That’s my girl!

I have a vivid memory of a time at the Lesages when we were growing up.  Their kids and our kids were playing in the backyard. The boys and I were in the woods – climbing trees, chasing each other, kicking balls/cans/rocks, and collecting things from the woods.  While the boys began another game of kickball, I found a small toad.  It was the smallest one that I had ever found.  This little guy was no bigger than my fingernail… just adorable.  I played with him for a long time – finding a nice place for him in the shade and bringing him water. My very own pet.  We had a special bond… this spotted toad and I.  Then mom called.  TIME. TO. GO.  NO!!!  What do I do with my new friend? 

Well, I did what every 8 year old girl would have done:  I stuck him in my pocket to take him home with me.   We gathered in the Bronco and headed home…. then had lunch… and a quick swim.  BUT… it wasn’t until the dried skeleton fell from my pocket as mom picked my shorts out of the dryer, that I remembered my pal!! 

Oops…

Grace has acquired my love for exploring outside.  When I found a toad out in the yard this week, I immediately called her to come take a look. She didn’t hesitate an ounce as she scooped him up and started to love on him – stroking his back, talking to him, checking out his feet and legs, all while naming him Webby!  She was in love with this little guy – just amazed at God’s Creation and admiring all the parts up close! 

Here she is…. with Webby!

Pointing out the details of her new friend to her sister….(I think she was even pretending to be Kris Kratt, if you know the Kratt Brothers)!

After having fun with her little friend, I made her put him back where we found him – NOT IN HER POCKET!  She didn’t like to say goodbye, but she knew that we couldn’t keep him.  I think I may have to keep an eye on her pockets in the future, though!  :)