Our beautiful granddaughter is ten years old today! I do not know how the past decade has flown by so quickly. I remember the exact moment my son told me she was on the way. I couldn't stop screaming and jumping around like an idiot until - well - pretty much until she was born. She is magical and sweet and all things glorious. We tell her this all the time and she acts humbled, not entitled. Her parents deserve all the credit.
Despite the fact I was nursing a cold, I loaded up on medication (my son was laughing at me because he had just seen me the day before looking like death warmed over. Thanks to Tylenol (Severe) Cold and Flu, I was a chirpy Gigi,) and excitedly joined everybody on her choice for our family time to celebrate - a petting zoo. It was a perfect choice and turned out to be a perfect day. I almost smuggled a chicken home in my purse, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
So it was just my son, granddaughter, grandson, hubby and me on this excursion. We went to Green Meadows Petting Zoo in Kissimmee, FL, which is a virtual haven tucked back in the woods, ironically not that far from Disney! Visitors get a guided tour, complete with a train ride, up close and personal time with various animals, and finally a hay ride. I was in my element.
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| E, telling his Pap, "No, I can't stand up. The guy said not to." This, after Pap told him he could stand to see better and Pap would hold him. |
Our granddaughter loves animals, so she readily interacted with all of them - chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, lizards, cows, water buffalo, alpacas and llamas. She even fell in love with the resident Shelties and hated saying goodbye to one named Sheba.
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| This sheep had its eyes closed the entire time she was petting him and only opened them when she walked away like, "Hey, come back!" I think he liked her. |
Our grandson, on the other hand, is a little more cautious when it comes to creatures other than humans. While he happily spent most of his time trailing the guide with a new friend he made, he was a little more hesitant to make friends with some of the animals. He declared, "That's it! I'm done! No more." when he had a less than positive encounter with a pig he attempted to feed. And when it came time for the group to catch a chicken, well, let's just say, he earned his badge of courage for Boy Scouts.
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| E, bravely milking a cow! |
The folks at Green Meadows keep their residents until nature calls them home. That means, the chicks become bigger chicks which grow into full blown chickens and roosters which are very tame. And they are beautiful.
One of the activities is "catch a chicken." This isn't as easy as it sounds. Our son was the first victor, followed by our granddaughter. I had my sights set on a cute black one which looked like it was wearing a hat. I caught her, then turned to see my grandson hovering over a chicken that was perfectly still - like it wanted to be picked up. I could see his little six year old hands trembling as he fought his fear and finally picked up that bird! He looked triumphant. These are the things children need to build their confidence.
I could go on and on about the need for more experiences like this one which teach children the value of animals and how important it is to care for them. I am not a fan of zoos as such but this one is very special.
Of course, all good things (and cold medication) must come to an end. About the time mine did, I was ready to go home and crawl back into bed. I, sadly, had to miss another holiday event last evening. But there's always next year.
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