Turtle Ranch Tragedy

It was a sad, sad day at the Muhlig Turtle Ranch. Madelyn and I came home to discover that there had been a massacre at the ranch. Turtle number 4 was on the deck and was frantically looking for his escape. I looked over at the ranch to see that the lid had been pushed off. When we arrived on the scene there were noticeable scratch marks where the suspect had found his/her entry. A few feet from the ranch turtles numbers 2 and 3 were belly up and headless. Turtle number 1 either made his escape or his remains will show up in a day or two. The worst part of it all is that the killer is among us. How do we know this? Because Madelyn confessed that she didn't latch the gate to the dog pen and it was quite obvious that one of our furry friends was the killer. We have it narrowed down to Belle or Jack because Chance just wouldn't have the heart to kill a poor, defenseless turtle.
I picked up victims 2 and 3 and threw them over the fence and when it rains they will make their way to the neighborhood pond for a proper burial. Madelyn didn't seem real distraught over the massacre. She was happy that there was still one turtle on her ranch. However, she did mention we would have to postpone the turtle rodeo until we find more turtles.
This was taken last week when Madelyn was training the turtles to follow the leader. RIP number 2 and 3 and maybe number 1.

Our 4th Festivities

We began our 4th of July celebration on Thursday evening. We had some friends over to shoot off fireworks in our driveway. Ryan spent more than he ever has this year on fireworks ($50). I was shocked that he spent that much because he is so frugile with his money. He has a connection with a guy that sells fireworks out of his garage and he hooked us up. We spent well over an hour shooting off all of them. My favorite part of the evening was when they were putting the big fireworks in the street gutters and running like h@ll to get away from them before they blew.
Ryan showing Madelyn how to shoot off Roman candles.
Madelyn and our friend Jeremy with some fireworks.

On the 4th the three of us spent the afternoon in our pool. That evening we went to some friends' party. The first one we ate and then Madelyn played on the four moonwalks, one being an obstacle course. We stayed for a couple hours then went to another friend's party to shoot off fireworks and hang out. When it got dark we headed to the Augusta Lake to watch the big display. After the finale we went back over to the first party where the band, Big Fat Fun, was up and going. We ended the evening at the Terrys' house with lockin both sets of keys in our car. For the most part it was a great time, but we were all exhausted when we finally got home.

Madelyn getting ready to go down the big slide on one of the moonwalks. Ryan and all the kids in the paddle boat. Our little firecracker

Last night we had our last 4th celebration. We invited the Halls and Terrys over and grilled steak and had all the fixings and made homemade ice cream. The kids went swimming in the pool and then we shot of any leftover fireworks.

Today we are recuperating from all the celebrating.

Now That's Batty!

The other evening the three of us were outside enjoying the nice weather. Ryan was in the yard dinking around and I was sitting in a lawn chair enjoying a good romance novel about Vampires (there is some irony to this) while Madelyn rode her scooter. Ryan called us over to the yard to look at something and there on the ground was a bat. This was a strange first for all of us. We have not witnessed any bats in our neigbhorhood, besides ding bats, up until now. I told him he needed to kill it because if it was out during the daylight it probably had rabies. Madelyn was freaking out a bit and I was telling her to chill. Ryan went to the shed and grabbed a shovel. At this point I was already back in my chair when Ryan said "Jen, come here. I can 't kill this thing, it has babies attached to it." Madelyn and I went back over to check it out and sure enough there were three tiny bat babies attached. The bat was fighting mad, but you know bats really do have a sweet face if you can just get passed the fangs. Ryan picked it up and was taking it to the neighbors trees (I'm sure they wouldn't mind) when the bat just took off flying and landed in another tree. That bat better be grateful for her babies because they are the only things that saved her from a good head bashing.

Wah-shun-gah Days

Every year the three of us make a trip back to Council Grove for their annual festival, Wah-shun-gah Days. For many years I boycotted the festitivite because I wanted no part of it. Well, since getting married and having a child I look forward to going back each year. The main reason we go back is to see our family and hang out with friends we grew up with. Usually we go back on Friday so Madelyn can spend several hours at the carnival that evening. However, this year Madelyn was content riding her scooter at Grandma and Papa Muhlig's house. Then on Saturday morning Madelyn and I go to the parade while Ryan finds something to work on at the rental house. After the parade we meet up with a few of my best girlfriends for burgers and fries at Tom's and then head over to the park to let the kids play. While Ryan waits at the Muhligs' or Sills' house for his buddy Willie Crabtree to make his annual visit. The grandparents take turns watching Madelyn on Friday and Saturday nights while Ryan and I go out to the local bars to reminisce with friends. Friday night was pretty lame at the local bars and we were back at my parents' house by midnight. However, we made up for it on Saturday night/Sunday morning when we came rolling in at 3:00am. We had a great time but it took a few days to recover.
Garrett and Madelyn enjoying the parade.

Matt (with chiclet teeth) and Madelyn at the Parade.


Kris, Me, Robin, Jini and the kids.

One Fish, Two Fish, Three Fish, More Fish

As mentioned in the previous blog Ryan and Madelyn went fishing at Butler County Lake yesterday evening. Soon after they got in the boat Madelyn told Ryan that they probably weren't going to catch much because it was too windy. Well, Ryan found a place with less wind and proved her wrong. They caught about 50 perch in thirty minutes. Madelyn was actually to the point of boredom with all the fish catching that she stopped to watch her movie on the DVD player for awhile. Then Ryan started catching some Bass and Catfish and Madelyn was much more interested in helping reel in the Big fish.
Around 11:00pm I suddenly woke from my slumber and was worried about why Madelyn and Ryan had not made it home. I quickly called to discover that they were only a few miles from our house. Ryan said they had a great time but Madelyn was so tired that she asked if she could be carried to bed and skip the bath that night. Of course Ryan couldn't aruge with that.

Lonely, Boring life

Ryan and Madelyn left around 6:00pm this evening to go fishing at Butler County Lake. I was actually looking forward to some time to myself with the opportunity to do whatever I chose. I worked out, I watched some TV while enjoying some chocolate milk and oreo cookies and I've surfed all my favorite websites a dozen times. Now I sit here wondering what I'm going to do with myself for the next hour before I head off to dream land. I guess I could do some cleaning or laundry but Ryan pretty much has that caught up and I would hate to over do it. With the extra time to ponder I realize how grateful I am to have a wonderful husband and daughter. Although it may be a small family for some it is absolutely fitting and perfect for me. I adore my small family and I'm so blessed to have the two of them in my life. My life would be very boring and lonely without them.

T-Ball Time

Madelyn started her 2nd Season of t-ball at the end of May. She made it to one practice and then missed a couple of practices and games while we were on vacation. Last week was her first game. She played 3rd base and short stop when she was in the field and made some good hits when she was up to bat. She actually caught the ball when she was playing short stop and tagged the runner out at 3rd base. She did, however, forget the order to run bases after a hit and instead of running from 2nd to 3rd base she ran to the pitcher's mound. She made it to 3rd after some kind words from her coach and yelling from her parents. Silly girl. I must say though she has definitely improved and actually seems to enjoy it more than last year.