Johnson's Shut-Ins

As a part of the month-long celebration that is Ahenobarbus' birthday, we took the girls to Johnson's Shut-ins on Labor Day. Ahenobarbus posted a few pics last week and gave an excellent description of "shut-ins." So, rather than repeat, please click here to read his description. I do, however, have some great pictures to share!

Even the camping was good. The bugs were out in force, but it was a beautiful night. We had the campground almost to ourselves and we got to break-in our new tent! It was a super way to start off the birthday festivities! Happy Birth-month hon!

Bye Bye Birdie

What do you do when a bird flies into the large picture window in the living room?

If you are Ahenobarbus, you run outside to check on the bird. And if you find that it is still alive (but perhaps not for long), you gingerly pick it up, hand it off to your five year old and take pictures!

Beemer gently cradling the bird. She also whispered quietly to it as she held it.

Beemer showing the bird to Audi, who only got to pet it carefully.

After a few minutes, Beemer (and Ahenobarbus) carefully set the bird down in a protected corner of the yard. When we returned later that morning, the bird was gone. Beemer was sure felt better and flew home to it's family.

Cavin'

Okay, so maybe that depends on your definition of "caving." But we did spend time in a cave with a tour guide and nice sturdy handrails - which is the only kind of caving to do with Audi along.

We went to Onodaga State Park and toured the Onodaga cave (there are two caves to tour at the park).

Beemer in her "favorite room in any cave - ever!"

She was enchanted throughout the tour.

Audi and me - right before she started stating loudly, "Mom, we better hurry. I'm afraid of heights" as we walked down a steep ramp. Nevermind that we were underground, or that Beemer taught her the phrase. She was determined.

At one point, the tour guide asked for Beemer's help. She got to hold the flashlight and lead the group!

My favorite room - the Lilypad room.

This cave was the best I have been in. The formations were breathtaking and the history fascinating, and the 57 degrees (when it was almost 100 outside) didn't hurt!

It was a great way to spend a Saturday!

Posin' at the Zoo

I'm not sure why the zoo elicited these poses, but they were too cute to not share!

Chillin'

Audi really missed Beemer the first few days of school and she was really upset that she didn't get to ride the bus too. But I think she's starting to get used to some time to herself. Yesterday, I left her watching TV to fold laundry. When I came back, this is what I found...