Wordless Wednesday | The UNI Botanical Garden

I've been a student and/or teacher at UNI for fourteen years and until last week, had never once stepped foot in the UNI Botanical Garden.  I've walked by it many times, but never dreamed of the treasure that was inside.  But last week, the three of us summer breakers decided to cross this bucket list item off our list and explore this little known place tucked away amidst the brick and mortar on campus.  And I tell you what, we were blown away by its beauty. 

It was warm, well-lit, and the perfect little retreat in the middle of an otherwise cooler June day.  We played the five senses game, naming neat things that we saw, felt, smelled, or heard.  I pointed out the fiddle fig tree that was over ten feet tall, Mila loved all the bright pinks and purples, and Cruz liked the slipper lily pads that sheltered the bright orange koi fish.  And then he heard something squawk and their eyes got as big as saucers...

We were not alone!  I can't remember this guy's name but he sure freaked Cruz out!  He didn't leave his tree branch, but made sure we knew who was boss.  We found out later from one of the maintenance guys that the bird has all sorts of tricks.  Soon enough, Cruz's panic turned to laughter as we heard the bird meowing like a kitty after we left.  I think he liked the attention. 

No matter how long we've lived here (or worked here), there is still so much to explore in this city of ours.  I sure love adventuring with these kids of mine.