Today Ava Went To The Zoo

Today was the day. I didn't have to work and the weather was right. 

We've had he desire to take you to the Akron Zoo for a few weeks now, especially since I'll be MIA until mid-August. Work is about to get busy, really busy. 

I hope you don't forget who I am. 

Hey penguin, over here!

We arrived at the Zoo a little after Noon and it wasn't long for you to make it memorable. The first exhibit you see when you walk in are the penguins. You were curious, pointed to them, looked around.  After a few minutes we moved on and found ourselves underneath a waterfall. Mom began to hold you out and I saw dripping water. 

I couldn't figure out how you were getting wet from the waterfall. Then mom said it "She's peeing on me." In our excitement to get out of the house and spend a fun day together as a family we forgot to change your diaper. Oops. 

Good thing mom was holding you!

Luckily we weren't too far into the tour at this point and it was easy enough to take you back to the bathrooms and I changed your outfit while mom ran her shirt under the hand dryer. 

We always carry an extra outfit for you, preparing for the unexpected. Maybe we should start bringing a change of clothes along for ourselves.

Once everyone was changed and dry, we continued on. You were excited to see the animals and all the new sights and sounds.  

We rounded a corner and you were soon face-to-face with a snow leopard. Scared? Not a chance. You laugh in the face of danger! Literally.

McGee???

We soon came upon a carousel and for $2 mom took you on your first ride. Sitting on a jaguar, the ride began to spin. As you always are, you were unsure at first, but soon came to enjoy it as the ride went around. 

We then stopped for lunch in their cafe. Mom ordered two soft pretzels which she split with you and I had chicken tenders and fries of which you also indulged.

Losing steam.

The cafe is in the same building as the aquarium portion and it was in here that you had the most fun. It wasn't the fish or the touch pool that had you giddy. It was the plastic molds of a beach, a reef, and waves that had you beside yourself. 

To you, these were worth the price of admission and I'm sure you'd still be there slapping the coral or sitting on the plastic sand if you could. 

You really wanted nothing to do with the touch pool. The horseshoe crabs and rays didn't catch your attention.

As we walked through the heat began to take its toll on you and you became tired. After we stopped and you fed the goats, it was about time to go. You were slowing down and so were we. 

You fell asleep as we were walking towards the exits and didn't wake up until we got home. 

All in all, it was a great day. I'm glad we went. 

Here's a few miscellaneous shots from our trip: