Indianapolis treasures

Like last year, Wheat and I took full advantage of our day off and free admission to White River State Park facilities on MLK Day. This time around, we opted with the zoo instead of the Indiana State Museum. So, with canned goods in hand, we explored one of our favorite places in Indy with Manny and Elizabeth.

Although it's been relatively warm for January in the Midwest, some of the animals weren't outside, particularly the plains animals. We spent a large chunk of time in the incredible orangutan exhibit, watching them climb around and make faces at the spectators.

Other highlights included:

+ Hearing a male lion roar repeatedly, something I've never experienced. It almost sounded like a dinosaur from Jurassic Park.
+ Getting spit on by a large iguana in the Deserts exhibit.
+ Watching an orangutan actually recognize itself in a picture someone took of it.
+ Petting dogfish sharks and soaking my cardigan in the process.
+ Watching a baboon reach outside of its cage for food.

+ The dolphin show. We've seen it before, but it always makes me squeal like a five-year-old girl.
+ This meerkat standing on a rock.

Because of the free admission, the zoo got really crowded after the first hour. I assure you - it's not fun trying to see around teenagers as they attempt to snapchat selfies with a tiger. Due to the crowds, we left a little early, had lunch at Barcelona Tapas, and followed that up with frozen yogurt at Pearings Cafe. So good. Our spectating continued at Pearings when a couple guys spotted us through the glass and performed a choreographed dance for us. Indianapolis never fails to surprise me.

As the sun was setting, Wheat and I went for a stroll along the canal, our first walk since moving to our new apartment. I really can't complain about our new backyard view.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Wheat and I jetted off to Columbus for some NHL All-Star Game festivities and quality time with TJ and Tasha. Post to come tomorrow because you know I don't have the stamina to write a weekend recap on Sunday night.