeps like Madison does: hand up on something and leg up on something... just.like.Madison.

Then we got to go on the super awesome African Safari Train Ride:

 She was tired... but couldn't wait!

 Mike thought this giraffe was hilarious (if you look at the picture larger you can see why).

 I am not sure if I saw her blink at all during the train ride.

This Ostrich was walking past us as we rode by. If you look at the sequence of pics, you can see that it waived at us. It was neat and made the trip that much more fun! :)

We decided to call it a day, but not without making a plan to come back around Christmas to see the Zoo Lights. I swear, one day we will have an annual pass to this place! We love it!

Vertical Horizon Concert

Mike and I don't go out without the baby much. I have separation anxiety. Sometimes I think she could care less, but I sure notice when she's not by my side. I swapped baby-sitting with my sister and suddenly Mike and I had a night to do whatever we wanted. We weren't sure what we were going to do, but then we heard about the Vertical Horizon concert and decided that would be right up our alley.

It was at the Sandy Amphitheater. There was an amazing view of the sunset, and I think I watched the sun set just as much as I watched the band. However, either way you look at it, laying under a tree, listening to good music while watching the sunset or watching the band makes for a good night.

Mike enjoyed the sunset/city lights during the intermission:

I didn't really know who they were before this concert, but Mike played me some songs and I recognized them, so I got really excited. They were really fun to watch. The lead singer told some great stories to introduce the songs, and you could tell he loved what he did because he had a gigantic smile on his face. It literally took up like his whole face. It was great.

We had a fun night out. I am really happy that we got to go and have a date night, just the two of us.