Slitherin' Snakes!

For Mason's 6th Birthday we celebrated Snake Style! From the decorations, to the cake, the entertainment, and the activities, everything was snakes. Mason wanted his friends to see his new ball python (birthday gift from Nana and Pawpaw), and Mama took it several steps further.


This burmese albino python was actually the grand finale of the animals Ian from Reptile Specialists brought to present at the party. He brought a variety of lizards and snakes, and all the kids sat quietly and they all got to hold something.


A very happy birthday boy.


Brett and his girlfriend Ayzanat.

Camryn loved everything and wasn't afraid of anything. Here she is looking at a bearded dragon.


A Black and White Tegu, native to South America.


A corn snake.


Uromastyx.


Mason's bus stop friend Carmelina holding the bearded dragon.


Baby giant tortoises. Mason is wearing his Vexcon hat Mama made special for the exterminating activity. Vexcon is the company of Billy the Exterminator, one of Mason's favorite shows right now.


Leopard geckos.


Smaller, different corn snakes.


Mason happy for finding the king cobra.


One of the snake activities, an exterminating hunt in the backyard to find about three dozen rubber snakes.

Puerto Penasco, Sonora

Kevin and Erika went to "Rocky Point" Mexico a few weeks ago and had a fantastic time. Kevin participated in a golf tournament and Erika lounged on the beach.


Breakfast on our last day.


The beach at sunset.


The ecology is similar to Tucson, desert.

We had a rainy day in Tucson, and Mason had fun dancing in the rain.


Kevin and his golfing buddy Johnny in Mexico.


Still enjoying the trampoline.




Woody has recovered uneventfully from his surgeries. He apparently will develop for the rest of his life malignant skin tumors called mast cell histiocytomas. They will need to be surgically removed immediately upon discovery to prevent metastases. It is unknown at this time if the tumor in his neck was high-grade (risk of malignancy), but radiation was not recommended by the vet, so we are optimistic and expecting a long life.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

60 years ago two men founded the desert museum, a place with animals, plants, rocks, minerals, and ecology of the desert. It is a network of trails through the desert with animals on display in their natural habitats. We had a great time, walked a lot, saw a lot of animals, and enjoyed the desert.






Bighorn sheep. They used to be very abundant in the mountains of Arizona, but are found in fewer areas today.




Very beautiful mountain lion. Wish the glass was cleaner and anti-glare.


Presentation called "Running Wild" showing an adorable porcupine.


Coyote


Wild Camryn


Yes, in some places Arizona has water, allowing frogs to be present.


Elf owl and his cactus home.


Rattlesnake.


Mason touching the javalina hide.


Javalina, a pig-like (but not pig) mammal. They are very aggressive, especially when with their young, and attacks are common. And they stink.

Happy Birthday Mason!

Our little man turned six on April 5. We had cupcakes and presents that night, and we're planning a Super Snake party with his friends later this month.












He was super excited about these snake books. Nana and Papa bought Mason a ball python when they were in town about 6 weeks ago, and we love her. She (Mason's decision to make her a she since it is too early to know) is a good eater, sometimes playful, and gorgeous. Mason named her "Sneaky."


Mason asked for this toy, which seems to be popular right now. They are called "BeyBlades" "Extreme Top System" which is basically tops on their own winders, with a battle stadium.

Old Tucson Studios

January 29 Erika ran a 4-mile race at Old Tucson Studios, ran her best ever with a pace of about 8:10 minute miles. We then were able spend the day in Old Tucson where we rode the train, watched a gun show,rode the carousel, and rode the train two more times.









Not the train we rode. "The most photographed train in history."






Lovin' the train ride!


Mason liked the kids' fun run.


Mama running hard!

Playing outside

We tried to let Katie out, and she had fun, but then she started jumping into the neighbor's yard every time to be in the grass. So she lost her privileges.




Loving the trampoline.


I don't know why Mason won't smile when asked.


He's having surgery tomorrow for a "clean-up" (a lot of lumps and bumps).




Mason still loves his "Love" and insists on having it when he is bored so he can sniff it. Do not attempt that yourself.