Happy Saturday.

A little catch up...

This week was Jockey's last week of school. He is officially out until next September. I don't think that he has fully grasped that idea, more that he was just sad that there wasn't any more "show-n-tell" days. We are just going to have to find some play date days to keep up with his friends over the summer.

Caleb had his official on the day birthday party at the pool on Wednesday. Again, he had a great time. Cousin Tessa was there, as well as my friends 7yr old twin daughters and some Grandma and Grandpas. He loves swimming and playing, so how could something like this go wrong.

Caleb did not have school this Friday, nor does he have school this Monday. We are planning to pack up the trailer to go up to Lake Connor park (Lake Stevens) for 2 nights at Papa Bill's campsite. It's nice that it is close and all, has parks and (Caleb is hoping it's open) a pool. I'm just hoping for a clear night and maybe a campfire, no kid bickering, and a good warm nights sleep. It looks like pretty rainy weather, so maybe there will be time to get some good reading in.
We were going to head up to Anacortes on Thursday, but that was going to be pricey AND Tigger got so sick that we didn't know if he'd make it. He didn't eat for nearly 3 days... luckily he is better and looks to have healed up (answer to lots of prayer). Mike is also recovered from his own illness too. So we are trying to salvage the remaining part of the weekend.

Though the weather is drizzly, the summer holiday is in sight! Yahoo!

We survived the sleep over birthday party. We were blessed with 2 hours of clear weather and used that time to put up the bouncy house and wear the boys out. We made carmel apples (this was one boys' first time ever). We watched Astro Boy and there was a calm in the house. Then it was jammies and bed time. All the other kids had fallen asleep by 10:20, it was just our two boys that were fighting over who was touching whose sleeping bag and pillows and feet and whatever. I checked on them several times through out the night and then was up at just after seven making pancakes, bacon and eggs. We were blessed again with a bit of nice weather to put the bouncy house up again and fold it up in the clear weather. Caleb had a really really good time. He got to choose the chips he wanted (and I got a steal on the price, paid .89 for an enormous 3.89 bag of Bugles.) He received some very neat gifts, especially from Grandma Judy and Papa Bill. All the boys seemed to play well with each other despite the fact that they didn't know each other. No injuries. I think I could manage a similar event in the future. Really it was more of a big playdate than a birthday party, but Caleb had a great time and felt wonderful being surrounded by his friends.

Next Wednesday, his actual birthday, we are going to go swimming at the club and maybe have cake. And we'll for sure be making another trip to the Zoo in the future to use the zoo-pass-gift from Grammy and Papa Dahl. We have loved having that zoo pass and when we park on the street for free the cost is limited to gas. Great. I'm really looking forward to going down in the summer when all the roses are bloomed in the rose garden and seeing the beautiful colors and smelling all the different fragrances. But that is a selfish pursuit I know.

Only 2 more days of school for Jockey.
Awana is done.
Caleb goes through 6/18 or 6/19.
We are thinking of using some of the Christmas gift $ from Grammy and Papa Dahl and go to Anacortes camping this weekend (Thursday through Monday).

Mike attended Jockey's parent-teacher conference. He still is confusing his rectangles, but has excelled in many many other areas. His writing is now in a straight line and in the same size letters. He doesn't want to sing or join in with singing, but the teacher catches him singing by himself when he doesn't think anyone is watching. He is the dominant leader of the class without being aggressive. He has a protective streak when it comes to the girl in his class. He is at the top of his class academically, but still a little squirrely and has some defiant days. He would technically be a good candidate for the 4-day a week pre-K, but right now I think we are going to go with the 3-day, the teacher is looking into scholarships for the difference in cost. But the most wonderful thing is that Jockey appears to have an amazing understanding of God/Jesus, His nature/character, and has good demonstratable faith! If he did nothing else great but this, I would be happy. The faith and understanding in God is the long term, enduring, eternal purpose and is more important to me than if he can tell the difference between a square and a rectangle.

