Zoo Memories

Today our family made a trip to the Kansas City Zoo -- it was the first time for all of us girls, only David had been before. I'll write more about the trip later, and maybe post some pics, but I had to share this before I forgot it ... as we were leaving the Asia exhibits, including the tigers and red pandas, Erin excitedly whispers a halt to our little procession. I stopped the stroller and both David and I turned to see what the excitment was about. Erin, hands clasped in utter glee, "whisper-talks" that she has found something we needed to go back and see. David and I looked around for an exhibit we missed, finding only a restroom hut, looked questioningly back to our daughter. She again, looks blissfully excited, and gives a description of the beast in question.

"It's small and curls up in a ball, and has lines on it's back."

I thought perhaps she'd seen a squirrel, or something in the top of one of the other animal areas. David guessed a snake.

"No, it's just back here!" she said, pointing to the ground.

By this time, Erin is so excited, I was afraid we were going to need a trip to that restroom hut, AND I had guessed the mystery animal. I didn't know whether to be exasperated or amused, so I chose the second ...

"Is it a roly poly, Erin?"

"YES! It's right back there! I SAW it with my own eyes, mom. Hurry, hurry, before it crawls away! I love those things!!!"

We pretended to see the roly poly, and moved her along to the rest of the zoo.

It just goes to show ... even if you do go to the zoo on "cheap" day, we coulda had just as much wonder and excitement in the backyard. Thanks for the reminder, little girl, that fun doesn't have to cost anything, and wonder is still alive and well in the world!