Some things in life you just can't remember not having. One of mine is our Candy Man, Uncle Jim. He was always ready every Sunday at church with candy for all of the children in our ward(mormon talk for congregation.) There were periods of time when he was asked not to bring candy by some concerned parent. If I remember correctly the Prohibition didn't work. We just had to go out to his trunk to get a boot legged sweet treat. Technically speaking he isn't my "uncle" but since when do technicalities count?
I remember our family going to visit Uncle Jim and Aunt Bonnie for Sunday evening dinner and watching him actually make biscuits. In my house dad gardened and did yard work but didn't cook and I was impressed! As I go on I don't mention Aunt Bonnie very much but as all wives know behind every great man there is a great woman and that's what she is. I think her main job is to keep him out of as much trouble as possible, while putting up with his sass. Back to my childhood...Oh, Uncle Jim could remove his dentures. For years I wondered where he kept finding such big peices of candy that look liked teeth! I know, I know, so gullible, but listen I was little then. Uncle Jim and Aunt Bonnie had dogs! Obviously we didn't...but these dogs were AMAZING to my little self. They were Weiner dogs, named Snoopy and Newton and I thought they were the cutest dogs I had ever seen. Not to mention the amazing Garbage Can Dinners they threw every summer. What could be cooler than cooking dinner in a trash can at the park across the street from their house? I was very worried about how clean that was, until I was told that he only used new garbage cans. Did I mention that during the blizzard of 78' he rescued us. My dad was stranded out of town on business. My mom was home with two little girls and no electricity. My mom handled it well. She bundled Brandy and I up in snowsuits, boots, gloves and newspaper, as an extra protective layer, and pulled us out of the neighborhood on a sled. Uncle Jim drove as far as he could and then rode in with the National Gaurd to come into our neighborhood and then took us to his home. I loved our adventure and remember making snow angels. He has always made us feel a part of his family.
But the reason every child for miles around loves Uncle Jim....even if he isn't their Uncle...is that he is the CANDY MAN with a capitol C. He always has a treat for the kids. Exhibit A the following photos of my daughters and neices gathering like a flock of birds as soon as his car pulls up in my driveway. Paige yells, "Him , Him, he's here."
Addie and Paige getting a big hug.
Kate moving in for the hug and birthday present. Ten dollars or jewelry which do you think she took? Yep the jewelry. She's definitely my girl.
Whatchya bring? Whatchya bring?
I win! I got my treat first.
Sweet little thing isn't she?
There's our Hanna always ready for my camera. She has the cutest pose ever.
We tossed rocks. John has the best photos of rocks hanging in mid air.
Picking safe paths across the rocks is always fun! Paige would have nothing to do with it, so she's on my hip. I sure wish I still had by baby sling.
Trails were either viny and leafy or tall grasses.
While wandering on trails we sometimes John finds the best spots for pictures. There was absolutely no way that I was getting up on that branch. Syd wasn't sure that it would be safe.
I love this photo from the tip of the island. The girls were so excited to see the end and start down the other side.
Love this, nature's stepping stones.
Did I mention that the river is low. This is the south side of Grass Island towards Perrysburg. I have to tell you that this is when Sydney's legs became "too tired". Now you all know that not five minutes later she started asking when she would finally get to play on the playground. Girls, go figure.
Our girls sent sticks floating down the river, found shells, touched rapids and got to pretend to be explorers.
This sign was at least 150 feet in from the edge of the island. We loved that there was nothing on it, perfect time to fill in the blank.
Just b.e.a.utiful.
Kate's sun rock or turtle rock, we couldn't decide. Some former explorer has a great sense of humor.
Had to come home and identify some plants, these are Red Osier Dogwood berries.
Watching the "little fishies". Yep the girls were all excited about the view. They also wanted to take some home to put in the fish tank! See what happens when I suggest a natural aquarium. I would like to announce the end of The Rapp Families Three Hour Tour. After three hours of walking we had three tired but intrepid explorers. Although we did end up at the playground and someone's legs weren't to tired anymore. 
Every year the trees in front of the girls school change early. They are beautiful. I never have my camera on a beautiful blue sky day. Usually, I think "Oh I should have brought the camera. I need to get a shot of those." But the next day it will storm. Fall rain and wind tend to remove the leaves and make the trees so sorry looking. But this year I did it. Here are a few of my favorites from my first try at capturing these trees.
Jewelweed(photo from the internet).....Yesterday I didn't know the name of this fun little plant, isn't the internet wonderful. I discovered that the plants seed pods actually explode when touched. Creative way to make sure your two little seeds get spread huh! How did I make this amazing discovery? While waiting for the bus with Sydney and Paige we sit on the cement edge to our driveway over our ditch. I was reaching out to play with the seeds of the next plant shown below, when pop, pop, pop. Seeds were flying everywhere. Sydney and I have shown lots of friends this amazingly fun little find. Fun to watch a grownups face when little seed pods explode in their fingers.
Quincy and Reese Sadowski will be happy to know that I found these really cool seeds in my ditch. You see the Sadowski children find and feed Monarch Caterpillars. What does such a caterpillar like to eat? Well, milkweed of course. During a visit to their home my dear friend Kelly would drive Quincy at least half a mile to procure such a delicacy for children's small guests on a daily basis. That is dedication! When they came for a visit to Ohio two years ago. I had no idea where they would find Milkweed but they did find it somewhere. Yesterday when I saw these cool seeds! I had to find out what they belonged to. Well. I guess you already know....we have got us some Milkweed. I guess next year we'll be much more prepared for a Sadowski visit.(All milkweed photos from the internet.)
Hope you learned a little something from this post, I know I did!