Caleb asked to go to the adult part of church today. I had been praying and wanting to show Caleb the more mature version of faith and relationship with God beyond that of Children's Sunday school. And it was upon his request today that he attended the adult services. It was great to let him observe and listen and quietly ask questions. I feel a new era of responsibility to Caleb in his area. It was great to see his willingness/readiness to move forward to greater depths of God. An answer to prayer.

So Sunday is the Sabbath and we are going to find something that relaxes us and refreshes us before the week of work begins...

So life is just whipping past....

Caleb has lost (naturally) his second lower front tooth. He's got quite the odd smile lately, and yet he still asks for apples to eat. That is a really slow process.

Caleb heads to the zoo today with his class field trip.

And TOMORROW we are celebrating his birthday. We are praying for good weather for the afternoon all the way through to Saturday. That way we can put the up the bouncy house. We are having 3 other little boys come over and spend the night. We are just doing things low key... buy pizza & drinks. I think instead of a cake we'll do carmeled apples with choclate sprinkles as the special treat. Caleb's requested Bugles as the crunch snack. The Wii is working again and that should consume some time. There's games to play, toys to play with, a movie I'll rent etc etc. It's just 3 extra little boys... SHOULD be manageable.

I've been working lots, MOPS is winging down so lots to complete by Friday. Both boys have graduated through this year of Awana. Jockey's Parent teacher conference is tomorrow. He only has 2 more days of school and then the end of the year picnic. Caleb looks like he'll be in school until 6/19. whew.... So much going on and so quickly. Speaking of busy, time to go and pick up Caleb from school. More later if the computer lets me on to this site again.

So a little catch up...

Caleb has graduated from literacy lab. He was the only one. He did really well at the the graduation activities according to Mike who attended that day. He is reading the Bob books quite well. His confidence will come with practice.

Today was Jockey's Preschool "Mother's Day Tea". He was cute, easy to love and yet a bit frustrating. I must have birthed genetically unable to hold still and sing boys. For the second of Jockey's (and nearly all of Caleb's) performances... he sang while spinning in circles and a step out of line. Still he gave me a delightful card... he both knows me (in my affection for MOPS) and doesn't know me (I like to cook, WHAT? And apparently I'm just 22 yrs old. Thanks buddy!)

Tomorrow is Jockey's Awards Night for Cubbies.
Next Thursday is Caleb's Award night.
School field trip to Zoo for Caleb.
Last 2 MOPS meetings this week.
Of course, Caleb's birthday is later this month and planning is in negotiations. Kids have different definitions of friendship than we do, that kid that you knew last year who isn't all that nice to you, but you know him... isn't a "friend". Right now we are toying with the idea of a sleep over.. MAYBE; I really have to gear up my mind for a wild pack and horde of potty humored whirlwinds. Gulp.

This is Jockey's last month of school, only about 10 days left! I can hardly believe it! I'm already getting dates for VBS, summer camps etc. WOW. Well, we'll see what we actually do as far as activites.

Well life is just clicking by with homework, verses to learn, end of the year activities, new bible study beginning, work, school and chauffering, pet care, home maintenance, getting new-to-us carpet in our upstairs. etc. etc. So that's the current nutshell.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while... computer trouble...

So the biggest news... We have found homes for ALL the bunnies!

Friday of last week I received a call from a lady who lives here in Monroe. She ended up surprising her daughter ages (11-13) with a bunny. They chose little Shooter Jr and despite being a girl they were going to keep the name because it went with their dog's name.

THEN, as I was getting ready to take the boys to the Children's Museum another lady called and wanted Lone Star. Because she was in Marysville and we were headed to Everett, Lone Star (my favorite because he was the licker) took a car ride to meet his new owners. He cuddled with us in the car and said good bye.

So as we entered the Children's Museum, we only had two bunnies to find homes for.

