Investing in Nature

What are me and the kids up to these days...we are enjoying nature to it's fullest and loving every minute of it. Jonas loves to visit the Nature Library at the lake mostly for the snakes and I go because they are all in cages but here are a few things we found there the other day roaming around outside. The one thing we didn't get a picture of was the baby raccoon that was feasting on the bird feeders.

 There were a lot of monarchs but they fly to fast for Jonas to take a picture of and this was as close as we could get.

 Jonas is starting to learn how to use the camera and took all the butterfly pictures.

 Next year we will work on our quiet techniques so we can get closer.

 So many colorful birds.

 This is the biggest woodchuck that I have ever seen. One of the librarians told me that they are commonly known as groundhogs or woodchucks.

We didn't do this any justice in our photos but when it ran across the path in front of us it scared me...I'm pretty sure it could of eaten Stella.

Who's In Charge

 This eating thing is a breeze, I think I'll kick back and be served as I deserve.

Bring on the food and keep it coming.

This was the last zoo trip of the year before school started and much fun was had by all.

 Stella can't wait to get out of the stroller for a proper gorilla picture next summer.

 Looking for bats and parrots.

 A bearific day!

 Rory leading the bear by it's lips.

 Getting ready to ride the train.

I didn't lose Stella but Connor's hat came off right after this picture. Luckily we were able to go back and find it.

White Family Reunion 2011

We once again celebrated the White Family Reunion at the Melvern Community Center. I love getting together with everyone and seeing how all the kids are growing up. I was nice to see everyone.

 Ronnie showing the little kids how to climb on the park equipment.

 Our fearless pirate climbing up to the ship...watch out for the SHARKS!

 He refused to walk the plank.

 I couldn't resist posting this picture of Jonas' cousin, he is to cute.

 The "Sheriff" keeping order.

 We'll surround them then take them from the rear. He is such the good little soldier taking orders from his leader.

 Our long range shooter.

 Getting some grandma time in, it was only 103 that day.

 One of my favorite pictures of the day, I was told to not post on facebook.

 Where did everyone go?

 Mr Cute stuff.

 Here a baby there a baby...babies were everywhere.

 Some deep topics discussed here.

 The best seat in the house.

 Smiles across the generations.

 Attention please.

 The three bosses!

 Put em up.

 What a minute, I'm not ready...The Bettencourt Grandkids.

We start them out early at our family gatherings you have to know how to hold a gun or you'll be surrounded quickly.

SSSSnake Adventure

We love the natural museum we have at the lake. We went to a snake program the other day so that I can try and get over my fears and not pass them on to the kids. It was a baby step in the right direction.

 We took a hike before the event.

 Making a hot day cool!

 Stella's catching a ride.

 Waving hi to their adoring fans.

 I love fostering his love of nature.

 Rory decorating her snake.

 His red tailed racer.

Kiley designing her three species attack viper.

Photo Days

How do we battle our boredom these days...lots of photos! I can't believe how fortunate we are to have two kids that are photogenic.

 If she thinks I'm keeping this on she has another thing coming.

 Who doesn't love these cheeks.

 Ah the good life.

 Here we are!

 This makes me smile.

 Here's how to make bubbles, now pop them.

She's trying out for Driving Miss Daisy 2.