Two by Two Petting Zoo

Joshua feeding a baby lamb.

Mr. K took over after all the kids had a chance.

Joshua and Ryan checking out the Desert Tortoise.

Joshua holding a baby chick.

Joshua had a great field trip today to Two By Two Petting Zoo and Ranch. He got to see baby lambs, a baby chick, a giant tortoise, a small tortoise, a pot bellied pig, an emu, tons of chickens (and he got to collect an egg), horses, a bunny and giant turkeys. Elizabeth and I went along for a part of it, then I came home and she took a short nap! What fun!

Joshua's praying mantises hatch

This was a very exciting day for Joshua, and me!  Over 8 weeks ago, he received this egg case in the mail.  It said it would take 3-6 weeks for the mantises to hatch.  Well, we got busy with the lady bugs and butterflies and it just sat there.  A few days ago, we realized how much time had passed, and we were getting ready to call the company and let them know we got a bad egg case.  Well, today, while they were on the table, right in front of Joshua, they started hatching!  They were just pouring out of the egg case!  There is easily 100 of the things.  They are much bigger than I expected.  I ran out and cut some stems off my roses which have some aphids and dropped in it with the mantises.  I'm glad I did that right away, because now they are everywhere, I don't know how I would open the top up!  I am relieved to know that you are supposed to release all but 3 or 4!  I'm thinking feeding 4 of them will be enough of a challenge!  I know the video is shaky, but it was all just so exciting!

Shasta Shuffle 2011

Before I left town on Friday, it was the kids Shasta Shuffle at school. Sarah decided in kindergarten that running was her sport of choice and so she really looks forward to the shuffle! Joshua ran only a few laps with Sarah in the morning since he had his own chance to run in the afternoon!

I think Joshua smiled almost the whole time he ran! They were supposed to shout their number each time they passed the parent counter and he just loved it. "Number 6!"

His running time was just perfect! Sarah was at lunch, so she was able to come and run with him. I love these two of both kids with Mr Kostelec, who is running with Curious George on his back!

Elizabeth finally got interested and Sarah very sweetly took her and and walked her around the inside of the circle so she wasn't trampled!

Later that same week I visited Barbara, Greg's wife, and we went to the women's conference together. I had a great time, despite my awful cold and really enjoyed the time with Barbara and listening to all the speakers.
This was the only picture I took all weekend, I know the quality is lacking, but my phone sure is handy!

Last week we had a short visit from Donald's brother Greg. He was only able to stay overnight, but the kids had a blast with him! He is definitely the musical (well, the most musical) one in Donald's family, plus he know Sarah's piano teacher, so we were happy to have him spend a few minutes having fun with her at the piano. He also threw the kids around a little. Joshua caught a little more air than Sarah, it also scared him a lot more. He played with Elizabeth, but he didn't actually throw her! Thanks for the visit Greg!

Flying Joshua

Sir Joshua the Knight

Joshua just came back from a birthday party. He had a lot of fun.

Our mighty SuperHeroes!