Safari Park and the Banana Leaf

We went to the Safari Park today.  The boys had really been looking forward to this visit.  We had heard that you could feed tiger cubs, and they were determined to be able to do it.  We started with the safari ride on a tram.  We saw lots of animals, and then we started walking through the rest of the park.  We found a spot where they used to feed tiger cubs, and when we asked about it they said that the didn't do it anymore.

 Since Anna didn't like the ergo yesterday, we decided to rent a stroller today at the park.  She took right to it, including the harness, but she refused to let me push the stroller.  So, Matt was on Anna duty again today.  At times, it really gets to me.  I am trying really hard to understand, but it's so frustrating not be able to do what I need to do for her.

The boys and Anna loved seeing the animals on the tram ride.  Anna would wave at them.

The boys were SO disappointed when they found out that they didn't feed the tiger cubs anymore.

It wasn't enough that we got to feed the giraffes.  We bought a handful of branches and held them up for the giraffes.  The giraffes would grab hold on the branch with their tongue and strip the branch.  If you didn't hold on tight, they would pull the branch right out of your hand.

Then, as we were leaving the panda exhibit, we saw a worker feeding a tiger cub.  Our guide asked them about the boys feeding the cub, and for a relatively small fee, they got to go in and feed the cub.  They each got to hold the bottle and pet the cub.  They were thrilled, and I know it really made their day. 

After they finished feeding the cub, the worker asked them if they would like to help make the panda cakes.  So, they got to mix up the panda cakes for the day.  Then, they got to feed the cakes that were made up yesterday to the pandas. 

We came home back to the hotel, and Anna took a quick nap.  Then, we headed out to dinner with two other families in our group.  We went to the Banana Leaf restaurant for Thai food.  They had singers who would get audience members to dance with them.  They were singing 80's songs in English.  It was really funny, and Joshua and Caleb got to dance with them.  We had some really good food too, and it kept Caleb awake past 7:00!

Anna seems to be more comfortable with us and is showing more of her independence and attitude.  She pitched a fit on the way to the Safari Park and on the the way back.  She also had a fit after dinner, but I think by that time she was tired and just done with the music.  It was very loud and overstimulating.  I was able to give her a bath tonight and rock her to sleep.  Definitely progress.

Tomorrow we head to the Consulate for the US oath and visa application.  We are getting closer...3 more nights til we head home!