Columbus Zoo, Sept 26, 2010

She wanted her picture with this pumpkin as well. She looks so cute holding her little mantee.

Another statue. She was a little afraid of the real thing, but after being assured this was not real, she hopped right on:)

Since we came to the zoo on a whim and unprepared, (no stroller, only flip flops, no snacks or packed lunch) we stopped often to read the map and rest. Elli saw "caterpillars" right away and told me we needed to head that direction. I didn't know what she was talking about, but as we finished the animal exhibits, sure enough we passed the caterpillars. They are part of a huge playground. She climbed right up to the tallest slide, which is curvy and enclosed, and slid down laughing the whole time. This is a big deal because up until about a month ago, Elli would NEVER slide on an enclosed slide. She was terrified of them. Another way that shows she is growing up indeed.

This is a funny animal called an Okapi. We laughed at this animal because it looked like a deer, moose, and zebra mixed, according to Elli. e decided we would look very funny if we had striped booties:) This animal lead to a great discussion on God's creativity, His sense of humor, and His ability to love all He has made. Elli was also glad we didn't have red bottoms fo all to see like those strange monkeys. She didn't like them at all:)

These brothers were hilarious. While one was resting the other came around the corner and pulled him by the foot to get him to box. Here they are boxing, and seemingly laughing:) We were laughing for sure.

Elli was trying to get this gorilla to smile at her. She put her hand out and said, "Here little guy. You want me to pet you?"

While I was takign a picture of Elli feeding the parakeet, this one surprised me by jumping on my back. Boy, these little birds sure are loud, especially when they are right in your ear!

I told Elli I was not going to pay for sugar water to feed the birds. So, she asked this worker if she could please have a turn. The worker gave her a turn. I guess it is hard to resist a cute and respectful little girl:)

We were so close to the kangaroos. I was so hoping one would hop a little closer. Oh well.

And what is a trip to any zoo without a carousel ride? Elli was such a big girl and did it all by herself. Actually, she didn't want me to ride with her.

Elli wanted her picture by almost every statue we came to. She would pose and say, "Mommy, take a picture." So, of course, I did:)

Looking at the sleeping tigers. One was walking around, but this one was content to watch. We wished they were a little more active. All the big animals were sleepy except those monkeys.

Check out this brown bear. He was actually sleeping while straddling this tree. His mouth would open and you could sometimes hear him snoring:) (or at least sighing) Quite a funny site.

The first place we went was the petting part of the zoo. There were goats and ponies to pet. Elli was in goat heaven! She loves animals and begs to pet all of them. So, when she saw she could walk in and there was not even a fence separating her from the animals, she ran up to the first goat she saw, this one, and started loving on him. She was a little put out when the big goat who is on a diet came out and began pushing all the other goats out of his way. She thought that was mean. She kept saying, Aww, little goats. Come here. I'll help you." What a sweet spirit she has for animals. She wanted to keep the little ones safe from the bully:)

We had such a great time at the zoo. Elli was crying quietly in the back seat on the way home. When I noticed and asked what was wrong, she just said she wanted to go back and see the animals.

Another funny quote from the zoo was when we saw the porcupine. I asked if she would want to pet one and she said, "No way. It will pork you!" That made me and all those in close proximity laugh:)