Avery’s first visit to the zoo

Lately Chris said he hasn’t felt like he’s spent enough time with his girls, thanks to some unexpected work travel and a busy soccer season. So he took a personal day last Friday, and we all went to the zoo.

It was Avery’s first time to see these animals up close. Every time she saw an animal she recognized, she either made the animal sound or imitated the animal.

We went early in the day and enjoyed beautiful weather. We saw a lot of animals since it was cool and less crowded than later in the day.

First we visited the “ishes,” what Avery calls fishes. We also stopped at the shark touch pool.

Mommy and Daddy were brave enough to touch the sharks, but Avery decided not to.

She was a little nervous about the penguins. She thought they were going to come through the glass and touch her.

The polar bear was too busy napping to play around in the water.

Our zoo features a really neat underwater viewing area in the dolphin arena.

Avery liked looking at the dolphins swimming around her.

Next was the most fun part of the day — meeting the giraffes.

Avery got up close and personal with this baby giraffe.

I think he would have let Avery pet him if she had tried.

Later, Avery had the chance to feed the giraffes. She got a big piece of a sweet potato and was told to hold it out for the giraffe to grab. Chris was waiting for one of the little ones to take the sweet potato, but instead this adult reached in and grabbed the sweet potato right from Avery’s hand!

She didn’t freak out at all, but she still was wondering what in the world just happened!

Next we saw some rhinos,

the lions,

and the elephants.

And here’s Avery’s impersonation of an elephant.

The newest exhibit at the zoo are the cheetahs, and it’s sponsored by Tony Stewart and his foundation.

Avery kept saying “ow, ow” (“meow, meow”). We didn’t expect to get this close to these amazing creatures!

We stopped for a photo with Tony Stewart, and Avery had to tickle him under the chin.

Apparently Tony Stewart is her new best friend, according to the casual hand on his shoulder.

Avery and I met some tigers.

And finally we saw some gibbons.

Then Avery demonstrated what a monkey does by tickling under her arms and saying “ee, ee”.

We had a blast at the zoo together. Next I think the grandparents want to experience it with her, too!