Archeology Day

 May is Archeology month, and today Great Basin National Park had some special events, with archeologists from the park, BLM, and US Forest Service. We headed out there to participate. The first thing we tried out was grinding corn with a mano and matate. Desert Boy liked doing that.

 Of course if big brother does it, little Miss Emma has to give it a try. She did better than I expected.

 She even managed to not drop the rock on her foot, so that was definitely a good thing.

 Meanwhile Desert Boy went to the rock art station. He was delighted to get a paper bag and put his name on it so that he could keep all his projects in one place. He loves doing little activities, so he had a super time.

 Nicole was at the twig art station. (It was called something else, but I can't remember the correct name!)

 Folks could make figurines with pipe cleaners (what we did) or with willow twigs (the more advanced skill that these guys did).

 Desert Boy had moved on to the tin-can making station. He just couldn't resist drawing railroad tracks on his can.

 This station included glue, so it made it extra fun.

 Some other folks were learning how to make cordage.

 Desert Boy went on to the clay figurine station. Karla showed him step by step how to make a clay figurine.

 Can you tell which one is Desert Boy's?

(Hint: It's the one wearing the sock dress, whatever that is.)

 Then Desert Boy's friend Charlie arrived, and they did some grinding together.

 Then it was time to make clay bowls. I was impressed with how many different stations were at the event. Everyone was super patient, even with rambunctious kids!

Thanks so much, archeologists!

 The day wasn't over yet, though. Next we went to the Baker Archeological Site and learned  how to throw atlatls.

It's really fun!

 Sam was a natural. He figured it out faster than me.

 Ready...aim...throw.

 Where did it go?

 They had an afternoon field trip to a rock shelter that I wanted to go to, but the approaching storm clouds deterred us.

 Instead the kids had fun playing, picnicking, and walking around the Baker Archeological Site. I had to try using the atlatl again, too. I'd need a lot of practice before I could even touch an animal I wanted to hunt!

It was a great way to spend part of the day. We'll look forward to Archeology Day next May!

The Great Frog Search

We were waiting for my husband to do a task that was taking longer than expected out in the desert, so I decided we had time to go on a frog search. We headed to the nearby "swamp" and proceeded to look for frogs. We found tons!

These are Columbia spotted frogs. It wasn't that long ago that the Division of Wildlife folks were counting egg masses. Now little frogs are hanging out all around. We managed to catch one, but not for long. They are really good at getting away.

I was very worried that Emma would fall into the water, but she seemed to listen to directions to stay out.

Desert Boy became a good frog spotter after he had seen a couple.

Then it was time to take a walk. And of course when you're in the "swamp," you don't take nice, tidy little walks. Desert Boy found a good muddy spot right off the bat and sunk up to his knee in the mud.

He kept looking for frogs, though. We only spotted one in this grassier section.

Meanwhile, Desert Girl got in on the action and plopped her tush down in the mud. She wasn't sure what to think at first, but she quickly figured out that the mud was fun and not too cold.

Desert Boy continued his trek. He was fearless as we tramped through the wilds.

Still looking...

Meanwhile, up on the drier bank, I found this dragonfly--or is it a damselfly? I don't know much about the Order Odonata.

Where's Emma?

Sitting in the mud again!

We sure enjoyed the beautiful spring day. I'm glad we got out, as it's going to be cold and rainy the next few days.

Birthday Time

Last weekend Desert Boy turned 4. He's a big boy now. He is happy to tell you that. Multiple times.

He wanted a big party, so we had family and his friends and their families come over. We started out with games. The first was a treasure hunt aimed at little kids:
Find 2 yellow flowers, a rock in the shape of a rectangle, a stick the size of your little finger, and a surprise.

I was surprised that they were all able to do it!

Then it was time for the archeological excavation in the sandbox. A few days earlier, Desert Boy came running into the house, so excited that he had dug a hole so deep that he had found a bone. While looking at his great find (a chicken bone), I asked him what kind of bone he thought it was.

"A dinosaur bone. Or a person bone."

We don't dig up chicken bones around here. We dig up important bones.


I figured Desert Boy's friends might enjoy the challenge of digging up important bones, so I buried six bones.

Aron Ray found one.

Desert Boy found one. Then three more were found. But they couldn't find the last bone. So the older cousins took two big shovels and dug until they found it. I think we're going to have to do the digging game again!

Our wonderful babysitter brought over a pinata, and that was a huge hit with the kids. It took a lot longer to break a pinata with a plastic bat than with a wooden bat!

Aunt Tana helped "control" the pinata--as much as it can be controlled!

Kayli taking a swing.

Ashley and Stacia. Stacia turned one this week!

Desert Boy chilling out with Grandpa.

Clay eating some food. All that bone digging made him hungry.

Then it was time for the birthday cake. It was slightly better than my attempt at Elmo cupcakes last year. Desert Boy helped decorate the train cake. He didn't really agree that each car should only have one type of candy on it. I had forgotten to get cookies for wheels, but then realized little donuts worked great.

Aron Ray was eager to help blow out the candles, but Desert Boy didn't appreciate the help.

Ah, the excitement of turning 4!

Then it was time to head back outside and work off some of that sugar with another pinata. There was something a little odd about smacking Dora, but the kids wanted to get to that candy!

Two Left Feet

Ever have days when you feel like you're just walking with two left feet?

Desert Boy gave it a try. He didn't even notice until I pointed it out. I wish I were that coordinated!

Climbing and Dog Riding

Little Miss Emma has entered the climbing stage. She climbs up into the tree house, our steep stairs in our house, onto chairs and tables, and up the steps at the playground.


I try not to get too nervous as she spreads her wings and explores the world around her. She has good balance. In fact, her main problem seems to be standing up under tables and bumping her head.


Almost to the top of the stairs!


Then comes the "I did it!" moment.


Meanwhile, Desert Boy and his friend Ernesto were goofing around on the little slides. I really like getting a friend to go to the playground with us. Then I can relax and not have to chase Desert Boy around! We have so few kids at the playground that it's always exciting when someone else is there.


Such cute kids!


Meanwhile, Desert Girl had continued up the steps, up to the big blue curly slide.


She has a big grin now!


Then it was time to head back to the boys. Ernesto was trying to ride Henry like a horse.


He didn't get too far in the dog riding.


Desert Boy didn't either--Henry doesn't think much of this game. He doesn't run away either, so I guess he doesn't mind a little attention!