Well Tuesday I had 4 calls/emails about the last 2. So I time stamped them and just went down the list. The people who came were from Echo Falls (between Monroe and Woodinville). They have two daughters one is between 2 and 3yrs and the other was turning 6 next Wednesday and the bunny was to be her birthday present. They ended up taking both Pee-Wee and Darko (the twins), and a list of spay/neuter locations that I printed out. By the time they left the little girl had renamed Pee-Wee to Sugar and Darko to Buttercup. Caleb was the first to point out when he came home, "But they can't eat butter cup!" The boys were able to say good bye before the tennis lessons which was a good thing because both bunnies were gone by the time they were back home.

The sad part is when the boys forget that we don't have bunnies and ask to hold them. I miss them too. They really had carved out a niche in our routines and hearts. We might have to do this again. It was a great experience, responsiblity, handling, procreation without the difficult questions... And let's face it. How many people actually get to experience baby-anything in their life. Even when you set out to get a puppy you get it at 8 weeks and miss the first 2 months of it's life. Not this time with bunnies. It was a very special time that I hope that Caleb and Josh remember and value when they are older.

So we've been to the Children's Musuem, Church, the Zoo and met Cousin Tessa and Auntie Kristina, school, work, Bible study, Awana. And we are headed into the weekend with limited plans. Perhaps the fishing derby at Tye Lake on Sunday will be a good thing to try...

We'll see. That's it for now. Thanks for checking in.

Happy Tax Day, for those who have completed their forms... and who are getting a refund.

We are one day away from the weekend. Tomorrow we plan to go to the children's museum.

Yesterday, little "speckles" bunny was chosen by a family who lives in Carnation and renamed Taffy. They have two daughters ages 1 and 3. The 3 year old is handicapped and the bunny was selected as the perfect animal to be held and hop around her. Taffy was the name best pronouced by the 3 yr old. The family was delighted that these bunnies had such extensive experience being held by children. They thought that Speckles/Taffy had the most brillant pure white fur and was just so pretty they were attached almost at once.

Today, little "rosie jr/rusty/Lava boy" was selected for his new home. The family has 9 kids from 2 to teeanagers; all of which drove up from Shoreline to pick up their new family addition. They had had 7 other rabbits at various times, each living long lives. They saw the ad on craigslist and thought that Rosie Jr appeared to have an adventurous look. Ironically, Rosie jr actually DOES have a bit of an adventurous trait. It will be a great fit if they are looking for and expecting adventure and independence and that is exactly what he is.

This leaves just 4 bunnies: Darko-boy and PeeWee-girl both solid tortise colors, Lone Star-boy and Shooter jr-girl, broken tortises (color mixed with white).
For each departing rabbit, it is more and more difficult to see the next go. As the pack dwindles, both Caleb and Jockey are having increasing difficulties saying good bye. Caleb said good by to Rosie Jr before school just in case, and true enough, Rosie was gone when Caleb returned. Caleb had to be held for a couple minutes to comfort him because he was missing the bunny already. It makes it easier to know that they are going to good homes, but still a bit sad. With a smaller pack, we are getting a chance to get to know their personalities better and better. Lone Star is quite a licker, literally. He licks and shows affection that way. Darko nearly always has a plump tummy. PeeWee is basically the same size as the rest of the pack, no longer the runt. And Shooter Jr is a sweet cuddler.

Well, that's the tail of only 4 bunnies to go.

Sunday, today the weather was beautiful. We used it to a great advantage....

Thank you Peter (aka Grandpa Dahl) for coming the second day in a row to work on installing carpet!

Also, the first bunny was picked up today and headed home. One of my MOPS/Bible Study friends came with her son today and picked out a rabbit. They had visited and thought he liked Speckles, but about half way through their visit today, Andrew decided that he would like to have Tawny. Tawny is Jockey's absolute favorite in the world. And the decision was made while Tawny was in Jockey's arms. Jockey's initial response was NO, but he said that once and I stopped and told him that they live near by and that we could visit any time. From there on out Jockey's behavior and maturity absolutely shocked and amazed me. This is a red letter day of motherhood pride. Jockey showed Andrew how to hold it, told him what Tawny liked to eat. Kissed Tawny good bye. He didn't cry, stomp, pout... NOTHING. I was so moved by his behavior. My friend was ready to say not to pick Tawny, but I explained to her that we would rather the favorite rabbit be near by to visit than go to a stranger far far away. She's also got 4 kids from ages 2 to 8, and Tawny was an excellent choice. Tawny has been well acclimated to being held by children and has been well prepared for a home with children.

