Houston Arboretum - Two Outdoor Girls (April 2, 2011)

Lyra had such a good time with her Opa and Nana at the Houston Arboretum, she couldn't wait to tell her good friend Zoe, another true outdoor girl.

Lyra: Hey, Zoe, did I tell you that I visited the Houston Arboretum last week? It's the best place to hike in Houston. I can't wait to go back!

Zoe: Really? It's so hard to find good hiking trails in Houston. What's the altitude gain?

Lyra: Umm...you know there are no mountains in Houston, right?

Zoe: (Sigh.) So I guess I don't need to wear off-road boots or bring my compass. Okay, how about we meet at 9:00am this Sunday?

Lyra: Groovy!

*** Meeting ***

On Sunday morning, Lyra, Daddy and Mommy met Zoe and her daddy Joe at the Houston Arboretum. Sadly, Zoe's mommy Grace couldn't make it, as her presence was requested at the office. Tyrants!

Zoe gives Lyra a big hug. Lyra is still a bit shy when it comes to hugs, but she felt this one was very sweet.

The bigger question is why both Zoe and Lyra are wearing muscle shirts.

*** Sharing ***

After getting reacquainted, the two girls began their hike, exploring every inch of the arboretum and sharing leaves, twigs, and rocks with each other.   

Zoe shows Lyra her favorite pine cone.

"Try this leaf, Zoe -- it's like a party in your mouth. And everyone's invited!"

*** Feeding ***

After an hour, Lyra realizes she needs to carbo-load and busts out the Cheerios. Zoe, though only three months older than Lyra, assumes the role of older sister/personal trainer and begins feeding Lyra. Good job, Zoe!

C'mon, Lyra! To be the best, you got to eat the best.

Lyra's starting to feel like Cool Hand Luke.

   Lyra falls for the old "this one is chocolate flavored" trick.

*** Strollering ***

"Jeez, Dresden, how much do you weigh? This stroller is really working my glutes."

Lyra returns the favor, pushing Zoe on a downhill section of boardwalk. Classy move, Lyra!

*** Leaving *** 

At trail's end, Zoe and Lyra take a break and eat some richly deserved snacks. Zoe finishes an entire jar of sweet potatoes and a container of yogurt, while Lyra shotguns an entire banana. Two hungry girls!

"What do you think about this place, Zoe?" Lyra asks. "Most impressive," answers Zoe. "You have chosen well, young Padawan."  

A good-bye kiss. Yes, it really was that adorable.

Joe spies a fire-breathing box turtle trundling across the trail, but it disappears into the underbrush before Lyra and Zoe notice.