Nothing like puddles after a rain storm.   As you can tell my three kids had fun splashing each other

Twins vs tree - tree wins

Dad to the rescue!  Just as we were about to say "careful Ashton" as Jojo was losing grip of the branch she pulled back....  Of course my children's father showed empathy to Ashton as his face was scaled by a large coniferous branch!  Ash immediately said "I'm Ok," as if we were demonstrating concern. 

Meet the newest members of our family ratter and ratty our new pet twin rats.   Our kind friend gave us an awesome cage and supplies for gerbils. We came home with rats!!!  Apparently they are smart, trainable, and easily handled by excited kids. To our delight the lifespan is 2 years.  They really are kind of cute. 

Memorial day parade

This is also Ashton's animals

Ashton's animals

Ashtons animals

summer is here and jordan is happy

Ashton was "in over his boots" with excitement earlier.

Baby ducks!

Wish we could bring one home!

Snow top returns!

Glad to report both daddy and kids are doing well!!!!

Usable while out of commission

In case

You didn't believe it! Evidence of snow flakes or gropple!

snowing

it is May 12 2013 on Mother's day at 10:00 and it is snowing!  They say you can never rule out snow in central ny until Memorial Day.

Happy Mother's Day to Grammie, Nanny and the late Great Grammie Ager!

Thank you mamma!

Ashton's creation

Enjoy!  this movie was made for your enjoyment!

Had fun playing hooky for a bit to watch this huge crane lift this bridge over the wires and set it on place across the canal near our home.  On the back of the crane are 14 counter weights each weighing 10 tons!!!!  They were installed yesterday to stabilize the crane.  Way cool!

Kindergarten Orientation Today - Big Day!  Jojo woke up ready to go, she was so excited to ride the bus.  She had hoped she could take the bus from our house to school and was disappointed to know she would ride it at school.  Ash was a bit nervous about the day and proclaimed he wasn't going to ride the bus!  He then tried to negotiate with me that I would drive him to and from everyday to school.    Ash picked out his beloved Zoo outfit today and that seemed to help him feel more at ease.  Jordan chose her favorite pink shirt and skirt.  She also convinced mommy to wear a pink skirt "so we will match."  Daddy picked us up and off we went!  Upon arriving they took pictures of the kids and gave them awesome goodie bags with scissors, crayons, sparkly pencils, and a countdown to school calendar. The kids were then lined up with the kindergarten teachers.  Ash was hesitant then they walked up to the line together, holding hands.   Mommy: sniff sniff.  Off to the classroom they went for story time.  After story time the kids went for a bus ride where they learned bus safety and rules.  While the kids went on their ventures, parents waited in the cafeteria as staff members introduced themselves and talked about services at the school.    Everyone is so friendly and approachable.  The kids came back beaming, Ash said nothing but gave a thumbs up for the bus ride!  As we left the school they gave each child their picture in a little photo frame.  Mommy and Daddy are doing well with this because our kids are ready and we are excited for them!

Come a little closer!

May or July?

It doesn't matter!

Who are these kids?

Which is the ape?

Ashton says an orangutan is an ape!

Sunscreen applied?

Check!