4357 Wildlife

Wildlife in our Backyard

September 30, 2012

Turtle walking across the recently cut grass:

Can you see the anole?

Roughlock Falls

Roughlock Falls, SD

October 2006

Bridal Veil Falls, SD

Bridal Veil Falls. SD

October 2006

Switzerland Point Middle School

Switzerland Point Middle School

St. Johns County, FL

August 20, 2012

First day at a new school and the start of 8th Grade:

Gooseberry Falls

Gooseberry Falls, MN

October 2006

Darwin Falls

Darwin Falls

Death Valley National Park

September 2010

Another trip to Mount Whitney ended without a summit. Wildfires in the area made breathing along the trail almost impossible. The picture below is a little hazy due to the smoke in the area:

Since I was driving back to Las Vegas a day early, I decided to spend some time in Death Valley despite the 124F degree temperature. Since I didn't have a plan, I stopped at a convenience store in Panamint Springs to inquire about local hiking trails. Two young men working at the store recommended Darwin Falls. I had already passed the turnoff for the falls and they explained that Eco-Terrorists keep removing the signs to limit the number of hikers to protect the unique wildlife surrounding the falls. 

Between the oppressive heat and my rental car, I can't help but wonder if they thought they were sending me to my death:

The beginning of the trail and it doesn't matter that it's a dry heat, it was brutal to be out:

Adaption is amazing as this lizard was on a rock that I could barely touch without burning my finger:

All of a sudden, the valley turns into a narrow canyon full of  greenery:

The trail becomes more of a wilderness scramble:

and a rock scramble:

The first glimpse of Darwin Falls:

It's hard to find a good spot to view the falls:

After returning home, I researched the falls and learned that the falls I viewed were actually only the lower falls at approximately 20ft. Darwin Falls includes a 60ft. upper falls that can be viewed after some rock climbing. Even if I knew about the upper falls, I don't think I would have attempted the rock scramble considering the desert heat.

Deer

Imagine being in a deep sleep and having an almost hysterical 3 year old bust through your bedroom door yelling: "thems is in the yard". That is exactly what happened yesterday morning. I jumped up and followed Egypt into the family room. Egypt ran to the patio door and started pointing and hititng the window while screaming: "LOOK, LOOK". My eyes were still trying to focus when I made out five deer disappearing into the forest behind our house. Egypt was a little scared and excited at the same time. I was only excited, first that Egypt didn't see a masked burglar in the yard and second because we had a family of deer right outside our back door.

For a second morning in a row we had a family of deer in the yard. I was able to snap a quick picture before they disappeared:

1970's Egypt

August 9, 2012

Florida Striped Scorpion

We first saw a scorpion in the girls bathroom the other night, but he started running and ended up squished before I could get my camera. We were hoping it was a fluke scorpion in the house. However, we found this guy in the garage this morning:

ATA Yellow Belt

Egypt was suppose to test for her Yellow Belt on June 9th, but she woke up congested and had breathing difficulties. We kept her home to play it safe. Egypt was feeling better by Monday, June 11, 2012 and she was tested after her regular karate class:

The Wiggles- Celebration Tour 2012

The Wiggles

Florida Theater
Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, August 2, 2012

We've lost track of how many times Kellisa has seen The Wiggles live. Kellisa in her seat (4th Row, Center Aisle) before the show:

This was Egypt's first Wiggles show. Egypt tries to understand was is about to happen on the stage a few feet in front of her:

The Wiggles- Celebration Tour 2012 in Jacksonville, FL:

"Hi Anthony"

Never too old to love The Wiggles:

Murray, Greg and Jeff waving good-bye:

Because we had to wait for the theater to empty before we could get the wheelchair to Kellisa's seat, we were the last family in line to buy souvenirs. After we purchased t-shirts, a program and light stick, we had to exit by going back into the theater, going all the way down to the front to exit out a side door into a small hallway. This hallway led back to the entrance of the theater. This long way around was necessary to avoid several stairs. As usual, we were the last to leave. Lisa looked at me and I explained that I expect to be the last and that prevents frustration and anger. Just as I finished explaining my positive attitude, Anthony Wiggle was exiting the theater in street clothes. I was never happier to be last as I saw the three most important faces in my life light up. I'm sure mine lit up as well. 

Before we had our minute with Anthony, we had to deal with two families that pushed their way around and in front of Kellisa. Little kids can get excited and forget proper manners, but you should have seen the gymnastic moves the mothers performed to get in front of Kellisa. This is an amazing phenomenon, because it happens all the time in extraordinary circumstances such as this one. However in everyday life, most mothers keep their kids as far away from Kellisa as possible. We can tell from their body language and facial expressions, that their concern has nothing to do with Kellisa. This is especially difficult when Kellisa is trying to be friendly with a smile and a "hi". It's heartbreaking to look at Kellisa as she tries to figure out why people act as if she doesn't exist. We are convinced that they think what Kellisa "has" is contagious.  

Back to the "cherry on top" moment of the evening. Kellisa is beyond excited to be so close to Anthony. 

The last time Kellisa was this close to Anthony, she reached out and gave him a neck breaking bear hug. But wait, it gets even better. Notice Egypt looking up and off to the side in the picture below as another Wiggle joins us:

Egypt is obviously starstruck as Lisa welcomes Greg back and thanks him for everything:

You can read here how we credit The Wiggles with helping save Kellisa's life back in 2003.