Japanese Garden

Lyra just learned that Hermann Park has a Japanese Garden! Although she visits Hermann Park several times a week, she's invariably on the way to the zoo or the playground or Miller Theater or the top of Hermann Hill to recreate her famous roll. And since the Japanese Garden opens late and closes early and Lyra often naps from 12:30 to 4:30pm, the days are (literally) too short! But one day, not too long ago, the stars aligned.

The garden contains all the requisite traditional elements: stones, bamboo, a burbling creek, brides, cherry trees, even a tea house. It's a lovely, serene place.

"Let me get this straight. The Japanese Garden has been here the whole time?"

Lyra is probably squishing something between her hands. Or else starting a slow, sarcastic clap.

   

Lyra could really go for some gyoza. Don't hold your breath, Lyra -- that tea house has never been open.

And for my next trick ... 

Dude! What part of "Wait for your cue" do you not understand?

Mommy and Lyra on the bridge.