Ellie Went to Zoo Camp!

All of last week, Ellie spent up in Santa Barbara with my parents. During the day she went to zoo camp at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Nick and I stayed down in Pasadena working long hours, dealing with home inspections, and relaxing. We got to go out to dinner at a real, grown-up restaurant, after 5:00pm and a movie.

I didn't have to make lunches. But my mom did...

Each day my parents danced the morning dance of getting a very tired, non-morning person Ellie dressed, fed, sunscreened, and with shoes on. They refreshed their skills in the fragile art of negotiation with a 3 year old. Although, I think she was spoiled with french toast, eggs, grits and bacon for breakfast rather than a squishy yogurt or cheerios when she is at home!

According to Ellie, she really enjoyed her time at zoo camp. She wouldn't tell us much when we talked to her at night. But since being back in Pasadena she has talked a little bit more. She really liked feeding the giraffe (the tongue was really long and purple and it licked her arm) and she LOVED riding the train at the zoo. That's kinda all she talks about...the train. She now has a new fascination with lions.

Ellie was also excited about her special zoo camp shirt once she got home. I ordered two shirts for her. One was WAY to big, but the other one fit! Her group was the eagles and was made up of 3 and 4 year olds. I was surprised that they took 3 year olds, but as long as they were potty trained...they were in! Awesome!!

My parents had to deal with a typical Ellie at drop off a couple days. However, she seemed to settle in and be comfortable. She even made a special friend...but she lives up in Santa Barbara.

Oh! She was fine!! She did act in her typical way of sitting towards the back and watching everything and everyone before deciding exactly what she wants to do and who she wants to sit near. She definitely takes her time to observe prior to engaging with group activities or in a new environment.

Can you find her?? Look all the way to the right...there she is!

But everyday...at the end of the day, my parents found her engaged with teachers and activites, in the middle of the action.

She had a full day, everyday. They learned about animals (obviously!) focusing on animal opposites, loud vs quiet, etc. There was always some art project and some science. She had multiple animan encounters including feeding the giraffe, as well as feeding goats and pigs. She talked about seeing flamingos, frogs, and giraffes. They did get to go on the playground, which she really enjoyed. And of course, the train (which is pretty cool and gives you a backstage view of the zoo). She spend the entire day outside.

 

And on the way home...well, its a good thing its not just a 3 minute car ride back to my parents house...

 

Ellie really had fun. She has been telling her teachers and friends at her school about it. If my parents are willing to get up early, rush around to feed and dress her, chauffeur her around, and deal with bedtime...she wants to do zoo camp again. Maybe next year. I think Grandma Pam and Grandpa Mike need a rest for a little bit.

(photo credit - all photos were taken by my parents and e-mailed to us).