our friend Hopper

Mason and Ash had a new pet- for two days. The boys found a toad in the backyard, hiding in the bare chopped-off hydrangea bush. Mase christened him Hopper, and was hardly away from him for a moment. He carried the toad around in his shirt and placed him on different things in the yard to see which he would climb, and which he would jump from. He tried to bring him indoors under our radar, but was quickly detected. Mason protected Hopper from Abby, but it was Ashton's job to retrieve him from his landing spot after each jump. Ash would scoop up the little toad, unceremoniously dumping him back in Mason's lap or hand saying "Here go, Here's yer Hopper". Mason was so enamored with his new little charge that he invited his neighbor-buddy Peyton over to see him at 8:30 in the morning without bothering to ask (or tell) me. We were all still unwashed and in our jammies while Mase proudly showed Hopper off. Sadly, Hopper escaped while the family went on a field trip and Mason was forced to leave him in the back yard. His tears were immediate and bitter, and I was crushed for him. So, Hopper, wherever you are, we miss you and hope you are happy.

Today we had a birthday party for Logan, and both boys were able to go. Logan's parents hired a balloon-guy, who spent most of his time making balloon objects for Mason, the only 5-year old at the party. He asked for everything; a sword, a dinosaur, a hat with a palm tree with a snake wrapped around it. They both had a really good time, it was tough to get them to leave. Swim class resumes tomorrow, and if this week goes as well as last week did we might go ahead and sign up for another two-week session. I'm hoping to get a video of Mason on the BIG diving board tomorrow.

Light as a feather...