Turtle, Turtle

Julia's well-known affinity for climbing everything knows no limits. This habit was more than a little disconcerting to the fauna at the zoo.

When she spotted this tortoise she raced over to it and climbed aboard. The poor thing never saw it coming. It was so frightened by the over-active toddler on its back that it remained absolutley still the entire time we were there.

Of course, Kate and Genna were not to be out done, especially their little sister. Kate waited patiently by until Julia grew tired of her reptilian mount. Then she took the saddle ... or the shell. Such a cute little smile.

Genna was next. She was a bit more shy about the whole thing. I imagine that she felt some sympathy for the tortoise. She knows what it is like to be piled on with no recourse but to sit there and wait it out. After all, that is what she does to Julia whenever mom and dad aren't looking.

I can only imagine that the tortoise went on about its merry way after we departed. No doubt he looks back on this day with a wistful, nostalgic smile on his face.