The Zoo Diary by Kinley Marie

The Zoo Diary

By Kinley Marie

Hello, folks! It's been awhile since Grandma let me take over on Kim's County Line. A lot has happened to me since I last wrote. Most importantly, I'm a big sister. It's quite a responsibility to show my sister, Brooke, all about this big old world we live in.

Since Grandma and Grandpa Fritzemeier were in town, I thought I'd entertain all of them with a trip to the Topeka Zoo. The grandparents just can't seem to get enough of that place. So far, I can't get Brooke to talk, no matter how much I talk to her, so I don't really know how she feels about zoos.

 

But, she must like animals. She wore her giraffe outfit, so I thought we'd start by visiting them. (Actually, it was my giraffe outfit from back when I was a baby. Aren't I good at sharing?) 

 

Mommy said that we needed to see the baby tigers next. They are usually only out in the mornings. There are actually three baby tigers. But Grandma said that photographing baby tigers is a little like trying to take pictures of toddlers. I'm not sure what she means by that! But it looks like she only got a picture of one of them. He was playing with his Mama's tail. It looked like he was having fun while his siblings lazed around on a rock ledge. I know the feeling! My sibling was lazing around, too. 

Temba and Sumba, the elephants, are some of my favorites, and they were just down the path from the tigers.

Grandma helped me take a picture of Grandpa and turtles. I guess we should have told him to smile. One of the turtles kind of looked like he was smiling at us. Or maybe he was just happy to be eating his salad. I like veggies with ranch dressing. The zoo workers didn't let the turtle have any ranch. Too bad!

We also saw the flamingos. They are dressed in one of my favorite colors - PINK!

We watched the orangutans for a long time. They were busy playing. It looked like fun. I kept saying, "What are they doing?"

 

I was even brave enough to feed some goats with Grandpa.

We always have a good time at the zoo. Before lunch, we had time for playing across the street in Gage Park.

My favorite thing to do at a park is swing. My Mommy says I'm about to outgrow these swings, but I love them. I can go so high!

My Grandma and Grandpa wanted to ride the Gage Park train, but I politely declined. Its whistle is just too loud. I decided I would just pretend instead.

I guess the whistle didn't bother Brooke. She was still asleep.

(For some reason, my Mommy was glad that Brooke slept through pretty much the whole zoo. I just can't figure it out! She missed everything!)

But, maybe it's OK. It'll just give me a chance to go to the zoo again. 

Until then,
Kinley Marie

All Aboard! By Kinley Marie

Hello! It's me again, Kinley.

All aboard for a new adventure! You know I'm a regular at the Topeka Zoo. But a little train caught my eye when we visited Gage Park last week.

I've read books about trains, like The Little Engine Who Could and Cars, Trucks, Planes & Trains. But I figured instead of just reading about trains, it was time for a little in-depth, investigative reporting.

My Grandma paid our money and off we went on our adventure. The train took us on the one-mile trip on the tracks through Gage Park. We waved to people along the way.

When we chugged back into the station, the conductor said we could pull the horn and make the train say, "Toot! Toot!"

I thought I wanted to do it, but when I got up to the front of the train, there was a big, tall stranger, and I decided I'd let Mommy do it instead.

Then we were off on our next adventure. While we were on the train, my Grandma saw a merry-go-round, and she thought we needed to ride it, too.  The carousel was built in 1908. That's even older than my Grandma and Grandpa. It's one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation, and it's in my town!

The carousel had animals, so Grandpa and I petted them.

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Everything was going just fine until this loud music came on. Grandma tried to tell me it was just music from the 1909 Wurlitzer band organ, but I didn't like it one little bit. I went to Grandma and hid my eyes.

Grandpa had fun, though.

You know, I have a confession to make. Yesterday, I told you that my family is pretty predictable when it comes to entertainment. Well, I guess I have to plead guilty, too.

Give me a book to read, and I'm a happy girl, people! It's even better when there are extra people available to read. Uncle Brent is a good reader. So are Grandma and Grandpa.

When it comes to playgrounds, I know what I like, too. I know there were all sorts of slides and stuff to climb on at the Gage Park playground. But what can I tell you? I like to swing. I will swing just as long as someone is willing to push me.

But, I do have to admit it's fun to get a new toy once in awhile. Grandma and Grandpa brought me this kitchen that my Aunt Kathy found at a garage sale. I cooked lots of food for Uncle Brent and Grandpa. They even ate their broccoli. It must be 'cause I'm such a good cook.

I guess it just goes to show you that you can be thankful for the same old things - like zoos and swings - and then celebrate the new things, too.

Until next time,
Kinley Marie
(with a little help from Grandma)