Lotsa babies . . . .

Since the kids got out of school, I have been watching two squirrels in our back yard. I have actually been surprised at how close I can get with Dexter before they scamper off.

This morning we have had the pleasure of watching mommy and daddy bring their little ones into the open for the first time. We have a wood pile in the field that has little squirrels peaking from it. They come a couple of feet into the open, sit for a minute, and then dart back to the safety of the wood. There are probably anywhere from 5 to 8. It is hard to keep track as they are scampering all over. Here are a couple of pictures. I'm not sure you can see them very well, but we tried!!!





This one is on the wood next to the green post.




Here's another picture of him




Here's one of mommy or daddy with two babies in front. This is a nature's version of "Where's Waldo?"




On the wood again.





Here's one of a little in the grass. Can you find it?

I want my baby sis to come and take care of me!!!!

The kids pitched the tent in the front yard a few days ago. I remember the days when we "camped" out in the front yard. The kids have been taking turns "camping" all week.

Last night at 10:00 p.m. as Karsten and I ran down to the shop to close trailer windows to an impending rain storm I thought of the kids in the tent. I couldn't believe they were still out there with the lightening and such. I had fleeting thoughts of bringing them in. Surely a little rain couldn't hurt anyone. It is an experience they'll remember. After all, I remember spending hours listening to the rain and being told over and over again not to touch the sides of the tent.

Off to bed I go, still listening to the rain at 11:30 p.m. Time rolls by and at 1:00 a.m. the front door opens and in walks the first victim. Kaela was soaked, freezing and crying. She had awakened in a puddle of water. Taken care of, warm clothes and in bed.

Back to bed I go. Still dodging the sleep-fairy, I put my relaxation tape in and settle down to what I hoped would be quiet slumber. At 2:30 a.m. I hear the door open and the last of the shelter seekers stagger in. So much for plans. Shania couldn't understand why she was sweating so heavily until she realized her playing cards were floating in water next to her. Logan was desperately trying to find other blankets to sleep with because all of his were off his bed and now were pretending they were life rafts saving all the sleeping bugs from drowning in the tent.

After settling the kids down, getting books, games and cards laid out to dry, all back in dry clothes and snuggled in bed, I was off to bed yet again.

It is amazing how the mind and body can still function after counting the patterns on the inside of your eyelids for countless numbers of minutes. Well, function is a bit of an exaggeration, but at least I'm physically in the upright position.

I'm jealous of my little sis. Sympathy for her ailments, but jealous nonetheless that our baby sis is there to help her. I think she should just finish her business in Utah and then move on to Cali to give care here, head down to Texas for her duties there, and then return to Montana. I'm sure her husband will understand. After all, he has her for eternity!!!