Exploring the Zoo!

This past Thursday we were finally able to get the lift installed in the van. It works really well and is a lot easier to use than the ramp. I have figured out how to do it on my own and will have our first outing (just Morgan, the chair, and me) tomorrow for PT. Before that I wanted the chance to try it out with David there to assist if needed. We decided that since the weather was supposed to be cooler this morning (only mid 80s in the morning) we would head to the zoo.
We arrived just as the zoo was opening so it wasn't too crowded yet. Morgan loved her new sunglasses (we had her red prescription glasses tinted) and was finally able to drive with her head up in the sun. When we entered the zoo Morgan headed straight to her favorite morning spot, the monkeys. First thing in the morning the monkeys are always making a lot of noise, which Morgan loves. After that we headed over to say hello to Morgan's favorite animals, the giraffes. She pretty much spent the rest of our time there ( a little over an hour) checking out the giraffes. We made a couple of detours to see if the polar bears were out (they weren't) and the lion (he was fast asleep). Morgan was just really fascinated with watching the giraffes and also the peacocks that hang out with the giraffes.
After about an hour the sun was starting to get really warm and Morgan's cheeks were bright red from the heat so we decided to head home. All in all I think Morgan had a great time and really enjoyed her independence at the zoo. She drove pretty well, but definitely needs a lot more practice at the zoo before we can take her chair to Sea World this December. Although Morgan is fairly good at watching out for others, little ones aren't too good at watching out for her. There are a couple of blind turns where we were really concerned that a kid would come running around the corner and smack into her. Thankfully that did not happen, as I said the zoo wasn't too crowded.
We are going to plan on heading back to the zoo next weekend for another driving lesson. We found out today that they have early weekend hours during the summer for zoo members. Next weekend is the last weekend for these summer hours so we are going to try to take advantage of getting in early while it is still cool out and there will be fewer people.
Morgan sporting her new sunglasses. She finally kept her head up while driving!

Morgan and David checking out the monkeys.
Stopping to say hi to the sea otters.
Morgan checking out the giraffes. She kept driving over to where they were and getting up to say hi and then they would move again. She was getting so frustrated with them. She kept calling for them like she calls Emma (clicking her tongue.) It was really cute.