Rare Sighting at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

If you were lucky enought (like we were) to get another mini Spring Break (thanks to the swine flu) and you had chosen to visit the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center then you may have experienced a rare sighting, indeed. I'm going to quote the Fossil Rim Times newspaper, as I think they had an accurate description of the sighting.

Fossil Rim Times

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Visitors at the park today were fortunate enough to catch a sighting of three very rare creatures. Late afternoon it was reported that three wild "Ortler Boys" were spotted throughout the 9.5 mile long scenic drive. The wild "Ortler Boys" were seen with their Mother and Grandfather Ortler (who was reported to have temporarily migrated from his grazing zone in the mountains of Southern Utah).

The "Ortler Boys" are on our Native Species list and are known as our "volunteer" species as they have somehow made their way into the Center throughout the years. They are very well camaflouged in their native habitat. The "Ortler Boys" haven't been spotted at Fossil Rim for nearly 4 years, making today's sighting particularly rare. These creatures originated in Denton County, Texas and the first one was brought to Fossil Rim in 2000 when he was only 10 days old!

The "Ortler Boys" aren't fed the diets that our other animals are fed, but do adhere to strict special diets of their own. Guests at the park reported seeing the wild "Ortler Boys" singing, laughing, hanging out of the sunroof and grazing. One visitor reported hearing the smallest of the wild "Ortler Boys" exclaiming that this was the "best adventure ever!"

Problem Solved {I hope}

From previous posts you know that Ryan got stitches twice in 3 weeks. Well, we are pleased to announce that we have been stitch-free for 6 weeks (knock on wood). I'm sure you're wondering how we've managed to pull that off. Well, it's really rather simple...

from DRAB to FAB!!

We finally got rid of the wallpaper in the master bathroom which I have hated since the first day we moved in 10 1/2 years ago! It was a lot of work to peel all the wallpaper, texture the walls, paint and glaze the walls. But it was well worth it in the end! The walls ended up having kind of a leather appearance, which is fun because I can put any color of towels in. I learned a few lessons along the way:

#1: When Jenny in Australia tells you that she would never do another project like that again, remember that she is on the other side of the world and do it anyway ;)
#2: When your husband tells you that if you want to do that project that he is not helping...believe him.
#3: The Tom Sawyer method is alive and well. If you make something appear fun enough....others will join in (see proof above).
#4: Only paint when wearing a painting shirt, unless you want more painting shirts, of course!
#5: It feels good to work hard and create something new.

Secret of Life

Ryan was gracious enough to share the secret of life with me a couple of days ago. I felt like his insights were pretty accurate and if followed could definitely lead to a good life. Enjoy!

Ryan's Secret of Life

1. Be nice

2. Don't poop our pants

3. Keep our underwear clean

4. Be helpful

5. Be kind

Late Post ;)

I know it's *really* late to post Easter pictures, but John never has the opportunity to dye Easter eggs with the boys as we usually do this on Saturday while he is at work. This year we saved the event for Sunday and the boys all had a great time. We hope you enjoy these "egg"cellent pictures, and that they bring a smile to your face -->

Pink Among The Blue???

For All Y'All Fellow Texans Out There: Have you ever seen a pinkbonnet nestled in a field of bluebonnets? A very unexpected, but beautiful sight!

For All Non-Texans: Bluebonnets are the Texas state flower. They grow wild between March and May and a field of bluebonnets is a beautiful sight. It is a tradition to take the kids to a bluebonnet field each year for pictures. Enjoy!

Good Times!

We attended a BBQ last weekend at my sisters home where we got to visit with her family as well as my brother and his wife. Everyone had a great time and we enjoyed a tasty steak dinner. The boys loved seeing their cousins and had a great time! Here's a picture of them enjoying driving the go-kart.