Lately

Ok, I am going to skip past the bemoaning I was prepared to do in regards to not having blogged in 5 months, and just pick up with life. Enough now said about my delinquency.

Cole has been out of town since Friday, and I'm so excited he gets back tonight. He hosted a bachelor party this weekend at the Riverhouse, and then has been working at the Ranchito with his dad the past few days putting the finishing touches on the turtle habitat. It is a huge structure that makes me laugh (not in a making-fun sort of way, but more of a I-am-so-amused-that-you-built-a-giant-turtle-habitat-and-love-you-so-much-so-don't-be-mad-I-am-laughing sort of way). Here is a pic of the progress:



I think it is amazing and will be so perfect for all the babies!

Meanwhile, in Cole's absence, I went to Arkansas this weekend for my grandfather's 90th birthday party at Petit Jean Mountain. It was sweet and quite humorous - there were so many old people there, and I mean OLD! My dad tried to carve out a special time during which people could get up and share stories about my grandfather, but unfortunately the majority of folks there couldn't hear anything, so they just kept talking to each other through the speeches. It was sort of frustrating, but hilarious none the less. After the party my parents, Laura and I hiked down to the beautiful waterfall and back. It was a great time together. Fortunately I was also able to spend time with nearly all of my relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) while I was there, and I am so glad I went.

Since I've been back, 3 new baby turtles have hatched, and it has been so neat to be the one to welcome them into the world! I've transfered two into the newborn tank, and the 3rd is still working his way out of his shell. I noticed this morning there is also a hole poked through a 4th egg too (one that was indented in quite significantly, and I was afraid the occupant must have died)! Hopefully he'll be "born out" tomorrow! Here's a pic of the two additions from yesterday though; its a rather poor cell phone pic, but its all I have (the concave egg that is now hatching is the one in between the babies):



Alright, this was my blogging-length record, and I shall relish in my success all day!

-Meredith