So when they left. I took Jockey aside and told him how proud I was of him and how adult/"big boy" he had acted. I told him that Tawny would have a great home with the family of kids to hold/play with him and that Jockey had prepared that little rabbit for that perfect home through his care for Tawny. He said, "Yeah. I knew that he was gonna change his mind. I take good care of my rabbits because I'm the special Rabbit Man and I just love rabbits. Mommy, I love you." Jockey is amazing in the way he processed this whole experience. Again, I'm so very proud of him. And we look forward to visiting Tawny at his new home.

Still 6 for which to find homes. I pray that each rabbit departure is handled as maturely by the boys.

That's all for now, for some reason, I'm just worn out and the boys have lots of "mommy will you" and "mommy, can I"... I've got to go take care of some of those.

Three Easter Egg Hunts.... What do to with all that candy (especially when the boys are benefactors of so much food coloring)?

Well, I wish I could say that I'm clever enough to come up with this idea, but as it is, I'll just take credit for seeing the potential and going with the flow. So the boys come down with 2 glasses filled with water and about 1/4 of their candy drowned and stuck in the bottom of the glass saying "Look Mom, a science experiment. You know colors and dissolving". Now I could have freaked out (especially about the wrappers littering the kitchen) and made them dump them out. However, I saw this for the blessing that it truly was. How else do you get two typical candy-crazy boys to be excited about getting rid of and not eating their food coloring bounty... a science experiment. So with the wisdom only God himself could have given, I said "oh, wow, it will take a while to dissolve though. You'll just have to set it down and check on it later." And later they moved on to another set of experiments and now most of their candy is gone. Yes, they did eat a fair share. Fair, not overboard insanity inducing quantities. Happy ending. And Caleb goes on record for saying that Easter is his most favorite day of the year to celebrate Jesus because he can have food color!

I overheard Caleb and Jockey talking the other day. Caleb was telling Jockey that "I have two names that you can call me. Caleb or Brudder (yes, pronounced that way), but I prefer Brudder." Just a cute kid-ism.
Another went something like this: "wow mom, I think I'm going to call you Fire Head. Or maybe Lava Girl"... After a recent hair make over. (BTW, I've gotten several less ambigous compliments.)

So Day One of Spring Break: Science Experiments, Rabbit holding, playing in the backyard, forts.
Day Two: pick up from day one, Tennis and spend the night with Grammy and Papa Dahl.
Day Three: get picked up by Mom and off to a playdate with a Literacy Lab buddy of Caleb's.
Day Thursday: Something with Dad, Mom works.
Day Friday... Don't know yet.

Easter: Church, grocery shopping, house pick up, Dinner with Grammy and Papa at our house.
Dentist: Filling date in May, Cleaning Date in June. Recommended extractions (possible implants later) and root canals on 3 others. Thank God for tranquilizers because if I could remember all of the appointment I'd be panicked right now. I think I'll go be an ostrich for a while.
Bunnies: 1 has a home planned, 6 to find for sure homes. Weaning planned for this week ending.

That's all for now.

It's coming up Easter Weekend.

Jockey is learning about Christ's resurrection at school, and a variety of other Easter-y things Eggs, crafts etc. He loves to play with his friends, and having the extra time for him to play is really terrific. He is doing really well at school. He is a very smart cookie. And he is enjoying his at home school work (not assigned by the school, just something we have.) He surprises me with what he knows or can figure out. He's learning beginning sounds and rhyming.

