First Show!

My sister Bailey got to meet "Maki" the lemur before saying goodbye. 

Our first show was in a little town called Russelville, Arkansas. We spoke to a crowd of 200 children. For our first run through, it went really well! We took turns handling and speaking about each animal. We also spoke at the beginning and end about what a rainforest is and all the awesome things we get from it. The excitement on the kids faces as we brought out one amazing animal after another was contagious. An hour breezed by without us even realizing it because we were having so much fun sharing with the kids. It is hard to  believe this is actually a job, because it already feels like I get more out of it than I give.

Our crazy gypsy van!

After a two hour drive to the next town, a good break down conversation of what we can improve on, and an awkward encounter with a flirtatious semi-truck driver, we arrived in Huntsville, Arkansas for our next show. 

A beautiful hi-way in Arkansas.

The path to Huntsville was on a winding, steep hi-way that passed through thick forests and beautiful open valleys dotted with log cabins and livestock. We were both pleasantly surprised that Arkansas was such a beautiful place. Our program in Huntsville was for 450 children from kindergarten through 2nd grade.  Everyone there was so helpful and kind. Jess and I both smiled when we heard our first "ya'll". The second show went just as smooth and we were more confident. Of course Ellie the coatimundi decided to knock the bucket of fruit loops onto the floor, but the kids got a good laugh out of that.

Maki making a friend in the mirror.

 We headed to Westphalia, MO to find a hotel for our show tomorrow. And after getting all the animals watered, fed and clean cages, we are finally relaxing.  Of course our definition of relaxing is probably a little different than a week ago. We're watching a movie as Pickles the macaw sits on his perch, Maki  the lemur chirps at us and Ellie the coatimundi grooms our hair. I think I can get used to this :)

Ellie the coatimundi helping me style my hair.