Back to the Oakland Zoo.

Remember when we went to the zoo last year? On that trip, fifteen-month-old Joe couldn't be bothered with most of the large animal exhibits (alligators napping in the shade just didn't do much for him), and we didn't even make it to the lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. He got the biggest kick out of the goats at the petting zoo and the lizard exhibit - places where he could see the animals up close and personal. Oh, and park benches. He loved the benches.

Well, this morning we took Joe back to the Oakland Zoo, and it was a very different experience. What a difference ten months makes!

This time, Joe insisted on walking, by himself, most of the time. (This child does not like to hold hands. I am currently trying to teach Joe to hold hands when he crosses a street or in parking lots, but it usually ends up with him dropping to the ground like a rock in protest, and me throwing him over my shoulder, kicking and screaming, and carrying him across the street like a sack of flour. To think this child used to be super clingy!)

I don't need no stinkin' stroller.

See how wet his pants hems are? Puddles are FUN.

This time, we made it up the hill to the big animals, and Joe loved the giraffes!

See ya later, parents.

And the elephants!

I was not able to capture the frantic ASL signing of "elephant" on film.

And the baboons!

Which is cooler, the monkeys or the fence?

But some things don't change. Like goats. It's hard not to love these goats. They're so cute and friendly!

Dang, those little goats are cute.

Almost as cute as my lil' guy, but not quite.

Oooh, a big goat!

When I told Joe to be more gentle with the big goat (no ear or tail yanking), he decided to throw a tantrum in the soft straw.

But the ears are the best part, mama!

Luckily, he was quickly distracted by how neat the straw is. I tried not to think too much about all of the goat turds and who knows what else in the straw. After the "don't yank ears" tantrum, I wasn't in the mood to deal with the "don't play with poopy straw" tantrum. I take the parenting advice to "choose your battles" very much to heart.

Huh? I was upset? STRAW!

But Joe's very favorite part of going to the zoo? Stomping in puddles, of course. And park benches.