Zoo Lights 2017!

Friday night we headed to Zoo Lights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo for our

 annual Christmas tradition of viewing the lights, riding rides, eating dinner, and 

enjoying a fun night outdoors at the zoo.

We arrived right before Zoo Lights started (around 5pm) and we stayed until Zoo Lights ended (9pm).  I told Ben that I couldn't believe both girls made it the entire time (and without a stroller!)!

We have such a fun every year and this year was no different.  The girls were into everything and excited to see and do all of it.

Here is a look at our Zoo Lights night:

The girls were bundled up in their snow gear and stayed warm all night. :)

It was dark about 15 minutes after we got there.

Ben played photographer most of the night.

This is in front of an elephant lights display.

Caroline wouldn't look at the camera because she LOVES elephants and wanted to see the lights. :)

Elizabeth decided to "rest" inside the mammal house.

We went during 'Member Week' where members get special perks.

The girls loved playing in this black light area set-up for Member Week.

Flamingos are Elizabeth's favorite animal

Caroline really liked these lights

The waterfalls across from the carousel

We watched the light display set to music.

Elizabeth LOVED it!

Caroline was mesmerized

After most of the lights, we made our way to dinner.

It was really nice to eat a hot meal inside and take a break from all the walking.

Once dinner was over, we let the girls do all the rides- the slide, carousel, and train.

We had a blast, and the girls had even more fun!

Ben took Caroline on the carousel and Elizabeth rode by herself

I waited in line for the train ride

Elizabeth wanted a picture with me :)

Ben took the girls inside the Think Tank while I waited in the train line

Riding on the train!

We made our way to the bottom of the zoo

(We saw it all!)

We took the shuttle back up to the top of the zoo to get to our car

While waiting for the shuttle, Ben took this picture :)

Family selfies inside the very warm shuttle :)

And that was our evening at Zoo Lights!

Happy Tuesday y'all!