Our friend the Praying Mantis

This praying mantis was hanging out in our green court on and off for about a week. The boys would run outside and carefully begin their search for him. They spent a good hour with him one day, keeping him safe from Sam the Cat. It reminded me of my youth and my fascination with all things bug, animal, or reptile and how I'd do my best to protect them. I'm happy to see them being curious boys.