Jockey-isms... After a baby rabbit scratched him..."The rabbit disciplined me", I can't get over how cute that one is. He's also saying "you are not making me have a good day" when things don't go exactly how he wants. I'm not too hung up on what he is saying, it's not my job to MAKE him have a good day... especially when the reason he's saying that is because we have to leave the playground to pick Caleb up from school. But nevertheless, Jockey is especially verbal in what is going on with him. His shoes don't feel "hard" aka tight enough.

Jockey is concerning me when he says his tummy hurts quite often. Although after his recent illness, he's decided that some medicine tastes good, and now it is hard to distinguish a problem from a fish for sweet medicine. But knowing Jockey as a Mom does, I tell him he needs to take time in the restroom to just sit and try. He tells me he likes to talk to himself in the bathroom (and it's true, he does). I also told him he could take the time to pray too. So that lead to a discussion of taking TIME to p**p and TIME to pray, and if he wanted to do both that was ok. (Heck, both are life skills.)

Caleb is pretty sad that we are going to try to find homes for all the bunnies. (Try, and then see what is left over.) He would like nothing more than to keep them all. His teacher is even considering one; they are hard to resist once you've seen them and we visited his class with a couple last Friday. It was a real good session of show-n-tell. Caleb of course had to explain a bit of the conception... Oh, yeah. A real learning session that day. Something about chasing and going behind a tv and shaking a bum even on the head. Uhm, yeah. That's enough Caleb. The kids really were interested, and I tried to provide true information, food, size, birth appearances. DAILY, multiple times a day I'm asked if they (the boys) can hold baby rabbits. Caleb just had a good time being the center of attention and "in control". Our first born really does have a control issue. Not quite sure if it is truly a problem to solve, or just an immature appearance of a character trait of his final personality.
Caleb is excelling in literacy lab. He's learned more in the last two months than ever before. Mike has taken over homework duties. (It became vastly apparent that I'm not it, from what I was told, too verbal for a visual boy.) Caleb had to read during last week's conference. That was the most reading he has ever done in front of me and the best he's done. I tried to provide huge praise so that he had the confidence to do that at home. He is on level with about have of things, and just on the borderline from getting all the other things. He really is quick at math, he gets it. I'm glad that there is an area of academics that is easier for him so that he is not discouraged by the whole school experience. Although, he still says that the only thing he likes about school is recess. But for such an active, competive, what-to-take charge boy... what could be better but sports.

Easter weekend... maybe find an Egg Hunt somewhere, go to the dentist (me), Easter Service on Sunday. Who knows what else. I like the holiday's meaning, but I'm not stoked into activity over it. It's been a hectic week and it's not over. The boys have Awana tonight, verses to learn today, I help in one of their classes, stay afterward to set up for MOPS tomorrow, then attend MOPS tomorrow and then pick Caleb up from school. It's a full set of days.

Well time to get Caleb off to school. TTFN

These are a couple current pictures of the little bunnies:

Darko, Male
Rosie Jr, Male

All of these lucky little bunnies are being slathered with love and being held by the boys daily. We have gotten their litter box into the TV room and allow them to sniff and try it out. They enjoy the chance to stretch their legs and get a good "happy" hop run. They are eating rabbit food, hay and even dandilion greens galore. I think we will wean them mid to end of next week and try to get them ready for their new homes. (And the the boys ready to say good bye.)

This last week, we had a visitors out to see the little honey buns (bunnies).Auntie Kristina, Uncle Ryan (not pictured) and Cousin Tessa

Auntie Kristina, all three bunnies actually crawled up into her lap.

Cousin Tessa pet little Shooter Jr into a sleep on his back.

The bunnies crawled into Jockey's lap here for a little snuggle. He's learned if you sit still they come to you.

Grammy Dahl and the biggest of the small ones Tawny.

GG Dahl with the smallest of the small ones Pee Wee.

So that was this week in a visual nutshell.

Children's Museum pics at another time.

The book sale went well. The kids were astonishingly well behaved. They sat in a corner reading the kids books and selecting ones they wanted. 96% quiet, calm, no bickkering. And I purchased 16 books for 10.50 that have a regular retail value of $185 plus tax!

