Lyra and Emma in Hermann Park (April 30, 2011)

One fine Saturday morning, Mommy told Lyra they were going to meet Emma at the Houston Zoo. Emma, of course, is the five-year-old daughter of Mommy's friend Maggie -- and very cute in her own right. Lyra was excited to make a new friend, but unfortunately, Maggie and Emma got stuck in traffic and by the time they arrived, Lyra was on her way home for her lunch and nap, with only time for a quick hello/goodbye at the zoo entrance. Lyra's stomach was growling!
......

When Lyra awoke from her nap, it was past 3:00pm. Mommy quickly rang her friend and discovered that Maggie and Emma had just left the zoo and were about to ride the train around Hermann Park. "Hermann Park? I want to go too!!" Lyra cried.

So Mommy and Lyra walked back to Hermann Park.

While waiting for Emma to finish her Tour de Hermann, Lyra spied three lovely dogs. She walked closer to them. And closer still. Happily, the dogs' owner was nice enough to let Lyra touch and talk to his pets.

"Wah, what a beautiful dog," says Lyra. "And she has a beautiful name too: 'Lailai.'" Mommy thinks it sounds like a Chinese name, meaning "come, come." A good name for a dog!

Of the three dogs, Lyra likes Lailai the most, and kindly allows her to kiss her hands. Mommy, who is a bit afraid of dogs, doesn't dare.

After her train ride, Emma joins Lyra with the dogs. "I wish I could have a dog," says Emma. "Me too!" answers Lyra. "But my Daddy won't let me. Daddy is a cat person and Mommy is a dog person. But Mommy wants a small yappy dog that can fit in her purse. Those are lame. I want a nice spaniel or retriever that I can play ball with. Those are the kind of dogs that Daddy likes too, but unfortunately Daddy also knows that if we get a dog he will be the one feeding it, taking it for walks, taking it to the vet, and scooping its poop -- no matter what Mommy or I promise. Sometimes Daddy is too smart for his own good."

Lyra takes Emma on a breakneck lap around Hermann Park.

A winded Emma catches her breath and helps Lyra search for hidden treasure. No more eggs here, girls! Easter is over.

Emma asks Lyra to join her club. Lyra is giving the offer serious consideration, but is a little intimidated by Emma's tats.

Another two girls sit down at the table. Lyra and Emma play it cool: "Yo. What up?"

Emma shows Lyra the cake she made of sand, rocks and plastic. "Sorry, I already had dessert," says Lyra. "But it looks delicious!"  

Where did the time go? It's past 5:00pm, and Lyra and Emma need to return to their respective homes. The two girls really had a good time. They press palms and say, "Catch you next time!"

Are Lyra and Emma friends now? Of course they are!