Tortoise Tuesday: Meet Koopa

In case you missed it, our family has grown again. By four legs and a shell. And it's all this guys fault.
 

When Alex was 2 we visited the Houston Zoo. Thats where we came across this guy and Alex watched him walk around its enclosure with the sweetest look of excitement on his face. He was so mesmerized by him for some reason.  And ever since, he has been asking for a tortoise. A tortoise is a lifelong commitment people. Like a whole human lifetime. This year on him 8th birthday we decided that it was finally time. We have been building up to it. Deciding on what species we wanted and where it would live. Making sure that we had the room in our home, hearts and wallets for another mouth. And we do. So...

Meet Koopa

Koopa is a Russian Tortoise and will most likely stay about the same size as he is now. We had debated getting a different species of tortoise, one that got a lot larger, but decided we just didn't have the room now. And now this little dude has become part of the family. He is still a little shy but is slowly coming around. The secret is to bring him a dandelion, then he will come running. Well, walking fast.  He is after all a tortoise.

And don't let his grumpy face fool you, hes silly and fits in well with this bunch!

He spends time with Alex outside while he does his homework. Believe it or not, when he starts moving, he moves faster than one would expect so he soaks and hydrates and then after homework is done, he gets to explore.

Another reason he fits in well around here is, his appetite. I fill his plate every morning. He takes his time, eating and walking, then coming back for more.

And then I catch him like this. It's OK Koopa, sometimes, the hunger just kicks in. I get it. No judgment here.  Never!

We are going to be starting on his outdoor enclosure soon and I will be sure to share more about that when we get started.  

Want to see more of this guy? Feel free to follow me on {instagram} if you haven't already. I celebrate Tortoise Tuesday over there too!  

Any other tortoise fans out there. Alex is already talking about another one and I think for now, one will do just fine. I have been telling David since we met 18 years ago how I wanted a house full of kids and animals. We might be done on the 2 legged home front, but just starting on the 4s. I tried to convince them of a certain no legged animal, but he put his foot down there. Plus I have been told by more than a few friends that if there is anything slither in the house, they aren't coming over. Ever. Boo! I guess I will have to get my snake fix at the zoo for now. We are headed that way right now!

What are you guys up to for Spring/Spring break? We are on a mission to squeeze in adventure, learning and a ton of family fun in this week.