For the first time in several years, the timing was just right to take the kids to the annual bat release at Joslyn. Each winter, a non-profit accepts calls for wildlife removal. The animals commonly need cared for, then in the case of the bats, returned back into the wild.

The welcoming committee was out in full force

Ella and her pa

The coffee filter craft project was a bat (?)

Baby’s first deli sandwich

And for a treat, a mini cupcake

After dinner, Eleanor was fueled-up and ready to go run.

And run.

Here comes the high stepper.

That moment “stepping down” by way of jumping, when the suprise dawns on Ella- “yup, you’re falling”

Des gets a close-up view of one of the stars of the evening

She’ll forever keep the older three on their toes

And now she’s beginning to wind down

Des and Viv look on at the volunteer holding her arms out with bats attached, waiting to fly away

They were mesmorized

One fella need to take a breather before trying to take off again, but eventually made it