A NYC tour of animals with Cousin Bobby!

At the end of February, Eli's cousin Bobby, Aunt Shannon and Uncle Bob drove from Buffalo to visit Eli! 

It's quite obvious that Eli loves Bobby.  Eli was just 2-months-old and you could see his gaze follow Bobby around the room (definitely the first time he was actively looking for someone other than Mommy or Daddy). 

We spent the evenings hanging out at home, where Aunt Shannon and Uncle Bob got to hold Eli and Bobby got to amaze us all with his animal knowledge and his dancing skills.  Eli loved laying on the floor with Bobby (and borrowing Bobby's blankie and red panda stuffed animal!). 

The first full day they were in town was actually beautiful (50s in February!), so we took Eli to the Bronx Zoo for the first time (it was Bobby's, Bob's and Shannon's first visit to the Bronx zoo too!).  Though Eli slept through most of it, I think he had a great time!  Bobby told him all about the animals we saw!  And Bobby was so excited that we found a Fossa and Fennec Fox!  We had so much fun and the zoo was so large, that they literally were kicking us out as the zoo closed. 

Eli and the sea lions!!

Bobby, the peacock, and Eli!

Another shot with the peacock!

 The next day was super rainy, but we decided to head into Manhattan and check out the Museum of Natural History!  I LOVE this museum ... but never thought about the fact that the 5 floors are best scaled via the beautiful marble staircases.  Not possible with a baby in a stroller!  So we spent a lot of time waiting for the TWO elevators that were functioning that day.  There were also a lot of school groups, but we saw a lot, despite the crowds.  While it was fun, I do think we'll wait to go back until Eli can be stroller free (or at light umbrella stroller bound) so we can move up and down the stairs!

My favorite room, of course, was the hall of Ocean Life!  But the whole museum is so fun!

Baby Eli and Baby Walruses!
(He was amazed to discover that walruses
weigh about 150lbs when born!)

Bobby & Eli with the Blue Whale
(yes, a horrible shot, I know!)

We also traveled to NJ for a visit at IKEA and some Popeye's chicken!  Eli just loves a good adventure!

It was so great to hang out with my awesome nephew!  He's just so sweet and so smart!  A good portion of our time at home was spent working on a powerpoint presentation on the crabeater seal -- that was based on an assignment I give my college students!  I am just so proud of him and am so glad that Eli has a wonderful cousin to look up to as he grows up!

Eli is so excited!!