The Humann Family: Happy Birthday Tanner!

Today Tanner turned two years old! It is amazing how fast they grow! We celebrated by taking him the Zoobilation event at the zoo. Grandma and Grandpa Humann, Uncle Chad, Uncle Adam, Aunt Sandy, Ethan and Shane came with us. We began the evening by having cupcakes outside the zoo. Tanner started clapping when we sang Happy Birthday and he blew out the candle like he was a pro! Once inside the zoo we headed for the Winged Wonder Bird Show, stopping to see the animals along the way. Tanner was running from one animal habitat to the next. He loved being free, thanks to Grandma Diane I did not have to run after him... because she was right up there running with him. The bird show was great, as always, and Tanner actually paid attention to the birds this time. He kept pointing and laughing as the birds flew over our heads. After the show we decided to head over to a behind the scenes event with the Elephants. On our way over there was a zoo worker holding a snake letting people pet it. Ellie hid behind grandma, but Ethan was brave and pet the snake, which he said felt soft. Chad then took Tanner over who instead of petting the snake tried to hit it. The gentleman holding the snake took Tanners hand and showed him how to be gentle. Tanner was all smiles. When we got to the Elephants we had to stand in line for a bit, but we got to see the crocodile while we were waiting. It was very interesting to go behind the scenes of the Elephant Habitat. They showed us where they did research, where they did physical therapy and health checkups. They even showed us a beautiful book, with lovely paper that was made from (believe it or not) elephant poop. Yup, that's right, Elephant Poop! We also got to throw apple slices to the Elephants so they could eat them. Tanner loves to throw things, so it was a good activity for him. Ellie thought that throwing the apple slices was a little scary, but Ethan thought it was great. Of course we stopped by stingray bay. Tanner tried to touch them, but his arms couldn't quite reach them this time... Ellie kept pulling her hands up when they got close. The last thing we did before we left the zoo was go and feed the Giraffes. It was really fun, I never really had a desire to go near one, but I would do it again. Again Tanner was all smiles and Ellie, well she was... she was Brave TOO! She wouldn't throw apples at the Elephants but she would let the Giraffes long ugly tongue grab leaves out of her hand! One of the Giraffes kept licking Tanners head and he just smiled and hugged Grandma Diane. We had a really great time! I would definitely go to the Zoobilation again!