Reston zoo

Ellie is finally at the age where she's able to recognize animals. Although she's calls most animals (and just about everything) "dah dum", and is only able to make lion, elephant, and monkey noises, she can correctly point out many animals in her books.

We decided to take a family outing to the Reston Zoo this afternoon. We figured she'd enjoy seeing and maybe touching some of the animals she's come to love in her books. All in all, the trip was a great success. There were many more animals there than we anticipated - some of which were fairly exotic including zebras and camels!

Ellie really enjoyed seeing the monkeys, chickens, ducks, lamas, and parrots - but was extremely frightened in the sheep/goat pen. We're not sure if it was their size, large number or the volume of their bleating, but we think that the combination really scared her. Whenever we got too close to the pen, she would insist on being held my me, her whole body trembling, lips quivering, on the verge of a melt down. Poor sweetheart!

On the wagon with Mama

Watching animals from the wagon.

Emu

Emu watching

Watching the pigs and still feeling nervous because the sheep are still too close