Toads, Frogs and Polywogs

So we were walking through a pretty field near our house... it's a water shed area and has a stream running through it. We found a pond off to the side and Max made the most amazing discovery: it was full, and I'm talking dozens and dozens, of frogs and / or toads. I'm not sure which, or maybe both? Anyway...they were so cool!

Isn't he gorgeous?

It was so much fun watching the kids use long sticks to catch the frogs. Some of them were really big and a little too much for me. I just couldn't get myself to hold one; and Olivia tried, she really did, but she just squealed and screamed when they squirmed in her hands. Boston was upset with her for losing one of his 'buddies'.

It took Boston a while to catch his, but when he finally did, it was love at first sight. Can't you just see the pride in his smile? Ash was quite the pro at catching them and gave some good encouragement.

Guess who slid in the mud and fell in? Hint: she's wearing pastel 

Ashton making his best frog-face. I think it's pretty good! 

The best quote of the afternoon came from Ashton when he said: "Mom, I'd have to say this is the second best day of my life here in Germany, it's just barely behind Legoland." So now you know, spend 200 Euros at Legoland or 3 hours at the frog-pond. Your results will be pretty much the same. (I'm betting they will be talking about the frogs at family reunions 15 years from now a lot more than they will be remembering Legoland!)

Ava was not overly impressed.

Max was the real natural, of course. He is the guy you want to be with when heading outdoors. He can turn any ordinary occasion into a high adventure, creature catching, best-day-ever event. Such a fun big brother!

And there were hundreds of eggs too, which are now tadpoles. We have adopted about ten of them and Max and Ashton are raising them in a tub on my kitchen table! We're having so much fun watching the metamorphosis taking place. I think it's an important rite of passage for every kid to have some tadpoles at least once in their life...and they are definitely easier than a dog.

So grateful for the simple joys in life.

Needless to say, we make lots of trips to the frog pond these days!

Happy Belated Olivia!

Wow are you really 10 years old? We were so excited when you joined our family, especially after having two little boys already. 

Everyone said, and continues to say that you look just like your daddy, with your pretty blue eyes and amazing hair. It was such a treat to have a little girl-infulence in the family. But we soon found out that you wanted to be just like your brothers! Not much princess-play happening around our house.

Easter 2003

You have always been a spunky one, with a mind of your own. You were born independent! I love that about you, your strength, and self-confidence, and especially what a great helper you are to me. You are my right hand gal, my second pair of hands, my best babysitter. Ava has been so lucky to have you as a big sister! You are so responsible, sometimes I think YOU should be the mom. 

Max and Livi have a really like / really dislike relationship.

April, 2010--just before your baptism

So glad you joined our family! Keep writing stories, loving babies and working hard in school. We love you.

ALLES GUTE ZUM GEBURTSTAG!!!