Frogs and Tadpoles

Back in March when we found this fella next to our koi pond, we thought it was kind of cool that we had a frog.

Then, he started to "ribbit' at night.

It's not really a "ribbit" sound but believe me, he loves to make his sound.

By the end of April/first of May we began hearing another frog. Oh great, he has a friend!!

And they like to have croaking contests every night.

Well, apparently while we were on vacation at the end of May the frogs decided to throw a house party and their guests have decided to take up permanent residence. Since returning home from our trip we can now hear several different distinct frog sounds and think there are 4-6 adult frogs based on all the different locations we can hear them simultaneously. They put on a concert every night from 9 pm until 4 am.!!

And to top it all off, they have decided to mate and our koi pond is filled with zillions of tadpoles. SERIOUSLY!!!

Rick scooped out many of them and tossed them into the yard last week, hoping they would die in the 1oo+ degree heat. He also thought it would be a good idea to put some of the tadpoles in a bowl for Jackson to keep as pets!

Then Rick found this old fish bowl and decided to give them a bigger home.

What are we going to do with these things?

Carrie--your kids like frogs. Do you want them?

We can keep you in a constant supply of tadpoles!!

I am so scared that Chloe is going to get to the fish bowl and do who knows what with them!?!

We shall see...

Chloe's So Funny (1)

My mom was in town for two days this week. One day she had on an Ole Miss shirt. Without being prompted, Chloe looked at her and said with excitement, "Grandmother--Hotty Toddy! Let's Party!" Chloe cracks me up!!!

Heatwave Triathlon 2009

June 6, 2009---Rick competed in the Heatwave Triathlon held in Ridgeland, MS. This was his first race of the year. We were excited that PaPa Gator was able to be in town for the event. It was a quick trip for him--arrived on Thursday and left Saturday at lunch---but any time we are able to spend with family is very special!!


Just before the starting horn blew (Rick is out there somewhere):



The first heat is swimming in the background(Rick is in this group---it looks like a wave) and the second heat is standing in the foreground waiting for their start:



Coming out of his 1/2 mile swim in the Ross Barnett Reservoir with a time of 16 minutes 51 seconds:



Waving to all of his adoring fans:



Headed out for his 24 1/2 mile bike ride along the Natchez Trace Parkway:


His bike time was 1 hour 20 minutes:



He somehow still had plenty of energy for his run (and AC is waiting on her Hi-5):



killing time while Dad is on his 10K run along the Multi-Use Trail through Ridgeland:



















finishing his run in 57 minutes 34 seconds:


We are so very proud of Rick and his racing accomplishments! Go Daddy Go!!!

Boomerang Express

June 1-5, 2009---Our church held VBS and the theme this year was "Boomerang Express...It all comes back to Jesus!" Throughout the week the kids were taught the story of Peter. I was an assistant teacher in one of the kindergarten classes and Anna Catherine was in my class. It was a busy week and I think the children had a good time.











at Worship Rally:

art work:

learning the motions in music:

Jackson at snack:

learning about Aid Sudan:

Jackson slept through the VBS program:

Family Vacation Part 4--More Waterparks and Dells Tour

May 22-31, 2009---We spent Thursday (05/28) and Friday (05/29) at a few of the other waterparks at the resort.

Cubby's Corner--children's area and a pool with a ropes course and basketball goals:

The infinity pool and kid's area:

The Lost World--outdoor waterpark featuring a lazy river, two pools, four big water slides, and a kiddie area w/splash bucket:

The New Frontier---very small outdoor waterpark with a kiddie area, pool, and two big water slides:





The Wild Water Dome---an indoor glass dome which allows for a possible 365 days of sunbathing; a large wave pool, one kiddie area, and one water slide:

Rick and Chloe coming off the waterslide:



We checked out of the resort on Saturday (05/30) and went into the town of Wisconsin Dells to walk around the shops, have lunch, and take a boat tour of the Upper Dells.




We chose to take the Upper Dells boat tour which took us on a two hour tour along the Wisconsin River. The kids loved sitting on the top level of the boat. We learned much of the history of the area and saw such "scenic wonders" as Blackbeard's Head, Sunset Cliff, Chimney Rock, Witches Gulch, and Stand Rock, along with many more.




Chloe snoozing on the river:

Jackson walking through "Witches Gulch":

Rick's "Survivorman" picture:

This photograph put Wisconsin Dells on the map. It was taken in 1886 and was the first action photograph taken that was clear and not blurry. It took place at "Stand Rock".

This is "Stand Rock". People are not allowed to go to the top. However, there are two German Shepherds that are trained to jump from one rock to the other. If you look closely you can see one of the dogs jumping from the rock on the right onto the rock on the left.

We opted to sit on the bottom level of the boat for the ride back to the dock. It was too wet and windy on the top deck.

We left Wisconsin, stopping in St. Louis for sleep, toured the remainder of the zoo on Sunday morning, and arrived home at 9:30 pm. Vacation was fun but we were so happy to be home!