At the Nature Center....

When Mason was a baby, my dad went with me to one of his Doctor's appointments. While we were driving past the Nature Center, my dad reminisced about taking Jeni and I there before the land had been granted to the center. He talked about the birds that lived there and feeding the ducks. He also mentioned that the land originally had been owned by a cousin of his who had farmed the land. On Thursday, Mason's class had a field trip to the Nature Center. While we were driving there, I casually mentioned this story to Mason, really just to share a memory about my dad. When we arrived, we were greeted by the resident deer and Mr. Turkey.

Then we went to the education center where we met Laser, the Desert Tortoise. Isn't he cute? I wanted to smuggle him out under my jacket!Here's Mason trying to decide if this animal belongs in the desert or the mountains...We went on a tour of the grounds, and met some of the resident birds. This guy is a rescued Hawk. They have a program where you can donate money to help the birds. I told Bruce I wanted to donate, and he said "After I'm gone." Well Bruce, here's where your money is going. Don't worry, I'll name him after you.

While we were walking around, I kept overhearing Mason talking about the story I had told him. I was glad that I had shared the memory with him, but it was kind of funny when one of his friends approached me as we were leaving and said "Is it true Mason's Grandpa used to own this place???"! It seems that we had our own little game of "Telephone" going on! Fun times...