Gabi Time

We had a FANTASTIC weekend. While the boys are away in Iowa wrestling (be back tomorrow), we decided to have some "Gabi time" and go to the closest zoo that houses manatees, which just happen to be Gabi's ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ANIMAL. It all started when she was about 2 years old, she got a book about manatees and wanted to read it all the time. We vacationed in Florida when she was 3 and of course, Sea World had the manatees. She was in awe! Last year we were able to charter someone to actually take us and let us swim with manatees in the Crystal River, their natural habitat. It was AWESOME. Our kids enjoyed that time the most out of the whole vacation. So, every chance we get to see or hear about manatees, we do it...for Gabi. The sad thing is I didn't even know what they were either until Gabi learned of them. I am glad she took an interest in them.
Anyways, Friday evening Ben, Gabi and I went to Das Essenhaus to eat. FUN! After eating the family style dinner and pie, we took a carriage ride. Saturday morning we took off for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at 5:30 am. After stopping for breakfast at Bob Evans we arrived at the zoo around 10:30 am. I was amazed at the size of the zoo. They are even adding an amusement park and water park to it in the next couple of years. A beautiful zoo indeed. Lots of animals and things to do...train ride, pony ride, carousel, feed the Lorikeets, etc. Our favorite stops were of course, the manatees, the river otters, the gorillas, the Lorikeets and the Eagles. We knew we made a good choice in coming just by seeing Gabi's reaction to seeing the manatees again. We visited the entire zoo in about 4 1/2 hours. Ben and I realized just out of shape we were when we were finished. Our legs were sore and we were tired. Gabi was just beginning though! We stayed at the Hampton Inn, checked in and decided to go for dinner. Since I have never been to Joe's Crab Shack, Ben insisted we go. Can you say YUMMY! I had a crabcake sandwich and it was awesome! Gabi had some play time (at playground) and we decided to check out Ohio State (see the Horseshoe stadium). We got there just in time...they were having a party there and some ladies were manning the gates beforehand. They let us go in and sneak a peek at the stadium. VERY COOL! Afterwards we were back off to the hotel. We were all exhausted at that point. We were in bed and asleep by 9pm and slept in till 8 am! Breakfast at the hotel and off for home. We had a good time and I know Gabi certainly enjoyed it!