Snapshots of some creatures we've been finding...
A praying mantis.
The chrysalis of a Baltimore Checkerspot--absolutely stunning to see, which doesn't translate in this dismal photo. This silver and goldish orange spots make it look like a piece of jewelry.
An American Painted Lady visiting some recently transplanted sedum.The kids and I have been enjoying Animal Planet's new series Backyard Habitat and plan to submit our new yard for certification as a backyard habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. The tv show is interesting and includes several craft ideas for the kids that can easily be done at home. We've been having fun creating and designing several new habitat, having learned lots from our projects at our old home. We'll have a meadow and thicket, brush piles and stone piles, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and a water garden--all of which offer different habitats for different wildlife species. If you build it, they will come.
We recently purchased a trampoline from JumpSport, and the kids have been having a grand ol' time on it. They helped dad put it together the night it arrived--what a sport! Dad that is, not trampoline jumping, though that's quite fun as well. It only took about an hour to get up and boinging--the newest verb in our home. 
Jumping was only half the fun that evening, as things quickly turned to thoughts of a camp out. Of course, they didn't end up staying out all night--the planning is half the fun. Schlepping everything out is always so much easier than getting it all back in. 
Sam looks quite at ease--he's considering moving out there, I think. Hmmm...he'd probably miss his computer and the tv pretty quickly though. The peace and quiet just watching the clouds go by, however, might be worth the trade off.