Auntie Kristina, Uncle Ryan and Cousin Tessa are on their way over as I type to visit the baby rabbits and us; in that order, if we are being completely honest. :) We plan to eat tacos here and call it good. The weather is awesome for an outside/inside visit. And this was perfect motivation to get the house clean.

That's the update.

1 hour at the park this afternoon. For the Boys.
2.5 hours at the Children's museum on Free admission night. For the boys.

= 1 hour at the Friends of the Library book sale tomorrow for Mom. Not exactly an equal exchange rate, but one that for today/tomorrow I'll live with.

The boys said thank you as we drove off 8 minutes before 9pm from the Children's Museum. Of their own accord! I told them their are welcome, I hoped they had a good time. Then I explained that they had all this time tonight and earlier, so tomorrow mommy would like to do something and they will have to go with me just like I went with them and did what they wanted. I think they get it in thought... we'll see how patient they are with the actual action in the moment. I don't plan on spending huge amounts of time there, but I'd like a good chance to look. I've looked forward to this for nearly 6 months. Cheap prices, all the money supports Library... yeah! Finally, a cause I can get on board with.

The boys loved the museum. The rooftop was open and we went there first. From there it was a scatter of activities. We even made it downstairs to the construction areas. Jockey liked the art studio. Brittany and Emily went, a school mate/Awanas of Jockey's was there, and another MOPS mom also met up with us. Not exactly a chance to chat for the moms, but a huge benefit for the kiddos. Can't wait for next month. But oh boy and I glad that the boys are the ages that they are. Just a bit of independence so that I can ping pong between their areas, rather than attaching them to each other at the hip and have an arguement over what activity they are doing and crying over what they aren't getting to do.

In Rabbit news: I might have found 2 more homes. They are discussing it with the spouses and looking into care/hutches. But at least the two more prospects. And the one taken for sure... I'm feeling hopeful that we will find homes! The bunnies are just getting bigger and more of their under coats are coming in (until it is all in they are soft but shaggy). They are exploring the fresh air and back patio when we let them out. But really, they just want to climb up and be held. A couple of them are showing improved "coming when called" skills! Wonderful! And we are continuing to hold them multiple times daily to prepare them for homes with children. About a week away from getting the genders determined. (And for getting our new carpet in! Thanks Dad for the carpet, and Peter, in advance, for the help with install!)

So that's it for now. Have a great weekend.

THURSDAY... And healthy.

Awana tonight. School and a Craft MOPS tomorrow. Perhaps the Children's Museum tomorrow night. We'll see if I'm feeling up to taking them by myself....

Baby rabbits, cute, hopping, cuddling, within another week we will know genders and start minimal solid food.

All's well in this pin prick size part of the world.

Day 15 of baby rabbits.

They ALL have their eyes open, even PeeWee's last crusted eye. They are getting their undercoats and are getting even more soft if that was possible. They are getting a bounce in their step/crawl. They groom each other in and adorable way, and they stand on their back legs and do the proverbial rabbit face washing motion. They are getting distinct personalities, some of which is the instinctual rabbit, and others is unique to themselves. Darko and Pee wee have always been BIG cuddlers and are staying true. Rosie Jr is Jockey's "Adventure Rabbit" but is consistently returning to Jockey and literally climbing into his lap. We took them out onto the grass for the first time to see what they would do. After the initial discovery of this new texture on their feet, they starting exploring. A couple were even quite quick in their hop/scurry. They are too small for the wire Dog crate-cum-exercise pen, so we can't have them all out at once. They are so small in comparison to the backyard it is hard to explain. And I'm sure there are alot more spaces for them to escape where their parents could dream of squeezing through. So we are keeping a close eye on them as they learn about the world around them. I wish I could post video of them because that would truly describe it more than I could. (I've tried, and it's just been unsuccessful.*****EDITED TO ADD: VIDEO NOW VIEWABLE ON FACEBOOK.***) But until I can figure it out, regular pictures will have to suffice.

