So maybe it's not Disney World. Hell, it's barely Flint. But what Toledo does have is one of the best zoos in the country and the COSI science center. The span of stench and blight between them be damned. Oh yeah... did we mention it's only a 45-minute drive?
... to an extra large momma elephant and her baby.
It is a very nice zoo. The exhibits are large, but the zoo is well planned with many strategically-placed viewing areas. You can get close enough to see the animals without getting that sick feeling in your gut because they're in such cramped quarters.
Zoe's favorite animal? Tough call. I'd go with either the small bird that kept sitting on momma elephant's back, the duck swimming in the otter's area, or the sparrow that kept swooping down to grab chips from beneath the table next to us during lunch. Maybe we could have saved a couple bucks and hit the Domino's petting farm again this summer and saved the zoo for next year? Nah.
After a long nap on a purposely circuitous ride back to the hotel, we were able to hit the pool together for a while:
And Daddy got some alone time in the water, too:
(Editor's note: I had that joke written while we were standing in the Hippoquarium.)
After a much better night's sleep, it was off to the COSI on Tuesday morning. We had a great time there. Here's Mommy and Zoe doing their best "Big" impersonation.
And making smoke circles...And Zoe was able to rock out a bit. I think she was playing Carey Says (Alright) by the Hard Lessons at this moment. (Yes, a shameless plug for a Detroit band I dig.)
Zoe threw herself into this station, which -- if you look closely -- is called the "Engineering Task." Guess she may be following in cousin Michael, Tammy and Marissa's shoes. (I guess Tammy and Marissa would be second cousins, but let's not split hairs. That happened at the "Barbering Task.")
Zoe's favorite COSI exhibit? Hands-down this crazy machine that shot drinkable water out any time you hold down a button. Mom and Dad are both too right-brained to explain the science behind it, but maybe her COSI experience will help Zoe "get" the stuff we don't later in life.
That's the plan, anyway.
With that, it's time to say "So long, pardner." Hope y'all are having a good summer, too.
9 comments:
What a great bunch of pictures. Looks like everyone had a good time once Zoe got her milk. I got a kick out of how smiley she was when she saw herself on TV. But she has almost that same look swimming with her daddy.
Where to next year?
Zoe's Busia
Ok,did I miss where you went to Tony Packo's for a dog??? Went all the way to Toledo and no Packos??? I call Shenanigans!!
Buckeye guy must be a "tool!" I would have laughed....
Cobbler Ct.
Got Milk???
Cobbler Ct.
I loved Cosi. It's AWESOME.
Bet Zoe liked it. The Zoo's Pretty cool too. By the way, were you wearing a U of M shirt when you were standing next to that Buckeye guy?
CINDYSDAUGHTER
THAT SMUG LOOK SHE HAD ON HER FACE IN PICTURE NUMBER TWO SAYS IT ALL; I HAVE FINALLY TAMED THEM. AND THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE THE BOSS?? SHE TAKES RIGHT AFTER HER AUNT TEPHS!!
Dad's "So, we're going to Toledo?" checklist:
__ Mudhens game
__ Tony Packo's
Both remained unchecked.
Mom and I wish we could of shawred the time wtih you. I have been with the boys to both the COSI and the Zoo and both are just wonderful. I am sure tho that any mall would of had the favorite exhibit, "the water fountain" and would of been a ton cheaper! But those memories you just made are PRICELESS! We sure love you all! Shawn and mommy!
Great pictures!
Ask Aunt Midge to tell you about how clean those water fountains are. (As our kids favorite part of airport trips (besides picking up Aunt Tamara) is to play w/ the water fountains!)
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