The deep shade from all the old trees was a gift on this extremely hot and humid day.

It took a lot of planning, but the little cousins from New Paltz were finally able to meet up at the Bronx Zoo with their big cousins from Long Beach. We had a great day together, walking nearly six miles--and we still didn't see the entire zoo! Need to go back again in the fall when it's a little cooler.

The tigers were moving very slowly, and lounging in the shade. Clever beasties.

First order of business, the older kids made sure that the twins knew their names. The hadn't seen each other in a year, and the little ones are almost three now. They were talking up a storm, asking many questions that cracked the older boys up. They very much enjoyed each other's company.

And when Finnegan is ready to go, there's no stopping him. The adults did nearly 13,000 steps, and Finn walked most of the day--he has to have done twice that many, if one considers his comparatively tiny stride length. This kid has amazing energy.

The gorilla house was stunning in many ways. We thought this big guy was interacting with the people, but the zookeeper told us that he was interested in a female in the opposite enclosure, and we were just blocking his view. Oh well. Jack was right by the glass and took some amazing photos--giving "up close and personal" new meaning.

Eventually, he gave up and went to sulk in the shade. The female across the way that he was pining for has a mate already, and it isn't this guy.

High point of the day and an excellent photo op, a ride on the Bug Carousel.

A photo op and no one is making a crazy face? Unheard of!

And below are some of the animals we saw. What a great place. What a great day!