Best Birthday Yet! (major catch up)

This year for my birthday (way back on February 9th) I told derek that I wanted a surprise. Tall order, I know. Good thing Derek, who happens to be great at surprises, is my husband. So all I knew was that Derek got an extra day off of work and that we were going to go somewhere in the valley.

We got up in the morning and headed to who know where. Later it came out that I thought he was taking me to the Renaissance Festival, which put a tinge of foot dragging into my mood.

Instead we went to the Wildlife World Zoo in Goodyear (I think that is where it technically is)

Kelly, Kai, Kendra, Carson, Cooper, Kacie....and Derek and Evelyn were the zoo crew!

Best Birthday Yet

So here comes a million pictures, which I narrowed down to only my very favorites.

This zoo is incredible, if you've ever wondered if it is worth the trip IT IS.

They have a large petting zoo section with more than just your run-of-the-barn farm animals.

They also recently opened a really big aquarium section with incredible animals including sharks and albino alligators.

Even the souvenir shops have animal exhibits.

They also have some way fun rides, this ride goes through the aquarium then when you come out there are several parrots that surprised us with HELLO, and in the middle of the track there is a monkey exhibit(the trees in the picture)

Lots of fun!

Cooper loved it and was, as always, such a great baby.

This one is for my mom, who loves finding wild turtles
Derek. Cooper. Penguin

Cooper ALMOST got eaten by a giant lobster

Kai hated the thought of almost losing his cousin.

Back to the petting zoo, I got bitten HARD by this crazy turkey.

He doesn't even look sorry.

Cooper loved seeing the animals

We loved the little train ride through the enclosures! So much fun

Such friendly staff and animals!

Quick live commercial for the Moby Wrap:

The Kangaroos really have it right, wearing your baby is the best. I absolutely LOVE my moby, it has served me well since Cooper was 2 days old. It is my number one must have baby gear item. So if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant

get one!

Thanks for mine Kelly!


Since this is a privately owned Zoo it is so much better than other big zoos. You can get SO close to the animals. It was such a cool experience to see them so well. I got so many great shots because of this that make me look like I have decent picture taking skills - wow

This was the best birthday surprise! I can't thank Derek enough for the fabulous trip to a place I didn't even know about. (Plus, because Derek has mad connections, everything, including the rides, were free for our whole gang - the cherry on top for a person that loves a bargain!)

Check out our stingray encounter! My favorite thing!