Fun in the Sand

Since the boys left early, the girls and I got to stay and play in the sand.  They had a blast with some friends they met making a giant sea turtle.  He turned out pretty cute I think.

This was my real surprise.  Pippa liked the beach.  She didn't just like it, she loved it.  Every time she went outside, she would start trotting down the boardwalk towards the beach.  She would turn back and look at me to see if I was coming or not.  She just wanted to sit there and feel the wind and let the salty air soothe her achey bones.  I hope Pippa has many more trips to this place with us.  I never feel like I get enough time there.  We always tell the beach good bye when we go, and we always come home and start planning our next trip.

Thanksgiving 2011

I called my mom around the beginning of September and let her know that I really wanted to go to the beach for Thanksgiving.  I normally host Thanksgiving at my house, so I thought she and I should discuss it before I set me plans.  We love the beach in the fall, and with the struggles that two of my kids have in school, I just really wanted to get away.  I love the Cape because I can load up the entire family, pets and all and head out and truly relax, because well, there is nothing else to do.  Mom said she had been thinking about the same thing, and would love to go with us.  She then called my brother who said he would also like to join us, so I was excited.  I would have my whole family under one roof for Thanksgiving.

We were able to catch a few family pictures with all of us together.  It was great to be able to spend time with my niece and nephew.  I'm sure they don't really know who I am, so it was nice to be able to spend time with them.  Getting to know them was a real joy for me too.  I hate that we don't see each other more.

Hunter loves the beach.  He is always up to something.  He had fun in the bay finding all kinds of interesting critters.  He even brought home a shell with a crab still in that about scared me to death.  He and Paul left the beach early so they could get back for the Auburn vs. Alabama game.  

And these two, look at the tans they got in the middle of November.  It is crazy how dark they get so quick.

Where Do I Live Again?

Last time I checked, I lived smack dab in the middle of the city.  However, all the creatures of the country must know that I am a country girl at heart, and they are showing up regularly.  And unfortunately for some of them, they just aren't welcome here.  We have a small urban chicken coop in the back yard.  It is great for teaching the kids responsibility, and about food production.  However, since they have arrived, we have seen some wildlife we didn't anticipate.  My opossum friends keep coming around, so I humanely trap them and move them to a large wooded park where they are safer and can find more food.  This is the first of three that we have trapped.  This is the smallest one.  We give them all names and send them on their way.

This fellow on the other hand, doesn't quite need to be in the middle of the city.  Let's just say I was a little more than shocked to discover this one (I didn't kill it, it got hit by a car.)  Now we have a new threat which doesn't just want the chickens, it also wants my dogs.  We now have a nice sized pack of coyotes.  I haven't caught a picture of them yet, but they are letting their increasing presence be known.  I went out around 5 a.m. with the dogs.  I turned my back on Pippa for just a second to watch Annie, and one started across the street towards Pippa.  I screamed and waved my arms and got to Pippa first to scoop her up, but it terrified me. I got Annie and Rags in as quick as possible.  They are making me nervous as they are getting increasingly aggressive in the city since their isn't as much food here for them.  They have been attacking dogs on leashes, so I'm not a happy city dweller right now.