I completely forgot to write about my REAL Father’s Day treat.  My wonderful wife, Lesley, set up a surprise visit to the Picton Children’s Centre for Ella and me where the Reptile Zoo was putting on a show.  Ella and I got to check out a bunch of reptiles like a blue-tongued skink, a milk snake, a boa, and even an alligator!

I have to say that the girl putting on the show really knew her stuff - and I don’t mean the reptiles.  She was excellent with the kids and knew all the right ways to keep them involved and interested.  It was probably a younger crowd than she’s used to but really handled it well.

From a people-watching perspective it was hilarious.  I only see about 5-7 kids on a regular basis so seeing other little ones in action really makes me appreciate my own even more.  One kid just HAD to ask a question and had his hand up, crying, “I have a question” in a little whimpering voice.  Heart-breaking and hilarious at the same time.  Of course, had he not been so concerned about being ignored he would have realized that his question was answered while he was crying (”do you have any pythons” after she’d just said that the one she was holding was a python).

My Ella is such an interesting bird.  She didn’t really seem like she was too into the show at the time but when we quizzed her about a few things later, she had the whole thing memorized!  She remembered that we leave snakes alone, that if we were snakes we’d be able to eat a whole pizza in one gulp, and she remembered the skink surprise face.  Very cool.

Anyway, it was the real treat of the weekend, I just forgot to mention it.  One of those forest for the trees sort of deals.  Extra special thanks to Les for putting it together - that’s why she’s the best.