Whitewater Debut

Despite starting off his summer with a broken arm, Heathen #1 has finally made it into the water at Tire Hill!  In his usual "duck to water" way, Heathen #1 has taken to surfing his new kayak with little difficulty.  Now the trouble is getting him down to the park as often as he would like.

After two hours in the water, Heathen #1
is tired but very satisfied.

I have to admit to sitting on the rocks and watching with a great deal of Momma-pride.  The Asst. Zookeeper was just as proud.  With less than 10 hours total in the water, he's exceeding all expectations.  That's my Heathen!

Cucumber Falls & the Waterslides

Tuesday of this week, the Heathens and I headed for Ohiopyle, PA.  We had been out there on Saturday to buy whitewater gear for Heathen #1 and the Heathens decided we needed to go back before school started.  I couldn't have agreed more!

Cucumber Falls is breathtaking.  And because we were there during the week, we had the waterfall and pool at the bottom all to ourselves.

Cucumber Falls from the trail above.

Look how small Heathens #2 and #3 look!

The water was COLD and they couldn't have cared less.

Playing behind the falls.

Heathen #2 chose the pose.

It was a perfect afternoon.

On the way to Cucumber Falls, the Heathens had seen a sign for the natural waterslides.  And, duh, decided that we had to go try it!

Heathen #3 stayed in the slower water.

Heathen #1, with Heathen #2 close behind.

Heathen #2 looked like a prune
when he finally got out of the water.

Heathen #1 had a blast!

I love my Heathens.  I got to sit all day and watch them do what my Heathens do best.
Laugh and play.  Laugh and play.  Does it get any better?

Cornsnips!

Several days ago, Heathen #3 and I were watching Suite Life on Deck on the Disney Channel.  One of the characters was growing cornsnips - a hyrbid of corn and parsnips.

Later that afternoon, the younger two Heathens and I were driving to Seph Mach to visit.  From the back seat I hear, "Look, Mom!  Cornsnips!"

Heathen #3 and his cornsnips!

And we have cleared another hurdle at our Zoo!  After looking at the gaps in his friends' smiles with envy, Heathen #3 has finally joined the group of lisping first graders.  The tooth came out right after the Asst. Zookeeper left for work one evening.  Heathen #3 requested that I call the Toothfairy and ask if he could keep the tooth to show Daddy when he came home.

The proud smile!

Worth it's weight in gold to a small Heathen.