~Polar Bear Fun~

We finally took a day off during this wonderful weathered summer and went to the Zoo. Our friends Ako and Tim met us there with their daughter Aila and Ako's mom was in from Japan. We had not met her before and it was great to finally meet her. The five of us met up with the couple (and their kids) from the New Age Foto Family Session we did the day before. They were a referral from Ako. We were so happy that the session worked out because they were only in town for a few days from New Mexico. Actually right after the Zoo, they left Columbus. Ako and Gina (the mom) went to Capital together, years ago. Ryan and Gina have two little ones; a three year old boy named Xavier and a little 18 month old named Seina. They are precious! We had so much fun playing with them, while photographing. X was glued to Tommy the entire two hours. I'm actually not sure if he even knew that I was there. S was all about dancing to get claps and giving hugs. I got a couple of hug! Tommy, well Tommy got a LOT of hugs from her. At the Zoo, it was just the same. “Look Tommy”, “Hold my hand Tommy!” “Animals Tommy”. Too cute. S stayed in her stroller and Aila was so independent while we were there. I think each of us only held her for about 5 minutes before she wanted to go explore on her own. She was so cute in the Petting Zoo Area we spent at least 10 minutes trying to point out animals, etc and she just wanted to do her own thing. Too Funny. The pix from the actual session are coming soon!




We were really excited about the Zoo this summer because the new Polar Bear Exhibit. The Columbus Zoo hasn't had them back since 1994! Wow was it worth it to visit. If you have not been yet, Go! While we were there, there were two Polar Bears. They were acting like 450 lb puppies playing but, of course, in the water. It was amazing to watch. I know that we were all in front of the glass for at least 15 minutes. One of the two was playing right in front of the panel of glass that we were standing. He was tossing and retrieving a, foot in diameter, plastic ball. I wish we had taken some video.


The rest of the pix from the day at the Zoo include the Petting Zoo, a group shot and a new favorite pic of Aila. She's leaning against the glass and she had been looking at a big brown bear. She looked back at us like, "I know what that is in there, I just forget what it's called." :)










After the Zoo for "Date Day" (cause night wouldn't work, lol) we went to The Wine Bar on 23. Tommy had the French onion soup and I had the Cheese Board. So Yummy! Of course we had some wine too. All whites for me, mostly reds for him! It was great to sit outside and relax after walking all day. Can't wait to go back for a third time, it's a great little place!