Playing Catch Up

More cute kitten pictures -

Last weekend we had our bi-annual clean up at the wildlife refuge. It was sunny with a little wind.

A tired boy walking back to the car.

Later on Saturday, we met Patti and the kids at a farm. Here is Lucy looking like one of the animals.

And her silly brother.

One tractor, three kids. Not a great combination. Rudy isn't actually fighting with them - just acting out some game, I'm sure.

One of Rudy's favorite things was the rock climbing wall.

Lucy liked climbing, too, but had to be helped down by Patti.

If you look closely you can see all 3 of our big monkeys.




Here is the little monkey - now walking around on his own. Maybe he's planning to be a builder!

Two sweet goats cuddling up together.

A common sight around the house. Moonlight arches his back and hisses at Lou, who is pretty much oblivious.

Found a great use for the Hex bug we got at Christmas - a cat toy!

One tired out kitten.

Another common sight - Lou resting and Moonlight lying and trying to swat his tail.

Animals All Around

Today we picked up Rudy's new kitten. At the end of August, the weekend of the hurricane, a friend of ours rescued a litter of kittens and has been caring for them ever since. This week she told me they were ready to move on, so we purchased all the kitten supplies we needed and Rudy got his very own official pet.


Meet Moonlight - originally named Stripe but renamed by Rudy.

Moonlight's last meal with his siblings.

Checking out his new toys.

Rudy couldn't wait to play with all the new toys and introduce Moonlight to his bed.

Moonlight hung out while Paul and Rudy watched TV.

And eventually curled up and slept in Rudy's lap.

Rudy wanted a pet to sleep with him, and for the first few hours, Moonlight seems happy to comply. We will see what happens between now and morning.

Monday Paul and Rudy were off and the weather was nice so they went on a Dolphin and Whale watching tour. Red Beard Rudy went along, too.

They saw many families of dolphins (parents with child between them) but no whales, to Rudy's disappointment. I think it was the lure of seeing whales that got him to agree to go on the boat ride.

Rudy's 4th Anniversary

As we do every year, Saturday we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for Rudy's anniversary celebration. Four years ago this week, we arrived in Guatemala to finally bring Rudy home.
As we waited for the train, Rudy was so excited to see "a real phone", as he called this pay phone.









Last year we let Rudy pick one thing from the gift shop, so he requested to continue this tradition. He found a great set of animals and a person that he picked out. Here he is upset because we wouldn't let him open it at dinner. The phrase he used several times that day was, "It's my anniversary!!!!"

And then making silly , pensive faces.

Watching the thunderstorm. What a change from his first reaction years ago.

Cha-Cha came by to visit. Rudy tracked his movements all over the restaurant to make sure he came by our table!

Volcano!

Fun with the 'sparkler'.

One happy family.

The sun setting behind the city buildings.

On the boardwalk was a model of a Monopoly game board.

Hopefully we will never see this!

Rudy directing Paul on how to play the game.

For a very few blocks back to the train, Paul carried Rudy on his shoulders for what will probably be the last time!

The next day at church, the priest always asks for anyone celebrating birthdays or anniversaries to come up for a blessing. Rudy perked up and said, "It's my anniversary." We explained that if he wanted to go up, he could, but that he would have to explain why. He agreed and we went up and he proudly said it was his anniversary for when he came home. It was such a proud moment and it made Paul and I realize that Rudy really understands how special and important this celebration is!