More on Malcolm

We are really enjoying him/her. There is still some debate as to what sex we have. Regardless, Malcolm is quite social. He loves to follow us around the yard and he mowed down a whole squash yesterday which the girls loved.

I was poking around on a tortoise forum and they say Malcolm looks quite healthy with clear eyes and all that.

I'll spare you pictures of his first poop but it was rather interesting and a good sign that things are moving along.

Turtles, MNO and Entrepreneurs

Recently, we had our MOMS Club Mom's Night Out at Loco's in Gainesville for Trivia Night. We started out strong but then after a few drinks and more interest in conversation, we didn't do so well. Our team name? The Real Housewives of Gainesville. :P Our sign says "We don't just wipe asses - we kick them too."

This is Malcolm, an African spur thigh tortoise. Scott got a call about it roaming in someone's yard. We are apparently keeping it. He really is GORGEOUS.

Some men get convertibles or motorcycles - not my husband! I guess he gave up on getting the tea cup potbelly pig.

The girls wanted to have a lemonade stand but we live on a super rural road and had no lemonade. Daddy was outside weed-wacking so I told them to set up a beer stand (and some diet Sunkist). They ended up with $8. Not bad for an hour's worth of work....

Our First Family Camping Trip

We took our first family camping trip this weekend! I have been waiting for this for years. Scott booked us at a lovely campground called Jackrabbit in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It was only 54 miles from the house, just over the state line near Hiawassee. We were right on Lake Chatuge. There was a wonderful beach area which we really enjoyed. We grilled hamburgers, ate 'smores, had a nice 2 mile hike and had a really great time. Well, Scott broke his toe which wasn't too fun, but that was our only big crisis.

View of the fire ring. Scott broke his toe on the metal grill while stumbling around in the dark.

On our hike, we spotted some spectacular fungi. (I have a thing for mushrooms like Scott has a thing for herps.) I saw several that I hadn't seen before. I'd seen this coral fungus before but this was the best picture I had - it was getting dark and my pics weren't so great.

The girls on our hike. I always bring up the rear because I like to look for stuff. Notice Della's blue sequin shoes.

Our beautiful tent, a gift from my parent's last Christmas. Being very claustrophobic, I wanted something very big. This one fits the bill. Easy to set up and break down too. Love it.

The girls upon arrival. They had a really great time, the 'smores being their favorite part.

It was quite warm but we went to the beach to swim both days and it was quite tolerable. I can't wait to go again.