Now that they are 5 and 8 3/4 they can play contentedly on their own, without the constant 'Nana, come play with me!' 'Gramps, come look!' Of course, we do play and look even without the refrain....
Our daughter and son-in-law had their first duo-vacation, sans kids, in 5 years.
One morning, we visited the amazing Bug Zoo on Courtney Street. A young man led an informal tour, taking various bugs from their enclosures, talking about them, and placing them carefully on the children's outstretched hands. Leaf-chompers, stick bugs and the absolutely disgusting (to me!) black millipede.
Our guide said that big black eyebrows or a mustache could be made using the millipede. All but two of the gathered children simply held it on their hands, while Linden opted for the mustache! I watched only long enough to take a photograph as he tilted his head back to balance the shiny long beastie on his upper lip.
I thought this was the extent of my angst until....the tarantula....
Our guide took the spider from its cage and, while describing its habits, said that only adults could hold it. I had, by this time, taken a full step backwards. And then, quite clearly, I heard Linden's voice- "Nana, you hold it!' Now, I'm okay around small, really small spiders, but when I see a big one it's 'Brian! Quick! A Spider!.' There I was, with both Linden and Stella watching me. I did what any self-respecting nana would do- I put out my hands to receive the Huge Furry Thing. It walked on my outstretched palms as I held my breath. Fortunately, I was soon released and the spider was returned to it's home.
While driving to the harbour to eat our picnic lunch, Stella reminded me that we needed to wash our hands first!
Awesome! I didn't know you took a picture of the tarantula on your hand! By the way, the kids WERE suitably impressed. You did the right thing. :)
ReplyDeleteMy only comment regarding the spider is: OMG!!!!!!!
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