As you all know by now, we are majorly an 'animal' family. We have pets, love animals, but do eat meat. I try to instill respect for the animals that die so we can eat. And it's better to die than suffer to death...so if you accidentally step on an ant and it's wiggling all over suffering, kill it, put it out of it's misery, give it peace.

Ok, so right or wrong that's the type of beliefs I have and instilled in my kids.

I took the kids to Devil's Lake, it's just beautiful, real clean as far as I know. Gas engines for boats are not even allowed, you have to paddle or use an electric trolling motor. We snorkel there all day, and build sand castles. We see tons of fishes, the kids and I go to the middle of the lake for hours and snorkel. I bring an inflatible boat for taking a break or just hanging off of into the water and talking about what we're seeing. I pack lunch and snacks for the day....

....but the memory of this 'paradise' pales, compared to what Vincent said to me. He was building a sand castle near Carmen and I, we were having our snack on the beach. He comes up to us

Vince: Mom, guess what? I found some little fish, they were suffering.

Me: Awww, so what did you do? Did you have to kill them?

Vince (very casually): No, I had to eat them.



I'm not clear why that seemed like the right thing to do to him. I was totally speechless - emotionally teetering between calling 911 and laughing my butt off.

Ooohhh Vincent! I just love you baby, you are a trip.

Anyone else got some memorable summer moments to share?

Mili