Wildlife Ranch in Natural Bridge Texas

Mark finally had day off, and we were dying to get outside and do something. We went to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. I had seen some pictures online and thought the kids would have fun driving around a Safari like atmosphere, looking at animals. It was one of the most unique, amazing places I had ever experienced. Mark and I were in aw when we saw that the animals actually come up to your door for food. The kids had fun, but I think Mark and I were more impressed. Where I was sitting it was really easy to see the kids expressions in the mirror. I was tickled to see how thrilled and intrigued their faces got when animals would come up.

Carter when he saw his first deer. He was so excited he started pointing and looking around to make sure everyone else saw it too. CC wasn't too impressed with the deer.

Carter wondering "where'd they go?" A few deer walked right in front of the car, and he couldn't find them.

CC feeding the deer out the car window.

look how close these animals really came.

Longhorn!

This is one of my favorite things from the day. One, to get back at Mark because he made fun of me for screaming and "freaking out" with the Ostriches.

Mark is gently petting the Zebra.... um ya petting a Zebra!!

The Zebra started to get aggressive, and Mark put the death grip on Carter.

And then the window is closed! The Zebra were sticking their heads in the car, showing us all their lovely teeth. It was crazy. The huge Zebra which was almost as big as our car was sticking his head in the car looking for food. Good call with the window roll up!!

The same Zebra was still trying to get in our window while it was closed.

And now, the Ostrich. The freaking Ostrich scared the crap out of me!! I was sitting with Carter on my lap and it was one of the first big animals we had seen. I was throwing food out the window, wondering how close these animals really would get. When all of a sudden it charged our window! The window was down, and I screamed! I tried to roll up the window but the darn Ostrich wouldn't move its beak. I literally rolled my window up on his beak!! And then he proceeded to peek our window. I had a flash back of Jurassic Park, and I almost felt like we were in the movie. The next few pictures were of my jeans and the floor. I guess I did "freak out." Mark made fun of me until the Zebras! Ha!

Here is the Ostrich trying to eat Carter!

Here's a picture to help visualize how big these Ostriches really were. They were freaking huge!

Carter feeding the Donkeys. Notice the windows were never completely down again!

We took a break and enjoyed some lunch before the petting zoo. We did get to experience our first Diet Coke through well water, which was disgusting!! Mark really wants to live in the country, and I think drinking the soda that taste like you just flushed it through your toilet MAY have change his mind.

It was off to the petting zoo. Carter loved this baby goat. He chased him around, tried to feed him, and even picked him up!! He is pretty cute.

Hmmm... which one to feed?

Wildlife Ranch 2009

CC took this one!

The Wildlife Ranch was so much fun! It's one of those places everyone has to visit! When else will you get to touch Zebras, and get attacked by Ostriches?