Additions to the Lancaster Clan

I thought the boys would really enjoy having a pet of some kind. Dogs are out of the question with Jared's allergy. I'm not ready to deal with a cat and our giant sandbox in the back yard. A bird would just add noise (which I do NOT need!)

What doesn't poop in the sandbox, is non-allergenic, and is silent?

A FISH!

I have been looking at the inexpensive little fish tanks at Wal-Mart and wondering what kind of fish to get. But now that I had an excuse (a birthday check for Zach from Grandma) we took the plunge.

We went real exotic. 28-cent goldfish. But the man who helped us was very nice and chased down the exact fish the boys wanted.
The boys named the fish while we were still in the store. Zach immediately came up with "Pokey," and Jared got coached away from "Fishy" and finally settled on "Spotty."

Poor Zach thought he was going to be able to carry them around in the little baggie everywhere he went. But when we got the 1-gallon aquarium set up, he told the fish that they'd like it better than their bag.

Why they only sell neon gravel is beyond me. But I've never seen such a posh pad for goldfish! It even has a bubbler thingy and a light.
Maybe when they croak we'll get a Beta.
Here are a few more photos.

We've been trying to call Grandma Lancaster to thank her. Thanks Grandma!
More gifts and thank you's will follow tomorrow, after Zach's party.