Mid hop, Rosie Jr.
Lone-Star just checking things out.

Rosie next to Jockey's boot.

Pee Wee next to jockey's boot.

Shooter Jr standing on his back legs.

Shooter Jr and Rosie Jr.

Shooter Jr and Mama Rosie.

So that was Rabbits in the late afternoon. Earlier this day we hiked on the Wallace Falls trail. Not all the way to the top, but at least out in nature and fresh air. Sorry, I forgot the camera on that trip.

Day 14 of baby Rabbits.

Pee Wee is the only one that had a sealed eye, but we wetted the lid to loosed the crusty and shortly there after the eye peeked open. So officially the bunnies eyes are all open. They are mobile and crawling around. A couple are starting to get a bounce in their back end during their crawl, the beginning stages of a hop. They are curious and wander around. Jockey calls Rosie Jr. his adventure rabbit. He says he likes adventure rabbits. Pee Wee is a climb up and cuddle little guy. Darko is also a good cuddler. Many of them will come when I "call" them, if their curiousity doesn't get the better of them... or a small boy interrupt their path. Tawny liked curling up on Mike's chest in the sun after a little romp around the room. Speckles and Shooter Jr liked just being held because we visited them during nap time. The nesting box is just a bed now, because they can get in and out to explore at will. They kind of scatter when you approach the cage, but they'll eventually know visitors are good and frequent. They are getting there undercoats and are less cold outside, another reason why they aren't just laying in the nesting box in front of the lamp. Rosie Mama is very curious as to what they are doing. Although, sometimes it looks like she is looking at the little rascals with a bit of an overwhelmed look in her eye. There is a lot of movement in that area of the hutch. Rosie Mama is coming up to us each time we open the cage now, but that's because she's been conditioned to expect treats

at each visit. The bunnies are now grooming each other and taking care of each other like a little pack. They lick and pig pile for warmth. It was neat to see the instinctual nurturing and caring for one another. When they sleep, they still seek out each other, an arm or the side of something to nestle against for warmth and protection.

Here are pictures from day 14.

Pee Wee in the front, Rosie jr in back
Speckles and Rosie.

Rosie jr Grooming, licking Darko.

Pee Wee on left, Darko on right. Pee Wee has caught up quite a bit, but is still the smallest.

PeeWee's good side, the other side is the closed eye.

Boys and Bunnies.
Mike and Tawny


Mike and Darko. Darko kissing.
Jockey and Speckles.

Day 13.

The bunnies eyes are open (MOSTLY) at least a squint. A couple still need to open, but the majority. They are a bit more mobile. They can jump/scatter out of the nesting box, but always return to the heat of the box and lamp. At first we were worried that they couldn't get back in, but that proved unfounded. They were able to be down on the floor for a while. They have the oddest clumsy gait. It's a crawl of sorts with their little legs that sprawl out like a little frog mid leap. It's cute to watch them begin to explore their new world. They stretch out their necks to check the world before they actually get there with their bodies. The really neat thing is that about half of them will come when you call with a certain noise. Good training, when they can have solid foods we'll reinforce the coming on command.

We also had the visitors/prospective owners come and see the babies. I think the little boy has chosen "Speckles", but until the last minute he can change his mind. It was neat that Speckles was one of the few that had the eyes totally open and wide awake. It was also nice that the bunnies get to explore but then are ready for a curl up and rest without moving in about 15 minutes. Perfect for a visit. And the family has four kids, so each got to hold one without fighting. A good day.

Pee Wee climbed up for a cuddle

Shooter Jr. Crawling

Pee Wee out on the town looking around.

Tawny in a crawl, see the crazy frog legs.

Day 12 of rabbits.

