Father’s Day at Caldwell Zoo

Father’s Day this year was spent at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas—a family favorite and a frequent choice for our spontaneous “What do you feel like doing today?” adventures. Thanks to our season passes, it’s become a beloved go-to, and every visit brings something new to enjoy.

This time, the birds stole the show. While the flamingos are always my personal favorite with their vibrant plumage and graceful movements, today the parrots and birds of paradise were exceptionally talkative.

Sloan, of course, was the star of the day, as she always manages to be. The summer heat nudged her indoors for a while, and she decided the penguins and fish were the perfect companions. She spent ages watching them, her little face pressed up against the glass, captivated by their smooth, underwater acrobatics.

What really stood out this time, though, was how much she’s grown. For the first time, Sloan managed to zip around the zoo without a full-speed tumble to the ground. She’s getting so good at walking and running, her confidence and balance improving by leaps and bounds—literally! It feels like only yesterday she was learning to take her first steps, and now she’s a whirlwind of energy, growing up far too quickly for our hearts to keep pace.

As we wrapped up the day, I couldn’t help but reflect on these small, joyful moments that make up the big, unforgettable memories. Days like this remind me how lucky we are to have these shared experiences and to watch Sloan discover the world around her.

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