Busy, busy, busy

I guess the definition of life entails being busy.  Joseph has started second grade.  He got into gifted and talented and is loving it.  He is also a prolific reader.  Samuel is learning to write more each day.  He is a little chatter box and loves the attention he receives being the only one home.  We went to Lake Jackson Plantation Day.  It was storming before we went, but it slowed down enough that we risked going and took an umbrella.  It was hot and super humid, but it was worth it.  I had never been to the plantation.  It is a pile of rubble, but on plantation day they have activities and people in period dress.  I felt bad for them in long sleeves, long skirts or pants, shawls, and bonnets.  I was sweating in my t-shirt and shorts.  The boys were able to make a find it jar, play with old style toys, hear rifles and cannons being shot (they didn't want to actually see them), sew a little, paint and draw.  They had a load of fun and they got free hot dogs, chips and drinks on top of everything else.  Joseph and Samuel enjoyed touching the snakes and alligators they had to show people.  The smallest alligator was 10 days old.  They also touched a 2 year old alligator and a 4 year old alligator.  They also had turtles that the boys enjoyed touching and picking up. 

We went to the Brazoria Nature Reserve.  It was fairly close, but it was about to rain, so we only got down a couple of times.  The mosquitos were insane.  The boys were excited to see a mommy alligator with 3 babies in their natural habitat.  Mommy stared us down.  Yesterday we went to the San Bernard Nature Refuge.  We didn't see much but we get swarmed by millions of mosquitos as we walked the boardwalk next to the slough and wetlands.  I guess I saw a baby frog, but we couldn't find it to show the boys because it disappeared.  We also went to the beach towards sunset.  It was fun and the sand was soft.  Well, life is crazy busy, but I would rather be busy than be bored.