Sally the Toad

There's a new addition to the Moran family and as the title to this blog says, it's a toad named Sally. Sally came to be a part of our family this week when Emma, very expertly I might add, caught Sally in a bug catcher. At first I thought that Sally was like any other toad that the kids had found and would eventually be released back to her natural habitat or well I admit, not make it back at all. But Sally has proven to be a survivor. She's survived being slung over Emma's shoulder, while still in bug catcher, as Emma and Liam search for rocks, dirt, bugs to make her a home. She's been transferred from bug catcher to plastic container and then transported to Emma's first grade class. Survived being transported back home and transferred once again to a terrarium. We're all quite endeared to her now and make quite a fuss over her as we're learning how to care for her. Oh, and you might ask how the name Sally came about. Well, that part was easy. Emma announced that she was going to be called Sally. Liam said why Sally? Emma replied, "She's a girl toad, can't you tell?!"

Floating the River, Liam Style

Liam has decided that float tubes are overrated...

Happy Birthday Emma!

Emma celebrated her 6th birthday today! Here's a few (ok, a LOT more than a few) pictures that look back over Emma's year.

Swimming at Bull Creek...

Pony Rides at Kiddie Acres...

Late Night Shopping at Toy Joy... 4th of July...
Enjoying time with Grandpap Moran...

Summer Vacation at Grammy and Pa's (no, Grammy & Pa have not taken up the hobby of lobster farming. Lobsters are courtesy of the Wal-Mart in Altus, OK. Picture is courtesy of Emma herself)...

Pre/Post Ballet Recital... Kindergarten Rodeo... Camp Mabry Visitor Day...
Banff, Canada...

GO KNIGHTS!

I can't believe that there's only one week left of summer before school officially begins. But harder still for me to believe is that Benton will be a freshman at McCallum High School this year. I've started this blog, it seems to me, about 100 times trying to put in to words the emotions that I feel as I watch Benton mature in to an incredible young man. I literally could write a novel. But to spare all of you that and myself a few tears, I'll just share with you a couple of pictures that were taken at a recent football scrimmage and end by saying...MAC DRUMLINE RULES...GO KNIGHTS!!!

The Peacock Park

Emma, Liam and I visited Mayfield Preserve (The Peacock Park) last week. We had a great time. Emma was even able to get close enough to touch one of the peacocks!

Dog Days of Summer

Need I say more?!

Dress to Impress

Of note: following story takes place in our garage with garage door up...

I have always prided myself on having somewhat of an eye for fashion and keeping up with the latest styles and trends. Let it be known, by the picture below, that this trait has not been lost on my children.


Does this outfit not cover all of the fashion basics? I think it does. It obviously has ease of movement and versatility which Liam demonstrates as he helps Kevin organize the garage. It also allows for Liam, at a moments notice, to run outside through the wet grass and hunt for toads, worms, etc. The Shrek underwear add that perfect trendy touch, while the fireman rain boots are stylish yet practical at the same time. And we all know how hard it is to be stylish and practical!

My glory was short lived, though, as Kevin said, "I don't think the neighbors are as impressed with the outfit as you." "OK, fine I'll make him change his boots." They were right I guess, as it wasn't "technically" raining outside at the moment. "Somehow", Kevin said, "I don't think that's the change they're hoping for." Good heavens, I thought. What more could they possibly be hoping for? OK, maybe they didn't like Shrek. But Thomas! Everyone loves Thomas the Tank Engine, right?!

Mother Nature

At the dinner table last night we were discussing healthy foods vs. junk foods and how/why foods from nature are much healthier than processed foods. We were marveling at the size and sweetness of the grapes we were eating when Emma asks, "Mommy, have you ever heard of a girl named Mother Bird?" "Mother Goose, I asked?" "No, you know, the girl that's all around us and brings us nature?" Oh, yes, Mother Nature, I was about to say, when Emma continued, "You know, she's like God's delivery girl." Mother Nature I then said. "Yes, that's her!" "You mean you've heard of her?!" I just love parenting moments like this!