Loving our "China Girl": We're going to the Animal Fair....

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

We're going to the Animal Fair....

Hey, Elia, do you remember that song from the Library? I think when the big kiddos go back to school, you and I should start taking Nina BoBo to story time! I think the two of you would like it. Nina BoBo loves to sing and dance around, and you could teach her all about the library, and how to check out books, and how to climb down the ladder backwards at the play place.... do you think you could do that?
Well, we did go to the Animal Fair, aka 'Zoo' this morning. It surpassed my expectations by far, as it is huge, and although the animal habitats are quite outdated, the park itself is beautifully maintained. Many large and mature trees are shading the visitors, little ponds and waterfalls add a to the jungle feel, and the habitats sprinkled into that setting make it a pleasant outing. The only downside was that it was incredibly H.O.T. And drenchingly humid. And the little Miss chose to be chauffeured by her Mama-Taxi. Otherwise she refused moving. Yep, gotta suffer a little bit for the beauty of attachment (I'm just getting my reward: Nina is waking up, and I hear a sweet little voice in the darkness: "Mama, Mama, Mama".... okay, the suffering this morning was worth it :-)) )
Our guide was a bit of a slave driver this morning and hurried us along, and really, a Zoo is a Zoo. What made it magical though was to experience Nina's FIRST Zoo visit with US. And again, I'm so thankful to her foster parents, who gave her a pretty normal childhood. I don't think there was a Zoo where she grew up, but there are so many experiences that she is obviously familiar with, that she wouldn't had she only lived in a orphanage. She knows McDonalds, how to chew gum (had a huge fit before naptime over it!), is used to being out and about and LOVES escalators and shopping. We're just so blessed!