Santa Safari

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As is customary in the Muxxy household, we took our children to visit Santa today. The big fella stopped by at West Midlands Safari Park, so we took the opportunity to have a drive around to see the animals before meeting up with the main man himself.

Usually we would buy boxes of animal feed for the children to hand out on our way round. Unfortunately we were not allowed to feed the animals today.

Here is a photo of a camel trying to pass himself off as a giraffe.

Because of the cold weather, a lot of the animals were huddled inside their dens and shelters, so we didn't get to see many more on our drive round. We parked the car and entered the park.

From left to right, my grandson Chaise, my 5 year old daughter Pixie and 10 year old son, Harley.

Once inside we came across the penguin exhibit.

A little fake snow made the place look a little more festive.

The Muxxy clan is stalked by a dinosaur.

Next we visited the African Village, where we met the meerkats who kept watch while warming themselves under heat lamps.

We made our way to the reptile house, looking at snakes, lizards and amphibians.

Next to the reptile house is a walk through enclosure with little parakeets flying free. You can buy little tubs filled with nectar to tempt the birds to land on your arm to feed. My children loved this.

Of course, Ms Muxx had to have a go.

With a little more time to spare before visiting Santa, we entered the Land of the Living Dinosaurs.

The are slightly animatronic, so the heads and tails sway side to side and their mouths open, audio effects playing over loud speakers.

Our reserved time slot was upon us, so we made our way to Santa's grotto, greeted by a team of elves.

After a little wait, we went on a sleigh ride to the North Pole.

Everywhere I went I felt elves were following me...

Finally, the time had come to meet the big guy.

He asked the children if they had been mostly good, and what they wanted for Christmas. My grandson and daughter thought he was wonderful, my 10 year old son, not so much.

After having a few family photographs taken with Santa, we were led to his workshop where the children could each choose an early gift from a wide selection. We then made our way to Mrs Claus' kitchen where the children posed for photos with her before enjoying one of her cookies and a hot chocolate. Us bigger children were treated to warm mince pies and mulled wine.

The children had a lot of fun and it was a great family day out.