Praying for Mercy

Yesterday afternoon we were out doing a little yard work when Emily found a friend!

This lovely praying mantis was very nice...
and seemed interested in us too.

After a little play in the front we moved to the backyard and Emily thought that she would take him in the house...
she wasn't very happy when I put an end to that crazy idea!
But, poor little guy wasn't done yet.  Emily had a lot of other plans for him.


She showed him her ball...
and jumping skills...
before declaring, "I gonna sing Grand Old Flag to him!"

I am not sure he had the opportunity to enjoy the show - but was planning his escape instead.

Emily almost held him in her hand a few times and was brave when it was on HER terms but squealed a lot when I would suggest a little kiss. 
If you didn't know, Emily LOVES a good adrenaline boost so she was ALL about these close encounters.

In the end, he looked at me with his big buggy eyes and asked if we could kindly set him free.
Wonder who we will find today to play with.