Summer Surprises

Surprise # 1: Eliphat the toad. Last night, the Bedards stopped by after their dinner date to hang out for a bit. Since they apparently are like Noah and his wife, all nature flocks to them and large, fat toad hopped across the walk as they were leaving. Immediately we captured him to surprise the kids this morning. I am not the cruel person I once was in high school band camp. The person who used to throw mini toads into shower stalls while people were in them. But I did have a little fun trying to get the kids to touch Eliphat this morning. They were only amused from a distance. After the fun we released him back into the wild.

Eliphat (Say it slowly like E.T. El-lee-phaaat) Yes, that is toad poo on his face.

Surprise #2: ButterfliesLIVE! A special day in Richmond visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and their live butterfly exhibit. Jujube is interested in butterflies right now, and she loved the butterfly garden at the Knoxville Zoo. So when I saw the advertisement I knew we had to go. Lewis Ginter is a beautiful place and the exhibit and Children's Garden were so much fun. Even Mike was able to carve out some time in his work schedule to join us. A trip to Richmond is not complete without a stop at Ukrop's so we had lunch with friends before heading westward.

"This is Fancy Nancy's favorite butterfly!" said Jujube

Cazin and his drums. "Wike dis mommy!" when showing me how to tap it.

Also today, Ella turns 5 months old. She is starting to sit for a quick moment, grabbing and playing with toys, making lots of noise and starting to find her feet. Her two bottom teeth are emerging and she has taken to soy formula very well. We have tried a few bites of rice cereal, but so far she is not a fan. Thankfully she is back to sleeping through the night after the food allergy and teething spell. She still remains sweet as ever.