Caterpillars and Cashew Fruit

There is a plumeria tree on campus that smells amazing everytime you walk past. Recently, some baby caterpillars hatched (is that the correct term?) It has been so much fun to watch them grow. They were super tiny one day, the next they had doubled in size. And by the time I brought my camera to take pictures they looked full grown. It reminds me of the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar! The kids love walking past this tree. Jack is especially intrigued. He calls the caterpillars- "piyars".  He will see one and say, "Mommy, PIYARS!!!" Then spot another one, "Mommy, PIYAR!!! Mommy, PIYAR! Mommy, Mommy, Mommy... PIYAR!!!"

Crew saw this one turn his head towards me and he said "the caterpillar was smiling for the camera!"

Since Broc has started fifth semester I have been taking Crew to school in the mornings. I have loved watching Jack get so excited about these caterpillars! Every morning we walk past them and every morning it is the same thing in the same excited way... "Mommy, PIYARS!!!"

Just munching on a leaf!

 My Dominican boy... who loves to play in his bare feet!... in any puddle of water he can find!

There Jack is trying to help the little "piyar" onto a leaf. Unfortunately he helped him off the curb instead.

Can you see the caterpillar? ... and the trouble that is in this boys eyes?

Don't let that sweet face deceive you. 

One second he acts like he loves them... the next minute he's knocking them down.   

So typical for Jack right now. He acts like he is really nice one second, the next minute he's bullying some other kid and pushing them down. 

On our way home from school, we stopped by Dees, a little grocery store. I couldn't find what I was looking for, but Crew managed to make friends with the worker. As we were ready to leave she asked me if it was ok for the boys to eat M&Ms. She brought out a package of M&Ms and gave it to Crew to share with Jack. Everybody loves Crew here. He has a way of making friends with everybody. And at the very least, striking up a conversation with them and asking their name. He loves the people here... and they sure do love him!

We continued our walk home and spotted a cashew tree. I just love walking around here.
I see something new almost everyday. 

I didn't realize that cashew's were attached to a fruit. I guess I always thought they just came out of a Planter's can. 

The boys standing by the cashew tree!

We ended up picking a few to try. 

Broc had been telling me about the amazing cashew juice he had in Brazil.

Before I could wash them off, Jack had one in his mouth. He calls them "squishy".

They tasted a little like an apple/grape with a hint of tartness and texture smilar to a nectarine. 

Crew loved it. 

I love so many things about living on a tropical island. There are so many amazing things to see and try. And I love that my boys get to experience some of these amazing things!