Our Backyard Paradise

I suppose one could hire a landscaper to design a lovely water feature... but really... could a professional landscaper create anything even close to this beautiful backyard pond?

I think not.

Our turtles have adapted nicely to their home.  I judge this to be the case because they are alive and haven't run away.  (Where would they go anyway?)  We put $1.00 worth of feeder fish in the pond every couple of weeks for the turtles to eat and and they seem to be quite content.  Mind you we can't see the fish at all once we put them in due to the color of the water.  Maybe the turtles aren't actually eating them at all and there is a pile of dead fish at the bottom of the pond, but we don't like to think about that possibility.

Inspired by the jungle- like feel of the pond and the surrounding weeds, the kids got busy this week setting up "Clark's Reptile and Amphibian Jungle Adventure".  Pictured here is the front desk where guests may check in and wait for their tour guide.

Every exhibit needs a few ground rules for its guests to follow to ensure everyone is safe--including the exhibit's animals. 
If you'd like to experience this jungle adventure, please leave your lawn mowers, weed whackers and dogs at home.

Do not mistake this for an entrance.  This is clearly not an entrance.

Stakes are driven into the ground to deter unwelcome traffic.

The tour guide patiently waits in the shade of the shelter he built.

The littlest sister found this newly hatched snake for the exhibit.  It was at first mistaken for a worm.  It was cute, even if you don't really like snakes.

Today it was determined that the shelter of the previous day was insufficient protection from the elements.  It needed up grading.

I am thrilled with the hobo camp springing up in my backyard.

And so spacious!  I suggested a camp-out in the tent might be in order.  Of course he had already thought of that.  

I believe I know what prompted this construction.  A little while back we were having some...shall we say, disagreements, with Clark about how a 12 year old young man ought to treat his family.  Part of the solution was banishment from his own room down stairs for a rather extended period of time.  He had to return to his upstairs bed, cozily located in the bedroom with his two very little brothers.  Not so much fun for a 12 year old, but a healthy reminder of what is acceptable behavior with his family.

But fortunately, Clark is a problem solver.  So, he has built himself a room outside for when he needs a little alone time.  How resourceful of him.  I can respect that.