Day 24

Discussed the importance of water in the world and some ways we can help save water first thing this morning. We went and saw the macaques, gibbons, tiger, snow leapord, and lions this morning and worked on coloring some World Ocean Day crowns. World Ocean Day was back on June 8th this year, but the zoo had these left over crowns we could use. I missed the animal presentation today because I was setting up the sprinkler for the kids to run through since it was Splash! week, and we finally had a sunny day. So, after the animal presentation, that's what we did. The kids had a lot of fun, and even those who didn't want to get wet had fun running around in the grass and playing. Jase was my buddy this morning hanging out with me wherever we went.

After lunch, we fed the parakeets, and then it was time for most of our campers to head home.

Another great week and a great group of kids that I got to know. There were some parents that made a point of telling me that we had done such a great job this week, which was really cool; I thanked them. Cate and Will's mom actually told me that Will had been telling her that I was always really nice to them. Made my day to hear that. Cate and Will were two of our more quiet and scared kids at the beginning of the week. I totally was that kid, and I wanted to make sure that I had a great time. They didn't even need me to sit with them at lunch today to feel more secure; we did it!

A few of our campers weren't there today, so I had only four left this afternoon. We played some games inside before afternoon snack, and then headed out into the zoo. We pretty much walked the whole thing, and it felt like I was just spending an afternoon at the zoo with my own kids.

It was actually a special events day at the zoo, so there were lots of people, so we made the kids hold our hands this afternoon as we traipsed around. It was a good afternoon though. Kinda fun to walk through the zoo in its entirety again. I still can't wait for the Austrlaia exhibit to open up... the finish date was pushed back two weeks. It looks so huge, and then there is also the new sea lion pool that is under construction. Good old construction during the summer.

After work, I headed to Sioux City to spend some time with a few of my friends from college. I went and saw a movie with Kyle and Sarah, and then just hung out for a while with Matt, Kyle, and Sarah -three of my really good friends. I'm spending the night with my other good friend Shalimar. It feels kind of good to be back on campus for a few days. I haven't been here in probably close to seven weeks...