The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

 This was one of those super busy, amazing weekends. Not one minute was wasted.

We have been wanting to go to the Columbus Zoo all summer to check out the new Heart of Africa exhibit. Though it can be pretty crowded at times (it is always within the top 10 zoos in the country), we decided to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and go early on Saturday morning. We had a blast!!!

  First stop: the petting zoo. Emerson was scared of the animals at first, but once she found out she could brush the goat's hair, she was all in.

 

The Heart of Africa exhibit was just so cool. You almost forgot you were in Columbus, Ohio. 

Apparently, the lion doesn't just sleep tonight. He sleeps during the day while hundreds of people watch him and his friends.

Did I know that was a warthog simply because of Timon & Pumba? I can't say.

It was hard to get a good shot of this, but that is a Labrador playing with the cheetahs. They are being raised together. Is that not the cutest thing you've ever heard of? I loved watching them play together!

 

Emerson loved the bears.

And the "pink ducks"

When asked what animal she really wanted to see, Emerson said penguins, so we walked around a great portion of the park trying to find these little guys.

Anna and Leo (my nephew) had so much fun they passed out.

My first carousel ride!

She kept looking for Nemo. 

"Is that Nemo, mommy? Is THAT Nemo? Which one is Nemo mommy?"

Soon, sweetheart. Very soon ;-)

"Hey Leo! Wake up and check this out!"

When she finally woke up, Anna LOVED watching the fishies in the aquarium. Her squeals of delight made the whole trip worth it.

 

 Aunt Kiki!

If you are anywhere near the area, definitely go check out the Columbus Zoo! Fun for the family, inexpensive, and the Bavarian pretzels are pretty tasty! :-)