We're goin' to the zoo, zoo zoo.....

On September 4th, the girls finally took their first trip to the zoo (out of utero, anyway!)! It was a brief trip one afternoon after Kyle got off work, but we saw only about 5 other people in 2 groups -- so we pretty much had the entire zoo to ourselves for the 1.5-2 hours we were there. It was incredible! It was dreadfully hot in the sun, but breezy and nice in the shaded pockets all over the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The girls started out the visit by having a quick meal on a bench in said shade, then we were off!

First stop was the new Giraffe Ridge! Here you can be face to face with the tallest animals in the world, and even feed them if they're hungry! I think they had had their fill by the time we arrived, but it was nice to finally see the new exhibit! You can view some cool videos by following the link above, if you're interested.






























We saw lots of other animals, focusing on the ones that we figured might catch the girls' eyes (read: large ones!). Elise was mostly interested in reading the signs (for real!), but Avery was definitely intrigued by some -- especially the sea turtle and the manatee! (Please, whatever you do, ignore the seriously bad hair. Time for a new ponytail holder?!)
















While not actually alive, Elise DID take a special interest in the Mama & Baby Gorilla statue. We had intended to take the girls' picture here throughout their childhood anyway..... now we definitely have motivation. We got some pretty fun shots! She was absolutely mesmerized by the shiny statue!






























Avery? ... not as interested ;)
















She did, however, (inadvertently, let's hope!) give us the single greatest Baby Elvis Face ever captured on film:















One more time, close up, for your (and my!) viewing pleasure





















We saw the CUTEST baby Red River Hog in the nursery. His name is Puumba!














A goat even tried to see if he would like to come home with us...
















It was a fun-filled 2 hours, and the girls left their first afternoon at the zoo completely exhausted!

















We can't wait to go back, especially as they get bigger and more excited about it!