Ribbit

Jackson found a toad outside our house and wanted to post these photos. This seems to be turning into our nature exploration blog!

Birthday Party

Happy Birthday, Little Man! We had Jude's party yesterday. It was raining outside, so we had the party inside. Thanks everyone for coming to celebrate. It's really hard to believe that Jude will turn one on Friday. Thanks to Nate for grilling, Grammy Linda for the EXCELLENT cake, Ga-Ga for the side dishes, and everyone for the fun and festivities! Jude was blessed with many gifts including a vacuum cleaner from Grammy Linda and Pap Jerry, many books from Aunt Dana and Uncle Nate, a bag full of goodies from Zach and Maddie, a computer and remote control car from the Aunt Salpot gang, and many cards from everyone!

Jude seemed to be most interested in cousin Xavier, who turns one just one week after Jude! I foresee a long friendship ahead for those 2.

Looking forward to Friday and all the fireworks!

Farewell to Riley

Mom's dog, Riley, died today. He had liver cancer and had a rough week. He was a great dog and companion to my Mom. He was almost 12 years old. His favorite things were taking several walks a day around town or in the woods, chasing small animals, rooting through the trash, swiping Morey's (the cat) food, and barking at the wind. He will be missed by all of us.

Brrrrrmmmmmmm

Jude-man loves to ride the steam cleaner and vaccum cleaner. When he's on it, he makes a sound like, "bbbbrrrrvvvvmmmmm."

Salamander

This post is a little out of order, but Jackson found a salamander yesterday and he was totally interested in it, counting the # of spots, commenting on its color and eye color. He named it "Sally" - it was a boy, though. After inspecting it, he let it go back to its natural habitat. Jackson said it was, "fascinating."

Go cart

How could I forget to post the video of the boys riding the go carts???? Jackson says, "I had fun on them. When I saw the green light, it meant keep going. When I saw the red light, I had to turn around and go back to the station."

We had a blast @ Lakemont Park this evening. Happy Birthday Kailasa ( little early)! Higlights included Jackson and Rainier riding the Toboggan (spiral shaped roller coaster) and the go carts, Jude trying cotton candy, and riding Leap the Dips.