Last summer Chuck built the kids a wonderful covered sandbox. Â It is tucked in the corner of the kids play area. Â I love watching them build tunnels and make wonderful creations. Â Today however, there was a different type of play happening. Â As I come around the corner I hear a quiet “shhh…here comes mom” and quickly they closed the sandbox lid. Â Suspicious! Â So I call the kiddos over to see what they are up to. Â They all start talking at once “We like them mom!” Â “They are just babies!” “They are so cute!” Â “They are fuzzy!” Â Now I am really curious what they are hiding in the sandbox since our only pets are fish.
The kids stood on the lid of the sandbox guarding their new found playmates.  Eventually they decided to let us see what all the fuss was about. I probably should have asked more questions, because this was my reaction.  I am surprised that Chuck was able to even get a picture since I was running away so fast!
Yes, I totally freaked out!  But do you really blame me?  Apparently the kids have not played in the sandbox in a while because they found a nest of 5 baby mice.  I really have no words!  Chuck took pictures, while I was observing from a distance.
I am all for learning through discovery.  However, really it is a baby mouse.  Do they not realize that these cute cuddly little guys they are holding could one day be the same little creature that has me standing on the couch waiting for Chuck to come rescue me?
Chuck let the kids enjoy the little creatures for a bit. Â Then had the kiddos place them back in the nest. Â I am not sure what the mama mouse will think when she returns to her disrupted home. Â The kids were then sent inside to wash up. Â I am still shaking, but the kids thought this was the best discovery EVER! Â Kaleb even mentioned that next to his planed trip to Valley Fair this is the highlight of his summer. Â Ha! Â Hopefully our summer will hold more exciting learning adventures; ones that I can enjoy with them as well!
Awwww! I’m sorry, Tammy, but I’m with the kids, I, too, think this is the best discovery ever!
I love mice and rats. I used to have them as pets, and particularly rats are wonderful companions. If kept right (like in a HUGE cage with lots to do, a furry friend or two and a lot of exercise and entertainment outside the cage) they are ideal friends for older children.
I’m sorry you didn’t quite enjoy the encounter, but I’m happy for the little ones- I bet they’ll be talking about it for a long time 🙂
And if you now think that I’m a creepy weirdo, let me reassure you that I suffer from severe arachnophobia, so I’m almost normal!
EEEK! I am with you Tammy, creepy! I have screamed and called for Mike twice now since moving in and both those times were when I found a DEAD one in a trap! How long are you going to have to stay away from the sandbox?
Oh dear! I had to laugh at your post, but I highly sympathize! I’m so glad they had fur on them they are a little bit cute. My son brought me one once that could only have been a day or two old and I thought I was going to vomit or pass out. You handed it well, your should get a good mom badge for staying calm. If this is how the summer starts it can only get better, right?
OH MY WORD! they are ADORABLE!!! eeeek!! sooo cute!
OH MY WORD! they are ADORABLE!!! eeeek!! sooo cute!