Pinecrest Gardens

"Mom, we're SO bored, could you take us to Pinecrest Gardens?!?"...ok....

Today Jason and I decided to enjoy the beautiful weather by going to Pinecrest Gardens.  This is a free park in the city of Pinecrest that has beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and even a petting zoo.  

A Banyan Garden

When we first got there, I was amazed how sparsely populated it was.  I figured there would be tons of people at a free admission park.  So, we found a little spot and gave the babies their snacks.

We then looked around and found the turtle pond.  This pond was packed full of turtles and lots of huge fish.  These little guys were fighting for the light on the rock.  Silly cold blooded creatures.

Then we walked around and found a lawn with a huge pond, swans, iguanas, and lots of ducks.  

We made our way past the playgrounds and splash park to the petting zoo.  I don't really count this as a petting "zoo" because there were goats and pigs...not exactly a "zoo" in my book.  Both Lily and Zane were very interested, so I decided to take them in to see the animals.

At first Lily was very excited to see the very large cat (keep in mind they are using Bailey as a reference here).  I explained to her and the on-looking boy what this animal was and how it also tastes delicious. 

...and then this goat came over and scared the living daylights out of her.  I explained how goats are rather stupid creatures and there was no need to be afraid of them.  But, she did not care and wanted to be quickly rescued.

So I handed her off to dad and grabbed Zane.  Zane was in love with this goat.  [It figures my angel child would be terrified of goats, the animal symbol of Satan, yet Zane loves them...the little devil]

Against my normal petting zoo beliefs I allowed him to touch the goat.  But don't worry, there was hand sanitizer quickly within reach.  I don't care about dirt...just hoof and mouth disease :)  Obviously some people are a lot more lax than I am, that little girl was just sitting on the ground, right where some animal probably peed moments before.  eck.  I wouldn't have been so paranoid but one of the pigs had a runny nose and goo oozing from one of their eyes.  Who wants pig flu anyway?

All in all we had a great visit to the Gardens and can't wait to return. Especially if the babies hurry up and start walking, they look so enviously at all the playground equipment...