Art&Seek Jr. is one mom’s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible, you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Our household was sans pets until Rose was 6. I’d owned a succession of cats and dogs from the time I was small, but when the last geriatric cat from my single years died a few months before Rose was born, I decided to take a break from pet ownership. In my opinion, potty training should be limited to one small being at a time.

Lilah isn’t much of lap cat. ( Photo: Therese Powell)

When Rose was mature enough to take care of a pet–i.e. I was ready to clean out litter boxes again–we welcomed Lilah into our family. Lilah was adopted from the city’s animal shelter and although she was a cute, huggable, ball of fur, she made it clear from the beginning she was no lap cat and public displays of affection were strictly off limits. If there were any doubts about how she felt about being picked up and loved on, “Lilah Scissor-Claws” set the record straight. Pretty much everyone gives Lilah a wide path. Even my sister’s dog nervously looks over her shoulder when the cat is in the room. But Rose is undeterred by Lilah’s growly, curmudgeony disposition and routinely carries her around like a baby despite the cat’s protests.

The funny thing is, even though Lilah puts on a big show about wanting nothing to do with us, she never seems to be far away. She’s at the end of the couch when we’re watching TV, she’s sitting on the counter when I’m getting ready in the morning, and most curious of all, she sleeps with Rose at night. Granted, she waits until Rose is asleep before getting into bed, but she shares her bed all the same.

I guess Lilah understands the true meaning of being in a family. Even though they sometimes bug you and they don’t always listen, you still love your family.

Check out these events for your little animal lovers. 

Celebrate Dairy Month at Nash Farm. (Photo: Nash Farm)

Betcha didn’t know that June is National Dairy Month. Celebrate with a trip to Nash Farm in Grapevine. During their Dairy Day event little kiddles can learn where milk comes from, see demonstrations of milking a cow and churn their own butter. After you’ve finished with the dairy related activities take a spin around the farm in a wagon.

Curious about the birds and bees? No, not THOSE birds and bees, the birds and bees in your backyard. C’mon down to the Texas Worm Ranch in Garland for a Birds and Bees Texas Farm to Market Workshop starring the Texas Honeybee Guild Bees and George the Rooster from Gecko Hardware. The workshop includes gathering time with discussion, reading, songs and movement as well a child-directed art or garden take home project. For ages 3-8.

Head out to River Legacy Living Science Center in Arlington this Saturday for Animal Exploration. Kids can learn about the habits and adaptations of native animals during a live animal observation with a River Legacy Naturalist. Afterwards take a nature walk–there are 8 miles worth of trails to enjoy among the center’s adjacent 1,300-acre River Legacy Parks.

Chickin’ Pickin’ (Photo: David Chicken)

Looking to adopt your very own Lilah? Or maybe you just want to pet a puppy or snuggle a kitty? Plano Animal Services will be at the Davis Branch of the Plano Public Library this this Saturday with some of their pets that are available for adoption. Learn about this amazing city department and maybe make a four-legged friend while you’re there.

Put on your dancing shoes and swing on by the South Branch of the Irving Public Library on Saturday to catch the David Chicken Live Show Spectacular. In case you’re not familiar with David Chicken, he’s a three time Emmy award-winning family entertainer famous for his high-energy, interactive performances. Okay, so technically David Chicken is not a chicken, or even an animal, but your little small fries are going to love singing and dancing along with him to ditties like “Funky Fish Party” and ” Chickin’ Pickin’.”

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 10-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org.