Halloween Storytime

This morning we went to Storytime. Being Halloween all the little ones wore their halloween costumes. This video is Michaels favorite song (The Silly Dance Contest).

Halloween Storytime Song

Ms. Claire the librarian was doing a song in the Halloween theme.

I was taking photos this morning and thought a video would be much better. Ms. Claire does a wonderful job, she was "Mary Poppins", and the children just adore her.

Jake ~ Michael and Day 2

My day started at 5:30am...not because of Jake he was so good last night and very quiet but because I had to pee, LOL...I then took Jake out side and then of course all the other animals woke up or wanted fed so I just gave in...and then Michael was up at 6am, ugh!!

It's been a long day but Michael and I did manage a nap this afternoon and that helped!!

Jake had his first appt with our vet today. They loved him. Jake just plopped down on the exam table and took it all with stride. He had an identification micro-chip put in him and then was given some heart-worm preventative. Something that we need to do all year long here in South Texas. The vet also found his retained testicle so he will be neutered here in a couple of weeks. He is healthy and very happy.

Michael wanted to take Jake to the park after the vet appt and I was able to get some photos. Neither one of them is still for very long and it's not an easy thing to attempt. I'm hoping as they get used to one another and calm down I'll be able to get some better photos.

We went to Pet Smart after the park. Jake picked out a package of pig ears. Never thought I'd take one of my dogs into PetSmart but Jake loved it. Everyone asked to pet him and he just soaked up the attention. I also talked to their dog trainer. Michael and Jake start beginning obedience classes on Sunday. I was going to leave Michael with his Dad and take Jake but the trainer said if Jake is Michael's dog then he needs to be there too!! I thought that was great!! She was amazed at how well Michael did with leading Jake, not tugging and being patient with Jake. I've been working with him and hope the training continues well. Today we worked with Jake on how to sit.

When Michael got up from his nap Jake was just thrilled. He was all over Michael and before long we were all rolling around on the floor. I can still see a bit of hesitation on Michaels part about hugging and loving Jake but I know in time he'll get over his fears and be okay.

Michael walking Jake in the childrens play area at the park.

Michael posing with Jake.

He wanted Jake to climb the play equipment with him but Jake would have nothing to do with it. I explained to Michael to be patient and in due time Jake will climb up there with him.

Jake was is already getting attached. He would stand next to Michael while Michael was playing and it was like he was standing guard over his flock...Then if I took Jake and walked over to the shade he would be fine for a few minutes but then he would wiggle and jump in the air wanting to go over to where Michael was at...I've noticed here in the house he goes back and forth between Michael and I....such a good pup!! To me he is watching over his flock! or in this case his family. I'm wondering how he is going to react to Fred when Fred comes home. Fred still hasn't met him. I've sent photos to him through our cellphones and Michael calls his Daddy 2 or 3 times a day about his new puppy, LOL...

Tomorrow is Halloween!! Michael has a party in the morning and tomorrow evening we are going trick or treating for a little bit. It's going to be another busy day...

Welcome to Texas Jake

What a long day but well worth the end results.

We picked up Michael's puppy today at the Austin Airport. I was thinking it was going to be a 3 hour drive (one-way) and it was only 2 hours. So we were 1.5 hours early, Ekkk....An excited 4 yr old and here we sit at the airport for one and half hours!! Well thank goodness there were lots of planes and helicopters going all around us...and also Momma had a rope in the back of the truck, LOL. I have found that a 4 yr old boy can have a good hours play with a piece of rope!!

Michael catching Monsters!

(Notice the tongue work, remember that means he is concentrating very hard on what he is doing!)

A few photos of some of the planes and helicopters we saw today.

Michael meeting Jake (Sam) for the first time.

I was so tickled to see the excitement in Michael, he was thrilled. The guys at the cargo bay were great. They let us use the restroom, which we weren't supposed too! Then when the puppy came in one of the guys came and asked Michael if he wanted to see something. Well of course Michael wasn't looking for a puppy in a crate and walked right by him at first...(gave me time to get the camera ready)....The guys were chuckling when Michael did a double take in the crate as he walked by and practically flew backwards to see what was inside!! He immediately put his hand out and said "My PUPPY!" Of course Jake was a bit disoriented at first but with lots of love and encouragement he came around quickly. Michael picked the name Jake. I read the list of names to him and he liked Jake. Denise (Breeder) called him Sam but knew the puppy would receive a new name with his new home. I even asked Michael if he wanted to keep the name Sam and he said "Nope, his name is Jake and he's my dog", LOL.

Jake slept most of the way home. We made two pit stops on the way. One was near a highway and Jake was afraid of all the traffic. He's definitely a country boy and he'll fit right in with us. Michael helped me with everything. He helped me water him and feed him. He helps me when we take him outside to potty. Jake wasn't sure about coming into the house, he was a kennel dog, but with a few liver treats he learned it was okay. He hasn't messed in the house at all, which I'm thankful for. We have the steam cleaner ready to go if he does, but I think he'll be house trained before you know it. At the moment we are in the computer room. Me typing away, Jake at my feet, and Michael laying in the recliner chair watching Tom & Jerry. Michael gave Jake a tour of the house. Took him in every room and turned all the lights on, lol...Jake walked into our bathroom mirror and Michael thought that was just hilarious!! I doubt Jake will do it again. Jake has (I think) checked everything out. I was laughing as his nose was into everything and on everything giving it the once over...Poor baby is absolutely exhausted!! It has been a long day for all of us and especially Jake!!

