This year we decided to take a break from the Smoky Mountains. We chose to go to Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, we stopped by the Columbus Zoo on our way to Brian and Katie's wedding in Connecticut. We loved the zoo, so we decided to go back.
Cracker Barrel brings back great memories. On one vacation someone paid for our breakfast. It was such a sweet gesture and very much appreciated. We never got to meet the lady, but we think about her act of kindness every year. We always try to stop at one on each vacation. This year we stopped in Champaign. It became the girls' favorite, so we stopped by another one on the way home.
 |
| First Vacation Breakfast |
|
 |
| Pure relaxation! |
|
To keep some adventure in the trip we decided to spend the night at the zoo. We signed up to do the educational program, "Arctic Expedition". This included hikes through the zoo, information about Arctic animals, craft, game, observing animals, visiting the animal hospital, eating dinner and breakfast at the zoo, playing a polar bear game, and spending the night there. Below are some pictures of our Arctic Expedition.
 |
| Eating Dinner at the Zoo |
|
 |
| Entrance to the area where we spent the night. |
|
|
Joe and I remember these brown bears from our first visit. They were our favorite, because they were so active. They did not disappoint this time either. Their names are Brutus and Buckeye. After zoo closing hours, we took a private tour of the Arctic area. When the kids were getting instructions on how to play a game the brown bears were curiously watching the kids while in the water. When our ranger noticed the bears, he let the kids go over to see Brutus and Buckeye. Of course the kids were excited, and they took off running. The bears took off running too, but in the opposite direction. It was hilarious!
 |
| Brutus and Buckeye |
|
 |
| Colleen, Ashley & Brooke |
|
 |
| HUGE!! |
|
Here the kids are playing a game and learning about how the temperature affects the polar bears. Look at me! The ranger chose 3 moms to be waves. Yippee, I was selected. I didn't even have to volunteer. The hula hoops were icebergs. The kids had to gather food before a wave tagged them. The icebergs disappeared each time due to warming temperatures, which made it hard for the polar bears to get food.
 |
| Ranger Rob Explaining Polar Bear Game |
|
 |
| Me pretending I'm a wave |
|
Below the girls are comparing the size of the polar bear jaw to their head. They also had the opportunity to touch polar bear fur. Then they were able to put a special glove on. This glove simulated what it was like to have blubber on their hand. They put both hands in a bucket of ice. They were able to feel the difference and learn the importance of blubber to polar bears.
Below are some pictures inside the Polar Frontier.
The first picture is at a hands on educational exhibit in the Polar Frontier. The second and third picture are of the girls making a craft. After craft, the kids were visited by some special zoo animals.
Time to camp out. Of course I was the last one to sleep from our family. I didn't have to worry about black bears like I did in the Smokies. This time I heard snoring and the automatic sliding doors anytime someone left the building to use the restroom. Despite that, it was an incredible experience with our family.
 |
They are out!
Just Kidding!!! |
