Crocodiles and Giraffes

We love our zoo membership because we can go for a couple of hours and see what we want and go back another time to see something new. Since Aunt Sara volunteers at our local zoo, she informed us that the sea lions and Malaysians Sun Bear were getting enrichment treats (ice cubes with treats inside). Ms A and I were excited to join her and watch the animals. While we were waiting we checking out the crocodiles. We met Lancelot and Morgan Le Fay, the 11.5 ft and 7 ft respectively crocodiles. Aren't those great names? We waited to see them keeper feed them, but today wasn't the day (they feed them once a week typically). Ms A was excited about their teeth ( they have 65-70) and the way they hide in the water. Here she is with Lance

Ms A's newest favorite are the reticulated giraffes. Here she is with Bacarry:
And another picture of Bacarry eating

We had a great time and can't wait to go back again.
Don't you love zoo memberships?!?!

Summer is Here

I went outside this evening to check on our raspberry bushes and was pleasantly surprised by these juicy, sweet and delicious beauties.

Summer has come to the Nelson backyard, now if only the weather can figure that out!

And yes, they were good and they are GONE. I did notice quite a few that will hopefully ripen in the next couple of weeks.

Preschool Graduation

Our little Ms A graduated from Preschool today. She and her classmates have been practicing their songs for a couple of weeks. She been teaching them to me as well. Her most anticipated part of the program was singing and dancing to A Tooty, Ta and having the parents participate. (She giggles every time she talks about it). Here are a couple of pictures from the program.

Singing If I Were a Butterfly

Ms Ashley, Ms A, Ms JoAnn, Ms A and Ms Hailey.

We will miss Ms JoAnn and all of our new friends!

A Couple of Cards

I had a few scraps of paper, a request for a card from my little princess and a bit of time while Ms A was at preschool, so I decided to make a couple of cards. I love that something so adorable can be made from scraps of paper. I also love the instant gratification from Ms A. "Oh, Mommy, it's so BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE it!!!

I also fell in love with this card and decided to try it out, not too bad, but I think next time, I'll have to get a digital cutter that will cut out all the parts.

New Park

Last July the city started construction on a park next to our neighborhood. Ms A and I were so excited to watch it being built and could not wait to play there. We spent several days watching the BIG trucks move dirt, cement trucks poor cement and the construction workers build. We also enjoyed trying to guess what they were building and where things would go. It was a wonderful way to spend time and learn about what they were doing.

Here are a few pictures of our park being put in. We missed a few months of construction due to our accident.

We love playing there especially the play area and water feature.

Memorial Day

My maternal grandfather fought in World War II in the Pacific rim. He never told us of his experiences. I always wished I had asked him before he passed away when I was 16 years old. I still remember his jokes and fabulous stories. I miss him so much and always felt like he's been my guardian angel throughout my teenage and adult life. Here are a couple of pictures of my dashing grandpa.

This one is when he was stationed in the Pacific. I am amazed that anyone could be so limber, this also shows what an amusing person he was.

I miss and love you grandpa. Thank you for fighting for my freedoms and for the legacy you gave to me!
Here's my maternal grandma shortly before she left us. I lived with her for a short time while I was in college. It was wonderful and educational to spend time with her and to learn more about her and my mother.

My Memorial Wreath revisited

My paternal grandparents. Grandma left us a year after this picture and Grandpa left us last year at Easter. I am so grateful for the laughter, stories, memories and the legacy they left me.

It's wonderful to know that while they are not here, we will see each other again, give hugs, listen to stories and jokes and watch Grandpa K jump rope!