Love Bug

Yesterday morning over breakfast.

Me:  "Cora, do you think you might want to go camping with me and your Daddy soon?"

Cora: (following a long silence) "But Mommy, I don't know how to camp! Do I need skis?"

***

Today we met Cora's friend Ozy and her mom at the zoo splash park.  It was a beautiful morning and the kids were at their best.  Cora and Ozy played "mermaids" and they decided it was ok for them to both be Ariel (I was thankful I didn't have to break up any baby cat fights over the matter).  Allen and Ozy's little brother Lincoln were fascinated by the water drain things that are covered with grates.  I have no idea why but they took turns looking down into the drain for about an hour, occasionally taking breaks to run and give their mommy's some dripping wet hugs but we didn't mind too much.

On the way out, Cora's day got even better when she announced she had caught a real live "Baby Love Bug named Katrina" and she cupped it in her palms and starting planning aloud how she would nurture the little love bug and make a happy home for it in her lunch box.

So she rode with the love bug in its "home" in her lap on the way back to our home and of course it didn't make it very long, poor creature. 

Cora: "Mama, Katrina's soul has gone to be with God in Heaven."

I told her we should remember Katrina in her prayers tonight and thank God for making all creatures great and small.

"Is it ok if we call Patsy so I can tell her I caught a delicate bug?  Because Patsy loves delicate creatures just like I do."

So I dialed my Mom who has been in California for a wedding.  She didn't answer so Cora left a voice mail in a very small and hushed voice, talking as quickly as she could.  

"Paaatsy? Hi it is Cora and I was just calling to tell you that I caught a love bug which is a most delicate animal and I showed Ozy and it only had three legs but I made it a home anyway and then I took it in the car and then it died. (long pause)  That is sad, isn't it? Bye."

***

Today I am thankful for our sweet Cora and her contagious love of nature and enthusiasm for all living things, even animals that are not pretty or cuddly or particularly impressive like love bugs. 

Feeding ducks last year.  Allen calls them quackies.