Pilgrimage to the Homeland Part One: Zoo and Bombing Memorial

We had a blast in Oklahoma last weekend.  We wished we could have stayed longer, but now we’re already talking about going back soon.  The following is the first chronicle of our journey into “Oklahona”  

In preparation for our Journey Connor, the brave little cowboy mounted his wild stallion and attempted to tame it. Needless to say, the Conman was successful and now “little buddy” sits along side his faithful mother (Paige’s horsey)

 

The day of the trip began like any other.  We went to work and the kids went to day care.  That afternoon we took the first step on our path to fate.  Getting to the airport and checked in was a task.  We had many items to check and carry on.  But once we were on the way it was smooth sailing (or should I say flying!).   Connor and Paige both did excellent on the flight.

 

 

Once we made it into OKC, we got our luggage, rental car, and were off!   First stop……   (for Jen)   and……        (for me).  Then we finally made it to Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Larry's house!    Paige was so thrilled because Grandma Marsha went all out decorating the place!

The next day we awoke to find out that Annie had missed her flight and was stuck in Dallas awaiting a stand by flight.   While we waited for her, we decided to have some lunch at a yummy BBQ place and by the time we finished, Annie would be in.  Grandma Marsha, Grandpa Larry, and Paige took off to the airport.  In the mean time, Jen, Connor, and I headed towards the OKC zoo. We decided to stop at the park across the lake from the zoo and take a few pictures. 

We meet up with the family at the entrance and had a great time at the zoo.  Paige was immediately consumed by the guard lion that awaits the entrance!  It was a fight, but she finally escaped its bite, and Aunt Annie finally got to hold her Nephew Connor!

   

Grandma Marsha had a nice visit with her little munchkin friends the Meerkats 

 

Paige stared in awe of herself (as is becoming her custom at zoos).  Afterwards she attacked the Alpha gorilla, Brutus, and glowingly showed her superiority by climbing his back and shouting "I am the Gorilla Princess!!! Hear me ROAR!!!!"

 

I found that one of my two favorite things from the OKC zoo was still there.  The MOLD-A-RAMA!!!   When I was a kid we used to always get one of these, made on site, plastic statues of an animal.  I imparted this pride upon Paige.  Unfortunately, Bobo, the chimp that stole my hate when I was about 6 was nowhere to be found.  Damn Dirty Chimp!!  I want my hat back!!!!

At some point, Jen must have been bitten by something, as she began foaming at the mouth, made some odd sounds, and attacked  the guy in the green shirt that kept following us around.   She was so out of control, that the only thing remaining of the poor soul was a broken camera.  I took the film to be developed and only one picture survived.     Now that is a scary sight!!!!

 

 

 

While traversing our way through the Oklahoma Trails exhibit, Connor went into stealth mode and decided that he was going to try and observe the native blue bear in person.  Against out better judgement, he dawned his disguise and was off!  He must have come across a truly frightening scene, because every since his return, he hasn't uttered a word.  He only makes sounds like a baby now.  I guess he learned his lesson!

  The best part of the zoo visit was being able to see a truly rare animal.  Since I was a little boy, I have wanted to see this creature, but it has always escaped my view.  Today was an ideal day for its viewing, and I will forever remember the day that I saw a Homo zookeeperous in the flesh!  It was only for a brief moment, and when he realized he had been spotted, he retreated to the safety of his dwelling.  Maybe next time we will be able to view the this animal in mating! Now that would be a sight to behold!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We finished the night off by eating along the river walk and then visiting the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.   It was quite a sight to see.  The glowing chairs created an atmosphere of intense meditation, and this induced Paige's creativity.  She broke from her normal self, stole some sidewalk chalk, and created a master piece of art right in front of the memorial.  Thankfully, with the cunning driving of Grandma Marsha and I, we alluded the police, and Paige was saved from a night in jail for vandalism.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of "As the Oklahoman's Roam" where we get to see what happens during the wild and crazy Night of 1000 Nuts and one Goat Boy!