The Cleveland Zoo

Of course we had to go to the zoo while we were in Cleveland...it was the 2nd thing

Avery mentioned that he wanted to do the most (besides riding an airplane).  And let me tell you, for a kid who has lived his entire life (all three long years) in the flattest area at sea level, this kid walked up and down all of the crazy hills at the zoo like a champ.

Funny zoo story #1: Avery was adamant the the first animal he wanted to see was the gorillas.  However, we had to look at animals in the order that we passed them on the way to the primate section.  So, the very first animal that Avery saw during his trip at the zoo was a large African elephant...who was in the middle of taking the largest bowel movement (and relieving his bladder at the same time) that you have ever seen.  It was completely disgusting.  So anyways, after a long morning at the zoo of seeing countless animals and wildlife, we were sitting down to get some lunch and asked Avery what his favorite thing at the zoo was so far.  His answer: "The elephant pooping!".

I told Avery that the meerkats were looking at him.  It was slightly creepy.

 When we passed the Australian exhibit, about 8 kangaroos went hopping past Avery.  It was too cool.

Finally, we made it to the gorilla exhibit.  Funny zoo story #2: There were 2 gorillas in their outdoor exhibit and both were eating a lunch of lettuce, grass, hay or alfalfa (? I don't know, I'm not a zoo keeper!), etc.  After one gorilla left our sight to go to the back of the pen, Avery said, "The gorilla is done with his lunch and I think he is going to the store to get some toys".

Three generations watching the gorillas munch on some food.

 I wish I had this kid's amount of energy.

 A giraffe chomping on some leaves.

 I guess we went at a good time, as all of the animals were eating.

What a cool kid.

 Avery and Mommy enjoying their special trip together.

Avery patiently waiting in line to ride the train with Pop Pop.

 All aboard!  Avery and Pop Pop only rode the train twice this visit, drastically reduced from last year's record of 5 times, followed by a meltdown as I carried him a mile back to the car.

 Too frickin' cute.

 Avery running to give Maw Maw a hug on the bridge.

Funny zoo story #3: Avery spent at least 20 minutes dancing by himself in this little gazebo.  At one point, a class of 2nd or 3rd graders gathered at the outskirts of the gazebo to watch Avery dancing.  I think Avery may be some sort of entertainer when he grows up.