Hello :  You guessed it - Disneyland... and Lexi happily posing with a princess. Recently we met Lexi's cousin from Chicago at Disneyland so the kids - and me - could enjoy the incredible experience of characters, rides, food, and souvenirs that never grows old. Lexi couldn't wait to meet Repunzel, her favorite princess. After standing in line for more than an hour we finally reached the front but she lost interest in Repunzel so Cindy happily did the meet and greet.
The next day we drove to San Diego and went to Seaport Village where the kids thoroughly enjoyed an 1800's style carousel and a very talented balloon artist. Needless to say we wound with an assortment of Disney characters and animals he made from balloons. It was a long few days but provided us with more invaluable family time in different environments... and that's priceless. Bats: Maybe this is coincidental, but with Halloween approaching we've been receiving an abnormally high amount of calls about bat sightings in and around homes. A little too eerie if you ask me. Seriously, since we have been receiving these calls I want to provide some information on bats that should assuage any or most of your concerns about these creatures. Bat Myths: Centuries of myths, misinformation, and their usual appearance in horror movies have given bats a bad rap by generating needless fears that now threaten the species and their habitats worldwide. Unfortunately they are among the least studied and most misunderstood of animals. Bats are mammals that have lived in almost every habitat on earth since the age of the dinosaurs and are essential to the health of our natural world. They help control pests, are vital pollinators, disperse seeds for countless plants, and play a major role in regenerating rainforests. Species: There are more than 1,200 diverse species of bats and almost a third of them feed on the fruit or nectar of plants. They range from the world's smallest mammal, the tiny bumblebee bat that weighs less than a penny to giant flying foxes with six-foot wingspans. Diet: Bats have very healthy appetites and are primary predators of night-flying insects, including many of the most damaging agricultural pests. A single little brown bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour, while a pregnant or lactating female typically eats the equivalent of her entire body weight in insects each night. Vampires: Only three species are vampires and they live in Latin America. Yes, they feed on blood but unlike horror movies, they lap it like kittens rather than suck it from humans. Interestingly enough, an enzyme in their saliva is among the most potent blood-clot disolvers known and is used to treat human stroke victims. This is not to suggest that bats are cuddly creatures that make nice house pets. Ideally they prefer caves but can accidentally wind up in an attic, recessed light, or other place in your home. If you see one leave it alone and don't panic. Raise a window or open a door to provide a means of exit, and call us on our bat phone. Your business is appreciated and will never be taken for granted. Sincerely, | 
