This Is For Aunt Debbie

I decided this summer that I was going to do as many fun, cheap (if not free) things with Morgan and Jacob as possible. This decision came to me after I enrolled Jacob in a 3 day-a-week camp that included going on a field trip one of those days, the icecream truck coming another, and other fun groups coming to the school on the other day (like fire trucks, kung fu teachers, etc) and making sure I picked a place where he would know some kids starting out (FOUR to be exact)-only to have him HATE it. And I mean HATE it. Turns out that by using the term "summer camp," Jacob thought he would be literally camping. Jacob is all about knowing EXACTLY what is going to take place, and all about being TICKED OFF if that does not occur... And he thought I would go on the field trips with him like I do for school field trips. I could have viewed this as a growing experience and forced him to suck it up, I know. Afterall, there wasn't a solid good reason for him not to like it. But then I decided this was his summer, and there would be plenty of other life opportunities for him to grow through misery. Add to that I have two money-hungry stepdaughters who are of age to babysit, and you got yourself a kid whose mom doesn't make him go to summer camp while she works a few days a week. Fast forward to my brilliant plan of making this a fun summer for him and Morgan. I had a few things on my list already, and it is growing. I am actually excited about the whole business. Here is what we have done so far:
Morgan spent the night one night. We had tried this before, but it didn't work. Now they are old enough for it and they had a blast. We rode bikes up to Jake's school that evening. Aren't they cute???

 They wanted to sleep together in Abby's bed, not in Jake's bunk bed...cute...

The next day we went to Lichterman Nature Center (free passes-sweet) and hiked all around. We packed a backpack with drinks, they thought they were really roughing it...

 Lilies for Lily!! We probably weren't supposed to pick them...

 We also stole a few goose feathers...

Who needs expensive store-bought hats???

 Melissa and Nicole, as you can see, she has true Garzoli blood in her. The hotter the day, the bigger the hair gets...

 They also feed a different animal each day at the center. When I called ahead that morning I was told it was going to be the snakes that day.  But apparently the lovely lady answering the phone has no inkling of what it is like telling two 6 year olds they are going to get to watch a snake eat, only to arrive to find out she made that all up because the schedule printed on the door clearly says it is turtle day. Thanks lady. The turtles eating their blueberries were cute and all, but we were bummed. But....Sonic saves the day again!! One of the volunteers feeding the turtles used to work for us and got the snake out for us to pet!! Yay!!!

 Then, to complete our educational hike, as we were leaving, we spot this dead (apparently fried from the Memphis heat) baby duck right outside the front door....I said, gross. Morgan said, aww, poor duck. Jacob said, cool. Boy genes in tact, check.

 Aunt Shae can knock you out...

This was just one of our days...more to come Aunt Debbie, I promise!