About half of the bunnies have at least peeked out. There lids have separated and we can see the little dark eyes, but the lids are fully open. So they look a little hung over and it's early in the morning. Not wide open, bright eyed and bushy tailed. Still cute. They are stronger in their movements, and quite good at crawling. No hopping yet. Ears still lay flat and closed. I think their undercoat is starting to form because their fur is starting to thicken up and show cowlicks and can be brushed back and forth. (before they were just baby fine with one direction, hair so fine it could lift up.) Of all the rabbits, the Rex fur is the most dense, soft and easy to take care of too! I love the breed choice we've made.

Pictures:

Day 11 of baby rabbits (and everything else.)


Everything else: Jockey's better, totally recovered. His school attended a puppet show today in Lake Stevens/Snohomish. Afterward we ate at BK with friends and then popped in on Grandpa Bill and Grandma Judy for a quick visit while they were still in residence in Lake Stevens (new house in Stanwood as of tomorrow). Caleb went to school, still healthy as could be desired. Mike still under the weather but picked Caleb up from school and drilled Caleb on his spelling. Caleb will be continuing on with the Literacy Lab Class until 4/30. It has helped him and we hope for more very needed improvement. He's excited about it, and it works out well for Jockey to get a couple minutes to play at his school before I do have to rush off for Caleb's pick up. (I'm beginning to wonder if we need to get him tested for dyslexia. We have concerns, but I'm just too tired to type out all the concerns now.)

Baby Rabbits.... Well, ONE has it's eyes open 75%. The rest, well, you can see the deep crease where the two lids are separated/separating, but they aren't open yet. Maybe tomorrow. Still crossing the fingers. By Friday, I expect the eyes to be open, which will be good for the little boy visiting the bunnies. The bunnies still are really sleepy, so even it the eyes could open, they would most likely be closed for sleeping anyway. The boys love to hold them. They get to pick each time, and fortunately they switch all the time and all of the bunnies get their fair share of holding. (Surprisingly, it's mommy and daddy that have their favorites.) The bunnies are staying warm, as is the rabbit parents. Shooter is actually charging from across the yard to visit us and almost trips us up to stop us and get his attention and fair petting time. Funny.


So a few scant pictures:

Day Ten of Baby Rabbits.

Well, the eyes are not open yet. I was really hoping to see the peepers today, but also no. Perhaps tomorrow. They are getting thicker fur, their ears are more responsive although not up and open. Their toenails are even growing. (a couple scratches in the herd, but those heal). It's been so cold the last two nights that Rosie-mama has carved out a place next the the babies to sleep because the heat lamp is so near. They are cuddly, and I told the boys that they should enjoy the time now that the babies don't move around so much because soon they'll want to hop around and not be held as much.

It's cold, however, it is just a blessing that it is not raining and we can go in and out without too much wet/mud to visit them. The boys waited patiently until I got home from Bible study and errands to hold them. To rotate through all of the bunnies it takes a good 45 minutes at least. And I think it is important that we give each their fair time. (There was a study of hamsters, one group just fed, the other fed and held... the second group thrived while the first lost weight etc. So we want thriving bunnies here.) Tawny is definately the biggest, and has the pinkest ears. A couple of the others (Lone star and Speckles) will have a pink ear with dark edges around it like dad; Rosie Jr, still up in the air. Pee Wee and Darko, I expect darker ears. Why does this matter. Officially today, I got word that a family would like one for their son and his desire was a white bunny with pink ears. While these are solid white, they have white, pink ears and their fur is the softest out there. So 1 home found, a few homes to go.

The boys are beginning to be ok with that idea. But they still would like to keep one or some (preferrably the solids -darko, rosie jr, pee wee.) But we don't even know the genders right now and that makes a huge difference. 2 females can live in a hutch without problems, but 2 males in a hutch will fight, and we KNOW what opposite genders will do in a hutch. So I've made no promises what so ever, and so far the boys are accepting of that. This has been a great learning experience for the boys. They get to learn the how-to, what-fors, gentleness in handling, responsiblity of care and finding homes etc. It's just been a good bump in their childhood. One I hope they treasure the memories of until they are parents.

Pictures of today:

Baby Tawny

Speckles
Lone Star