Graduation

Can you believe it? Abby's first graduation was tonight - her graduation from Four Star Express, the preschool program. There was a pizza dinner with cake in a nicely decorated cafeteria. Then, there was a ceremony. The kids marched in to "Pomp & Circumstance" wearing caps & tassels. They sang a few songs, then received their certificate and a little bear.

I got a little choked up. Sheesh - what is going to happen when she REALLY graduates? I think I'll lose it entirely!

Adventures with wildlife

The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend we went on a family adventure to the Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife preserve in St. Croix Falls, WI. It was awesome. Here are some photos.

Abby was not shy at all and went right up to the deer. I think her highlight was seeing two little baby fawns, probably only a couple of days old. (yeah, don't ask about the outfit, she selected her own clothes this morning and I couldn't convince her to change.)

You can purchase food at the place, $1 for a bag which includes feed corn, doggie kibble, some dog biscuits and a carrot. There is also a coupon online for a free bag of food. I knew about the food thing, and we happened to have some carrots in the fridge, so I chopped them up and smuggled them in. The deer liked our carrots, and even Nicholas got in on the action.

Daniel hung out with Nathan at the beginning but gained confidence as we strolled around the deer yard. This young buck was off along a path leading in/out of the deer yard. He was very mellow and didn't even flinch when Nathan and I felt his antlers (fuzzy and warm by the way - very interesting!)

I can't get the fawn pictures to upload, but oh well. Aside from the deer yard, there is a farm area, a ton of ducks, geese and rabbits, all of which can be fed and pet. There are also other animals which are interesting or native to the area: Badger, Beaver, Elk, even Timberwolves, Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions and Bobcats. No, those don't roam around - they are caged.

Highly recommended!

Chompers

For those who may be paying attention, Nicholas is well over a year old and has FINALLY popped his first tooth. Woo Hoo! Abby got her first tooth (one of those cute little bottom numbers) in December '04 - she was not yet 9 months old. Daniel got his first tooth, again, one of the bottom ones in December '06 - the day after Christmas I believe was the exact date - and he was 10 moths old. So, I rather expected Nicholas to get a tooth for Christmas. Oh no. Granted, this did not stop him from attempting to eat anything set in front of him. It just reduced his options a bit.

Tooth number one, rather than being one of the cute little bottom varieties, was actually one of his top front teeth. Top right as you look at him, to be exact.

YAY!