Back in March at the Camarillo Library’s Family Story Time (see post March 15, 2019 “Another Great Family Story Time”), We had a name the Dinosaur Contest. Four Raptors at the Park needed help selecting names. Blake the Winner with his Great Dinosaur Drawing and name suggestion “Jeffrey” was announced in post March 22, 2019 ““Spike” The Spinosaurus”. As mentioned then, the Winner and Family were promised a Tour of the Park.
This month Blake, Lisa, Ryan (Blake’s Mom & Dad) and his friend Jadon received a personal tour of the Park with Camarillo Librarian, Dona Hagemeyer and her husband Keith. Of course, there were poses with Jeffrey the Raptor (Blake’s left) and his twin Jerry (right) named by MacArthur Elementary School 3rd Grader Kristen (see post May 17, 2019 “Raptors at MacArthur Park Elementary”). Allen a larger Raptor and Paris a greyhound (left & right respectively) photo bomb the shot! Followed by an introduction to Raphael a 6-foot-tall Raptor (Blake & Jadon with Paris sneaking in on the left and Triceratops Paul & Marc in background). Keith stands at a safe distance from Raphael, just in case. Next a visit with Stephanie and Stanley a couple of Stegosaurs. Followed by the Triceratops Boys – Christopher, Marc & Paul – and their Big Sister Teresa greeting our guests. Dona gets in a pose with the Triceratop Boys after Blake & Jadon move on.
After meeting Angie – the Augustynolophus and learning about California’s Official State Dinosaur, we stopped by the Brontosaurs. Ryan & Lisa pose with the largest of the three Stuart. Jadon is next to Gary and Blake is in between Gary & Cindy. Next a chat with Pamela the Pachycephalosaurus then a picture opportunity for Jadon & Blake with Max the T-Rex. Dona & Keith have a moment with Max too! We admire Spike the Spinosaurs copper rose sail and head to the back yard. There we find time for some Raptor Wrangling. Three of the newest Raptors have some fun with Blake & Jadon. Blake even becomes a Raptor! Thanks to Jadon’s wrangling skills, Blake is brought back to human again!
Before going to the picnic area for Refreshments, we joined 9 Prehistoric Pals that were inside studying. Dominic, Calvin, Hobbes, Alejandro and Kevin (greets us in the entry) – T-Rexes; Brandie the Brachiosaurus; Antonio the Pterosaur and two other Raptors that haven’t selected names yet! We discussed “Paleoart Visions of the Prehistoric Past” by Zoe Lescaze a wonderful collection of Paleoart from 1830 to 1990. “The Paleoart of Julius Csotonyi: Dinosaurs, Sabre-Tooths and Beyond by Julius Csotonyi & Steve White provided incredible examples of photographic composite work. In addition, a few of Julius’ works as a child are included for inspiration. James Gurney’s “Dinotopia” series was a point of discussion and his books are available at the Camarillo Library. Check out your Library for availability.
I still had “Make Your Own Paper Dinosaurs” by Sally and Stewart Walton & “Make-a-Saurus My Life with Raptors and other Dinosaurs” by Brian Cooley & Mary Ann Wilson checked out from the Library to share, as well. For Refreshment We had Strawberry Lemonade and a Dinosaur Brownie, which didn’t want to come out of the cake pan. Can you blame it, after all we were going to eat it!
I asked Jadon if he would like a Raptor named after him? He loved the idea. One of the Raptors he was wrangling likes the name too! So, we have the J-Raptor Team at the Park: Jadon, Jeffrey & Jerry. I pose with the Team. Blake sent a very nice Thank You Card with another Great Drawing, in which I get to be a T-Rex. I’m definitely going to frame them both. I’m glad Everyone had Fun. All the Prehistoric Pals enjoyed the Visit.
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Makeovers and Fun Facts!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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