Sunday, August 8, 2010

Who Needs Pets?

We're not "dog people". We're not "cat people" either. I'm not saying we don't like dogs and cats, we just like other people's dogs and cats. So you think all kids should experience the joys of having a pet? I TOTALLY agree with you. I would never deprive my kids of that. Lucky for us, our kid's favorite place to be, no matter the season, is outside. They are true nature-lovers.

What's better than a blanket in the shade, making dandelion crowns?

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The kids are always searching for SOMETHING to bring home. They searched this pond for tadpoles, and even waded through the muck in hopes of catching just one.

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The grandparents like to help out whenever they can, as well. This deer antler was found by Grandpa, while mowing his grass, and he proudly presented it to Owen. It now lives in Owen's bedroom!

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And then there's Papa. Papa used to work at a local nature preserve, and loves taking the kids out on nature walks. Recently he sent Owen home with a little pod to take to school for show-and-tell. The pod spent the night on Owen's dresser and in the morning we found THIS little present, who must have thought that night was a good time to make its appearance:

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Papa also presented the kids with this beautiful butterfly. It arrived in one piece, nice and stiff, but somehow ended up in four pieces. That's no reason to get rid of it, though. The kids assured me the butterfly was still a keeper.

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Even at the cabin our neighbors brought over this snail because they knew my kids would absolutely LOVE it. And they did! I present "Shelly":

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Now, I can't blame other people for ALL of the creatures my children have called their pets. They spend many hours hunting AND fishing all on their own. Need proof?

A little toad Em caught at a family party:

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A BIG toad Owen found at the cabin:

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A shy turtle who had lost his way, found by Grey and Brady on a walk through a local park:

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Some fuzzy little caterpillars who became pets for the kids over the weekend. Somehow Emerson's little one lost all of his fuzz!

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And who could forget the MAMMOTH bass Owen caught all on his own this summer!

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You'd think that just MAYBE he'd want to eat the fish he catches, right? Not a chance. He likes to keep them for a while in his bucket and then Papa helps him let them go free!

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So you see, we've certainly had quite a few "pets" this summer. The kids are always on the lookout for the next little creature they can call their own, if only for a little while.

We may have a slight problem soon, though. Owen has decided that he REALLY wants a pet rabbit. We might be able to grant that wish. Emerson? She wants a pig. OF COURSE SHE DOES. "Don't worry, MOM," she says. "My little piggy can stay outside all day. He only has to come in at night so he can sleep with me."

3 comments:

  1. I love all the pictures, what good memories :)

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  2. Em IS my long lost daughter! LOL! I can't believe she wants a pig! p.s. Alayna says she wants an "Izzy."

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