Being Lucky

Sometimes being in the right spot at the right time is just luck.  Last week I took Espen to the zoo.  As anyone with a sensitive child knows, the zoo can be either really great or really horrible.  The Omaha Zoo is generally not super busy, is easy to navigate and has lots of space for quiet meltdowns if it happens!  It also has lots of great areas that are fantastic "sensory" areas for little people!  We started our time at the zoo climbing all over a giant sculpture, splashing in a fountain and then seeing the butterflies.  We rode the sky tram across the park (viewing the rhinos, cheetah and a monkey) and played at the playground.  We crossed the bridge at the koi pond and fed the fish, rang the giant gong and walked in the "smelly park".  We walked and talked and lay in the sun.  We waved at the train and chatted with fellow patrons.  On our way out, we happened upon a table of master gardeners and butterfly experts. 

And this is when I nearly had a heart problem.  While I was politely listening to the gardener, I was watching Espen who was thrilled to see some butterflies in the net.  They were tagging the monarch butterfly.  Suddenly the expert handed one to the little girl standing next to Espen and I moved into the picture!  My stomach did some flips.  He had just been told he would be next.  My son is far from gentle on most days.  He likes to smell and taste most things (even bugs).  He is a crasher and a crusher.  So imagine my fright at what was about to happen. 

He did fantastic.  He followed the instructions and did great.  I made a video! 

As we were leaving the zoo I asked what was his favorite part.... the playground.  OF course! 

Thank you Omaha zoo for letting children have this experience!