Some things just aren't cute

I know it's odd, but when we buy stuffed animals for our children we try to have some biological diversity in the group.  We have teddy bears, but we also have elephants, monkeys, rhinos, ducks, cheetahs and several others.  I now know though that not every animal can be successfully turned into a cute plush stuffed animal.
This is a Naked Mole Rat.

(source here)

This is the plush version.

(source here)

Also, babies are not necessarily cuter.  In fact, sometimes they're just plain creepy.

(source here)

*shudder*

Thanks for the lesson, Mr. Naked Mole Rat.

Where to sit

This is the first year my kids will be in the states for actual Trick or Treating.  I'm really excited about it, and have been browsing for the perfect costumes.
This is not one of them.

(source here)

Are we trying to encourage people to sit on the baby?  Any babysitters out there?

Also, since I know you were thinking it, neither I nor my husband will be wearing the matching costume from Wal-Mart:

(source here)

Welcome to every rest stop you've ever been to

Friends, I know you know what I'm talking about.  You are on a road trip.  You stop to use the potty.  And as you wait in the line, you marvel at the strange grouping of, um, things, that are for sale in the gas station.  I decided to snap a few pics for you (using Hannah's camera; thanks sis).  First up, the slippers.

(source:  a very nice gas station somewhere between Tacoma and Richland Washington)

Bandanna slippers, as Keri called them.  My husband said he would totally wear them.  Gag.  

Next, a little further along the line (which, incidentally, you can see in the far left of this shot.  Gotta love a good gas station line), I spotted this doll.

(um, same place, about two feet further on)

Is she sporting the Protector Hood?  Ha ha, no, she's wearing mosquito netting.  With her glasses on top.  What shall we name this dolly?  Gypsy Marge?  Freedom Fest Flo?  Lover of Freedom and all things bug-proof?  Hippy Hilda?  So many choices.  

Tomorrow I'll tell you about the display case on the way out.  How I love America.