Pittsburgh trip part 1: Eagles

I highly advise taking the time to visit the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

Some of the birds are in closed quarters but there are even more in huge open habitats that you can walk around in and experience a living tropical forest with birds swooping around your head.

 This is a Sea Eagle from Estonia.

I believe many of the large birds of prey have been wounded which is why they are in captivity.

Later in the day I saw this guy/gal jump into a pool of water.

It was amazing to see such a large creature essentially frolic in the water.

It fluttered its wings and dunked its head.

Even when it jumped in it sort of bounded in almost like Tigger.

And here is a Bald Eagle.

Such a beautiful bird.

Kora likes her book.

Brunswick, GA

On the way back from their trip to Disney World, my parents stopped in Brunswick, GA to show Isabella the ocean.

Grandpa teaching her about the tide.

Swallow Falls State Park

It was much colder than we anticipated.

For such a bright, sunny day, we froze our behinds off.

Cold gives way for a lot of beauty though.

 Woodpeckers go to town on the dead trees.

It looks like they peck into infinity....

Owl pellets are a cool find too.

I really wanted to take it home to dissect it (and find tiny bones?) but I resisted the urge and stayed true to the park rules.

 WATER FALLS!!

Really strong, rushing, churning water.

It was really neat.

 See?

Kora thought so.

This was her first time seeing Muddy Creek Falls.

I think it was worth trudging out in the freezing cold (that makes your tiny baby nose bright pink).

Sweet Isabella is not fond of heights.

Not one bit.

But then, look how brave.

Hooray for icicles, rushing water, splashes and the rainbows they create, sunshine, hemlocks and all the unspoiled places in nature.

This Valentine's Day

When I walked in the door from Isabella's homeschool review (which went swimmingly), I was greeted by this adorable gift.

And then around the corner this too.

Then we unfolded the futon, grabbed the most cosy, snuggly comforter ever, watched Netflix and enjoyed one another's presence.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

"Dooby, Dooby, Moo" performed by Kidstuff

Our wonderful local theater puts on weekend activities for children during the winter.

Families were invited to the children's little performance at the end of the 6 weeks.

**Apologies for the annoying shaky nature of this. I had only a digital camera with less ideal recording quality....plus I'm a little spazzy.**

She's goin' to Disney World!

Seriously, she is.

And this is what she looked like as she headed out the door.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

(Who will have the better time? Grandkid or Grandparents?)

A boy and his chameleony bearing gifts.

Conrad bought Isabella a lovely gift for Christmas.

Fluffy socks in her favorite colors.

Clearly he is very thoughtful.

Clearly she is very tickled.

Christmas Day

Isabella helped Kora open her gifts.

She loved (and continues to love) her wooden block sorter.

Thank you Aunt Carol!

I don't even know what she was opening at this point but it's a perfect expression that summarizes her whole morning.

New doll house!

Trying to open her American Girl doll with all her might.

Look at the adoration.

Her doll got a place setting (notice the fancy spoon) for Christmas dinner.

Happy Christmas dinner attendees.

Mr. with his pasta and OJ.

Kora with her favorite...cheese.

Christmas Eve

 I was inspired by my wonderful friend Melissa to give the children new jammies on Christmas Eve. 

Kora looks cute as a button and Isabella's pants couldn't be cozier if they tried.

Her shirt is a bit small.

I had the dilemma of getting a shirt to small or WAY too big.

It's still cute though ;)

Hooray for Christmas

&

Hooray for Family!

Dance, dance, dance with your children (and entertain babies too).

Boogying done to Talking Heads "Wild, Wild Life". Go to that link and get boogying yourselves.