Michael and Jake in the Kitchen. Jake has a full belly!

Jake and Michael in the kitchen and Jake is totally relaxed now....Nap time!! Michael kept closing his eyes every time the flash went off!!

Jake and Kit Cat meet for the first time. Jake is backing off and Kit is totally spaced out!!

They are doing better now or I should say Kit Cat is doing better, Jake doesn't seem to concerned with Kit Cat! Our Jack Russel (Scarlett) gave Jake the once over, seemed to approve of him, and went and laid down in her dog bed. Jake did bark at Julie (the horse) but just the once, as if to say Hello!! I can't wait to see how it goes tomorrow, especially with Jake more relaxed. Of course he is pretty relaxed right now...he seems to be sound asleep with little grunts of approval every now and then, LOL....

Welcome Home Jake!!

Pumpkins = Jack 'o' Lanterns

I had told Michael he had to wait for Daddy to get home before carving the pumpkins.

Today was the day!!

He was really excited but WAS NOT going to help!! No pumpkin gunk on our boys hands, LOL....

Kit Cat had to watch from the window...We were laughing as you could just see he was trying to figure out what we were doing!!

I have no clue but Michael wanted his photo taken with the lid from the Jack 'o' Lantern!!

Thank you DADDY!!

I am so glad my son and husband can show affection and are able to hug and laugh together!

Can you tell which Pumpkin I cut and which one Daddy cut??? LOL...Also I am really disappointed in my camera today...not sure what is going on but the photos are just coming out (excuse my language) really CRAPPY!!

All in All we had a GREAT day together and I know our son enjoyed himself immensely!! Seeing the sparkle in his eye, hearing his laughter, and recieving his hugs make it a perfect day!!

He WON!!

Thank you GRAMMIE!!

We had a costume contest at the library this morning. Michael won first place and everyone just thought he was too cute in his dragon costume!!

Now for the truth of the matter, only two little ones showed up in costume!! Ekkkk....I felt just awful for Ms. Clare the Librarian...She was so hoping more would show up but alas there were a lot of Halloween functions going on today...Michael had fun and received a gift certificate to a local Dept. store....We took him over to the store so he could pick out his surprise!! He went straight for the play mobil Police boat, lol....I had no doubts as to what he was going to get because he's been eye-balling it for weeks!! Just what we needed too, more toys!! LOL!! What is life if you can't enjoy it!!

Michael in Drag at the Library.

Ms. Claire parading the little ones around the library!

Michael, Ms. Claire and Alisha the pirate!!

Both Michael and Alisha were adorable. And it was too funny to watch the two together because Alisha was totally not liking Michael and his dragon costume and I thought she was going to take her sword and cut off the dragons tail. Michael was whacking everyone, including Alisha with his tail....We all had a good time and enjoyed watching Michael and Alisha together!!

Butterflies and Bugs

I was outside mowing the yard today and was side-tracked...There were butterflies fluttering all over the place and I couldn't resist going and getting the camera and taking photos. I put the first set of photos I took on my flickr site...But then I went out and tried to get better closeup shots...so these are basically the best photos I think I took today...and yes I did manage to finish mowing the yard, LOL...

~ Buckeye ~

~ Longtail ~

Can you see her above in the foliage? I didn't see her at first and then I saw her move...I love Praying Mantis's, I think they are so cool. This ones body wings looked just like a leaf with brown spots on it...SWEET!!

~ White-stripped Longtail ~

~ Skipper and a Blue ~

Bumble Bee flying from flower to flower, they were very busy today!

~ Bumble Bee BUTT ~

~ Bumble Bee covered in Pollen ~

~ Blue ~

~ Skipper ~

~ Buckeye with damaged wing ~

~ Skipper ~

~ Longtail ~

I try to research and find out the exact name of the butterflies and bugs. I am not always accurate or don't have time to do further research than the books I have...So some names may be incorrect. On some of them I just put the family names as there are several butterflies that belong to the same family (Longtails, skippers, blues, etc.) but I just don't have time to search through hundreds of photos to figure them out...so forgive me if some of them are miss-named!! I also noticed today that quiet a few of the butterflies had wings that were tore up and I am assuming that is from their long migrations...I'd be tore up too if I had to fly thousands of miles!! A friend in Colorado saw a lot of butterflies a couple of weeks ago and they seem to have moved down here...truly remarkable the way they understand and know to move South as Winter approaches...I think out of all the ones I saw today I like the buckeye the most. The colors and pattern on the buckeye were very eye-catching!! Hope you enjoyed some South Texas Butterflies!!