A couple weeks ago Anna Kate, Rose and I went to Fossil Rim with my friend Donnette, and her son, Luke!  We went together a couple of years ago as well, and laughed all day about the memories we made back then… and how I’ve made progress because I didn’t scream at most of the animals this time!

Donnette has a friend who is a zoologist at Fossil Rim, so we got to ride in the back of his truck, Jurassic Park-style to see the rhinos up close and personal.  They were just as nervous as we were because he said they don’t ever get that close to humans.

I love this sweet picture of Luke!

Wow!

Rose had fun in the driver’s seat (of course) as we went on the first part of the tour!

This is how close they get… most of the animals will eat out of your hands if you let them… I always end up throwing it at them at the last minute because I panic!

 

Giraffe time!  When I saw this giraffe stick out his tongue at us like a banana, I was like, “Oh no!”  I stayed back and took pics from the other side of the car!

After Anna Kate saw Luke feed the giraffe, she totally bailed!  Here she is diving back into the car… I love their heads right next to each other in this picture though… so natural and pretty to see my girl this close to a giraffe!

 

So as Anna Kate chickened out, just like her Momma, Rose was all about feeding the giraffe!  She was so excited to see the head coming down into the car through the sunroof!

 

Here she is asking to feed the giraffe, and then holding out the food.  She was a little skeptical but still going for it!

 

Donnette held her little fingers flat (thank God) and she did it!  He licked the food right off of my baby’s hand.  I was so proud of her!  She was willing to do something none of the other Pond girls were willing to do today!

Yeah.  This is what you call the stink eye.  Although he looks a little scary, they are very very gentle and back away if you freak out (like I did last time).  The zebras, on the other hand, are very aggressive and come after the food in your car no matter what.

Half-way through the tour, we stopped at the park restaurant for lunch.  I love this picture of Luke kissing on Rose…

 

And then trying to give Anna Kate a kiss, but she would only let him kiss her on the back of the head… sweet girl!

This is a little too close for comfort for me, but Donnette really helps me come out of my shell.  I don’t know if I’d do this tour without her… we make a great team!

We had an awesome day at Fossil Rim… one we will most surely talk and laugh about in a couple of years when we’re ready to brave the trail together again!