I love my boys. I love the dirt, the mud, the messy faces,and the never ending energy they posses. I love that we have different likes. I love that they bring me dandelions and proudly proclaim they picked them just for me. I love that they are so dirty and smelly after a long day of exploring the great outdoors. I love their passion for insects, and the need to preserve them for education. ;)

Little boys are definitely made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails... but what you don't always hear about are the pet turtles that become family members. The ones that enjoy being taken for walks in the "tall" grass. The turtles that are right at home in the back of an old pick up truck. ;)

This is Leonardo, or Leo, as we call him. Leo has been with us for many years. He joined our family when a neighbor moved, and we inherited him. He has been to the vet more times than I can count. Leo has been lost in our backyard, for months, only to be found and returned to his family.

My little fellas love him... and I'm pretty certain he loves them too.