Animal Lovers

Today we drove to Bemidji to visit my cousin Heidi and her family. We took our first trip to Bemidji's Headwaters Science Center. What a gem! There were all kinds of interactive displays regarding science (all geared toward kids, some people have done an excellent job designing these displays). Anja enjoyed the echo tube, giant bubble maker, windmill display, everything really. But her favorites were the animals, in particular the chinchilla and the rabbit. The chinchilla stayed in its cage, but science center staff took the rabbit out so she could pet it.

Anja enjoyed checking out the interactive science displays...



And she checked out the fish...
But she really loved the soft cuddly animals...the chinchilla and the rabbit

Elise was not interested in the physical science displays and showed interest only in the animals, especially the snakes. One after another, after another, science center staff took out the snakes, lizards and amphibians to let her pet and hold them. The staff were really great, accommodating a curious preschooler with not always great manners. Elise even wore them down enough to let her hold the tiny snake that was really slithery, which they initially said she couldn't hold because they were afraid it would get away.

The boa constrictor got very friendly and wrapped itself around Elise. She would have stood there all day with it around her waist.

Anja also took an interest in the snakes and turtles, but always went back to the chinchilla and rabbit. I did get her over to the snakes when Elise was holding some and Elise was more than happy to show them to Anja. With some encouragement, Anja touched some.

If you ever get to Bemidji and have time, stop in to the Headwaters Science Center in downtown. Your kids will LOVE it!