This past Thursday, Buddy found a bird who he lovingly rescued from the neighbor's dog. The kids were so excited to take care of this new "pet", and put it in the cat's kennel to try to nurse it to health. We got some birdseed that we sprinkled in with him and game him a small bowl of water. Buddy wanted it to stay in his room with him that night, but we convinced him that it would keep him up or wake him early, and that he would be better off in the garage.
The next morning, as I was trying to give it some water, it opened its mouth like a baby awaiting food. We were able to drop a few seeds into its mouth and gave it water dropped from a syringe. Yesterday it chirped and chirped at us and was so cute. The kids adored it and loved taking care of it. But, we just couldn't replace the mommy bird, and this morning it passed on. Buddy and Missy are absolutely heartbroken.
Yesterday we celebrated Buddy and Missy's 12th birthday. I can't believe how fast 12 years has gone. It seems like just yesterday we were walking around a colicky Buddy, telling Missy not to chase the cat, talking them to the first day of Kindergarten, teaching them to ride a bike. Now they're going to be starting Jr. High.
Ben signed everyone up for a race this week. Buddy, Ben, and I ran the 5K; and the rest of the kids ran the Kids' K. Missy led the race for a while, and came in close to first (maybe 4th or so), Bug ran fast the whole way and had a great time, too. Mister ran the whole way and did great. About half-way around, Lemur grabbed his chest and said to his dad "My whole body hurts! Let's walk." My sentiments, exactly. 
Ben got a great time at about 20 minutes. Buddy was about 30, and I ran my usual for a 5K, which was 35 minutes. I didn't train, and it had been a couple weeks since I had run, so I can't complain, really.