Family memories aren’t always the ones you expect to make

A trip to the zoo provides a reminder about what really matters, and what we'll remember

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Columnists

October 15, 2026 - 5:42 PM

Photo by Jackie Park/UNSPLASH

My oldest grandson, Keaton, turned 14 recently, which means family outings have officially entered the endangered species category.

Few opportunities remain when a teenager voluntarily spends an entire day with his parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and assorted family members without first checking whether there are other, more appealing options.

So, when the birthday celebration involved a family trip to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, we all understood the assignment: enjoy the day while we still make the guest list.

Fortunately, Keaton seemed…

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