Fall at the Shanghai Zoo

 It t'was the weekend before Thanksgiving (yes, I'm behind on photos!) and we just needed to get OUT. Girls were fighting colds, which were affecting their moods. I don't know what it is about sickness (okay, maybe I do - feeling awful isn't fun!) but Dassah just gets into very disobedient pattern that are hard to shake when she's sick. Getting out is a way to combat it. And great weather made for a great day to go!

 Autumn leaves are harder to come by in southern climates. Much as I find colorful leaves stunning, I'll take less of them for still having occasional 60 degree days in November and December! ;) But we were pleasantly surprised to find autumn was in full display at the Shanghai Zoo. We both had been feeling the urge to get out in nature, and this satisfied it in some way.

 There was even a perfectly still, amazingly beautiful small lake... Pictures don't do it justice.

 But a little photo editing by my amazing husband comes close. ;)

 We only had a few hours, having made a somewhat late, last-minute decision to go, a 45 minute taxi ride, and a desire to be home by afternoon naps. So we spent almost all of our time at the monkeys. They have so many different types, and are definitely the most fun to watch, especially when there were babies!

 Little Ellie was pretty fascinated!

 We saw feeding time at the Lemurs, set to the music of "Move it" from the movie Madagascar. ;)

 Some indoor exhibits where the girls could stand by the glass were also fun...

 Especially when we met this friendly monkey who was really interested in the girls!

 For some reason, Dassah showed her belly button to the monkey. And for some reason, he was extremely interested. We don't usually encourage her to pull up her shirt in public, but she was giggling so much we kept quiet. ;)

 One thing that is sad is we often see people feeding the animals, which I know is not good for them. But it's a mixed bag of emotions, because it does get the animals very close and active, so is very interesting to watch... At least what these squirrel monkeys were anxiously waiting for was just pieces of fruit.

 When we got tired of moneys, we went to our next favorite spot: the petting zoo. Unlike Hadassah, Ellie was quite content to just watch the goats after feeding them a carrot or two.

 Meanwhile Hadassah would have bought food all day to give them if we'd let her. ;) She loves feeding animals, and people come to think of it! ;)

 A new playground was a fun surprise! I used to wonder why they put playgrounds in zoos - I mean, you pay money to see the animals, not play! But now, as a parent of littles, it totally makes sense.

 We quickly walked by bears, but it was a mistake as it took us farther from the gate and the girls got tired and hungry and cranky. Running through beautiful leaves provided a brief reprieve...

 And some cute photos for this blue-eyed babe!

 Not pictured are the countless tantrums, whining, hitting, and more. This was not Hadassah's best day. We half wondered if we should have gone by the end, but knew things likely would have been worse cooped up inside. Thankfully sickness does pass, our more-often sweet girl is back, and we have memories of fall leaves to stay with us this year. :)

 In other randomness, we now have a big girl who loves playing Monopoly Jr. How did this happen??

And we have a second little girl sporting pigtails now. *happy sigh* They grow so fast!