Check this out, Clark

See that kid holding the sunscreen? He's mine. He isn't wearing clothes now because he was wearing them when he got in the pool. I objected to the idea at first, but Momma said, "Just let him do it. We'll be able to give him a bath and wash his clothes all at the same time." In light of the infinite wisdom, I conceded. The only real downside was that we had to waste a diaper since his old one weighed about 10 pounds when he got out. So much for foresight.

The real action, however, occurred between the cleansing and the scantily clad pose. Pretty Lady decided to strip him down outside the Winnebago and left him there to frolic in the breeze, thinking it was cute I suppose. Then, in an unexpected moment of both maximum nudity and extreme honesty, he claimed Mayah's car as his own.  Here's what we found.

Houseguest

Meet Ralf. He's been living with us for the past six days. He isn't here permanently though. We are his temporary caregivers while our friend Esther is away at Disneyland. Yes, she goes to the happiest place on earth to get her picture taken with a sweaty guy dressed up as a rat, while we keep her real one safe and sound back home.

But, honestly, it's really not that bad. He stays in is house pretty much all the time and all we have to do is feed him. The kids are warming up to him and occasionally even think about petting him.

The truly blog-worthy events, however, come from the enigma we affectionately call Mom. From the first night, Jenni has refused to touch him, feed him or so much as look at him with both eyes. But in spite of the negative signals, she has mysteriously become his greatest advocate. She talks about him all the time and is passionate about making sure he's comfortable and taken care of. I think there may have even been a hint of tear in her one open eye the other day when she said, "Awe, he looks hungry..."

So when I finally asked her to explain this love-hate relationship, Jenni's response made everything clear.  "I just don't want him to die.  Of course, if he were ours, it would be a totally different story."

Thanks, my dear Bride, for reminding me why I like you so much...