Dreamnight at the Zoo

A few weeks ago we got some mail for a special "invite only" event called Dreamnight at the Zoo.  Our invitation was from U of IA Stead Family Children's Hospital.  After discussing it, Mike and I decided the drive (2 hours one way, for a 2 1/2 hour event) would be worth it, and I RSVP'd us to go.

As it turned out, Zayden ended up sick, and I almost put the kabosh on the whole outing.  I didn't want to leave him and felt bad about him missing out.  However, our village came through, and Aunt Penny and Grammy Sara took turns tending to him, so we could take the other 3 for some fun. {Thank you!!}

In my head, when we got the invitation, I assumed it was because so much of Mia's medical care had taken place at the children's hospital last year, however, after we arrived, Mike and I realized the event was more for children with disabilities, and we were likely invited because U of IA Children's was who initially diagnosed Natalee with CP.  Perhaps they just looked at our 2018 and thought these people need some more fun in their lives.  Ha ha.

Regardless of why we were invited, and of the fact that Zayden was sick and couldn't come (insert mom guilt), we were happy to be included and we had a really great time.

The whole night was free and included train rides, the animal petting zoo, all the animal exhibits and shows, tattoos, crafts and activities, the carousel, a light supper, and character visits.

We arrived on time, and waited in line to enter for about 15 minutes, and then we were free to explore at our leisure.  We were given a map and a print-out telling us where the highlights of the night were being held and we headed out on our adventures.

All of us were pretty excited, which meant we all wanted to do our favorite things first, and we backtracked a lot.  We started with the carousel on the way to the food (considering we had kind of skipped lunch because they ate a late brunch, food was high on all three kids' priority list!).

After we ate, we headed in search of the train and stopped a thousand times to see other things on the way.  I call this enjoying every moment.

Feeding giraffes...

Mia loved the peacocks!

She didn't understand why this one was "loose" though!

The sea lions and seals are always so fun to watch.

Big cats!  They had a lot of lions.

3 of my cubs, with a lion in the background.

Finally made it to the train! Missing my littlest guy, though.

After the train, we booked it back and caught part of the sea lion show and then saw the penguins.
Mia wanted to see the butterflies so we headed there next.

A butterfly landed on daddy's shoulder!

Then we went to the Petting Zoo and playground and the kids ran around for a bit and chose to feed and pet zero animals.

Our 2 1/2 hours were coming to an end, and I thought we were winding down.  Then Natalee said, "I wish we could have seen the rhinos.  Whoosh.  On the other side of the park. So, we trekked back to Africa to see the rhinos and as a bonus caught some princesses.

While we were at the rhinos Xavier said, "Dad, remember you said you'd take me to get a picture with the superheroes when the line wasn't so long?"  Long pause.  Because they were on the other side of the park.  That we'd just come from.  Then he cried.  Sigh.  I pleaded out because my big pregnant self was getting tired, but Dad and Xavier hustled back to the other side of the park and caught the superheros.

The girls and I wandered back to the middle of the park where the exit was and caught some of the crafts and the boys joined us when they got done.

After a couple of crafts/activities each, we declared our night a HUGE success (and the event was ending so it was time) and we bid farewell to the animals.  As we departed, the volunteers gave each child a stuffed zebra.  Natalee chose not to have hers and instead gave it to Zayden as a gift since he missed out.

We're thankful we were invited to Dreamnight and had a great time.  

After we left, Mike RAN me to a Michael's to grab my new teacher planner for the year.  We arrived 10 minutes before they closed and I was ready to check out in time!  Fast shopper.  Daddy took everyone potty and to thoroughly wash hands while I shopped.  Smart daddy!  Then we drove through a drive through and fed the kids one more time because the zoo makes you hungry (right?).

Thank you Blank Park and U of IA Children's for including the Beelers in such a special event.  We feel honored.