The Amazing World of... Monkeys on the loose

     school is out, has been for just about a month, may 17th in fact.  the following monday the monkeys, pups and myself started our adventure.  we didn't get on the road until 9 that morning, so we knew it would be a long day.  and it was.  monkey #2 got her car sick-ness out of the way fairly quickly, so at least we didn't have to anticipate it for too long!  and because I-90 is not a close friend of mine, we avoided it and took off south through iowa, then illinois and finally indiana.  unfortunately, iowa city was in the way of a quick reroute around the detour... the entrance to I-80 east was closed, you know.  80 is an old and wonderful friend.  but most importantly, indiana and family beckoned and we were on a mission.  we were met at the bus doors by auntie a and uncle p and lots of hugs.  mom and dad were close behind with more hugs.  and it was late and no one was sleepy.  no one.  i think we went to bed around 1.  this is the best way to start summer break... go to someone else's house and stay up all night!  :)  let the good times roll!!

uncle paul, or pauly, is a super hero, by the way.   the monkeys adore him.  he takes them canoeing, and lets them play fun games on his computer.  games that mama and daddy don't have.  and he gives them gianormous pushes on the new 'tractor' tire swing, that he hung in the tree.  he always has time for their antics.  and he doesn't even mind weaving through lily pads to get just the right flower.

farms and barns are thrilling places.  my cousin's farm has loads of horses and ponies.  mom's and dad's barn is full of dark corners and kittens.  and outside the barn you find other furry critters. these you scoop up out of their holes (with whatever is handy), and then pass them around for observation and petting.  they are equally amazed at us, i'm sure.   groundhogs, woodchucks, whatever you want to call them, are in fact, rather cute when they're this small.  this afternoon, the little ones we saw (that live in the hole this fellow came from) are now about twice this size and very speedy.  pretty sure he wouldn't be caught so easily anymore.

bareback is the most fun!!  and even more fun after, in the wash.  monkey # 3 had several tumbles from two different ponies; she would still be on one now if we didn't have to leave my cousin's place.  all little girls, boys and monkeys need a pony to teach them some of life's lessons:  when you fall, get up again and wipe away the dirt and dust.  plus also, things look better from higher up.  

there are few things cuter than a pile of fur balls tucked away in tall weeds or behind old feed troughs and gates.  naturally, they aren't to be left alone either.  monkeys 1 and 4 and i snuck out to the barn to see what we could find.  dad knew there were some fur babies somewhere and we found six!  two mamas, each with 3 beautiful babies.  we managed to catch and hold four of them.  they sure are sweet.

when you take monkeys canoeing, one or more of them will get knee deep in the river and find what lies beneath.  crawdads, or crayfish.   not so cuddly, but just as fun to grab out of the water and not let go of when they try to reach around with their claw and get your fingers!  who says we have to grow up?  i think i just want to be a monkey!