Put me in the zoo!

 

Yesterday we had the first of a series of appointments at Cincinnati Children's, part of Ellie's comprehensive evaluation.  It was a parental interview with no children allowed.  Thankfully, Mom and Dad Waggoner were traveling through the area for the weekend and we arranged a day together so they could stay with the kids while we met with the psychologist.  The Cincinnati Zoo was just a quarter of a mile from the hospital and was a perfect place to spend a few afternoon hours!  The weather was gorgeous and we were all really impressed with the zoo!

When we first arrived, Ellie was hungry and very grouchy.  I couldn't resist including this image, right after she stuck her tongue out at me.  She was lucky we were in public and I didn't want to lose our place in line.  There was an 11:45 feeding of the giraffes, which we just happened upon, so we made one more stop before lunch to fit in this activity.  [Yes, I will do anything for a good picture, even paying $1 for a giraffe cracker.]

 Ellie passed up her opportunity to feed a giraffe ("I'll do it when I grow up"), but here's my $1 picture of Reni.

  (below)  There were some peacocks roaming the area which were chased mercilessly by both of my children.  (top right) A little food does wonders for her attitude!

 After lunch, Nathan and I left for our appointment and the kids continued to meet more animals.  Special thanks to Dad for sending us many of the pictures below so they could be included in this post...

 (above and below) Dad made souvinir flattened pennies for both kids.  They were obviously fascinated.

Can you see the tiredness in his eyes?  No nap!  A very sweet expression nonetheless!

Bye Zoo!  We'll be back!