Sally Mander

This weekend when we were out weeding in the yard I turned over a rock to find a little cold blooded friend trying to wake up to spring. I quickly called Ashton over, and Jake came running. I don't know who was more excited about the little newt. We recently checked out a book from the library about a little boy that finds a salamander and brings it home to his bedroom to raise. I asked Izzi what she thought the rough-skinned lizard's name should be and she said "Mander. Sally Mander." It was so cute the way she wanted to have "Sally" sit in the chair with her--even if it didn't last long. After Mander returned to the cool grass Ashton really got interested in weeding. She found a huge earth worm, and shiny beetle to complete the afternoon. She's a bit reluctant to touch the friendly critters (thank goodness) but she certainly loves to observe them. The second photo was taken immediately after she touched Mander's tail. Ahhh, I love the spring.