I rolled over and opened one eye. Yep. The sharks were still there. The biggest in the tank was mere inches from my face. Ignoring me, she kept going, following an invisible track.

Apparently, sharks never sleep.

That was just one of the things I learned that night and following morning.

Ever vigilant, I checked on my kidlets. They were snuggled safely in there pouches, sleeping. As was the other family camped out on the aquarium floor in the Point Defiance Zoo.

I smiled, recalling our night. Wielding flashlights, we'd been treated to a night-time tour of the zoo.

The owls were impressive. It is said, if the human eye were proportionately the same size as an owl's, it would be the size of a grapefruit. Seeing the owls at night, with their eyes open, gave me a new appreciation for these birds of prey.

Likewise, I was struck by the walruses. Not their eyes, by but the stench that sent some of the kids running. It was a tribute to the zookeepers and how vigilant they are about making the zoo-goers' experience a pleasant one. I'd never pondered poo management, but the task must be a huge one.

With experts on hand, we learned text-book facts about the different species. But the instructors also told us stories about some of the individual animals. Like humans, every creature has its story. Many of the animals who reside at the zoo were on the brink of death before being rescued.

It seems to me zookeepers are a lot like us Mommies. They worry over their animals' diets, exercise, mental health and love lives.
After the tour we setted in and began roasting marshmallows and playing games.

When morning rolled around, we were treated to a continental breakfast. After eating, our adventure continued. With the elephants safely in their pens, we were taken inside the elephant exhibit. Instructors gave us treats to hide. Scampering about like marmots, adults and children alike hid chunks of yam, carrots and celery in the sand, on the moats, beneath rocks and inside tires.

When we were done, the elephants were let in and we watched as they discovered our hidden treats. Then we continued our zoo tour by visiting the tigers and monkeys.

All in all, it was a magical experience and one I wanted to share because it seems these Zoo Snoozes are a well-kept secret. Our group was only half-full.

This is crazy when you consider the cost for a family of four is about the same price as a couple of dinners at Denny's.

The cost? Members pay $64 for a family of four. Non-members would pay $75. That includes breakfast.
I highly recommend this experience. It's one that my family will be talking about for years to come.

To register go to www.pdza.org, choose Education Program –> Kids and Family Program –> Zoo Snooze Overnights. The link is: http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=37