My Little Gymnast

Tyler competed in his second gymnastics Fun Meet. He has really improved since December. Both sets of Grannys and Papas came to watch. They do not compete against each other. They are really graded on how they do that day. Then they are given ribbons accordingly. Each gymnast also receives a trophy. The more years you have competed, the higher level you will be on. Therefore, your trophy will be larger. Tyler loves the trophy part. Who wouldn't? Floor work

Bars

Rings

More Bar work

The ribbons The Trophy

Don't Mock Me

A few weeks ago, we found a nest that contained 4 little Mockingbird eggs. It was at the end of our porch in a bush. We watched the eggs forever. Then one day we found this.

Aren't they cute with their little fuzz?

A few days later they were larger and stronger. They even had little voices.

A few days later they had grown lots and real freathers had started to grow.

Then the rain came. They were so much bigger and wet. Poor Mama bird was working her self silly trying to keep up with the feeding demands of 4 growing birds. She was always flying in and out with food and boy was she having a bad hair day. She would land on a chair right in front of Tyler's bedroom window before going into the nest. She was one wet bird. I felt sorry for her.

Today, Tyler was opening the front door to take a letter to the mailbox and what did we see? A baby Mockingbird. It was scared and so were we. I grabbed my camera and felt like I might need a helmet with Mama and Daddy bird hovering over.

This little fellow found his way into the back yard. He was very good at hopping.

I found this one on my neighbor's driveway. He was scared to death. Poor fellow. Oh, the trouble that comes with being a star.

He did good at posing with the kids. I was afraid for them to get too close. I didn't want to have to bandage any wounds caused by bird beaks.

Isn't he cute?!!!!!

This one was also in the backyard.

These two were hiding in the corner.

I'm sure this one was saying, "Mom, the humans are too close."

Today, Mama Mockingbird was sporting a cute ruffled skirt. She wanted to look great for the debut of her chicks.

So, all that is left is an empty nest. I have empty nest syndrome, again.

(Well, there is always kildeer nest number two in the back yard. Stay tuned.)

Chocolicious.

Today we went on a field trip to Dinstuhl's chocolate factory. I was in chocolate heaven!!!! What a job to have. First we saw a slide show about the origins of chocolate and how it has been used in history. Then we toured the factory. We first had samples. Yum. Then we saw several people making various candies. One paricular cream candy took 3 people to make it. The first guy put the bottom chocolate on the cream center and sent it on down the line. It was then pulled through a chocolate waterfall and shaken to remove any excess chocolate. We all agreed that you couldn't have too much chocolate, but they disagreed. The lady in the middle put the squiggle on top of the candy and then it was cooled as it was sent to the final lady. She inspected each piece and put it into boxes. Another lady was in charge of making chocolate in molds. She was taking duckies out of molds. They were solid chocolate. Then we were shown all the various packaging. They can make anything out of chocolate. All you have to do is ask. Finally, we shopped for chocolate to take home. Bobbi picked out a chocolate record. Yes, she knew what a record was. Tyler chose the chocolate policeman set that included chocolate handcuffs. Then, as if that wasn't enough, before we left, they gave each child and each parent another chocolate gift. They were super nice people. I love chocolate!!! Sigh.

Silent Sunday

Another Gift From God!!!

Well, I checked on our Mockingbird nest today. It is in a bush just off our front porch. My mouth dropped open when 4 little yellow beaks opened to me. Aren't they sweet?!!! Of course they aren't as cute as Kildeer, but they are cute in their own way, all fuzzy and hungry. I was a bit worried that Mama Mockingbird would come back at any minute and peck me on the head. I had to open the bush a bit to see inside. God is a master of creating awesome creatures. New life. I love to whistle at the Mockingbirds. Sometimes I get a conversation going. I don't know what I'm saying, but I just keep on whistling. LOL I'll keep you updated on these little guys (or gals).

Nature Walk

You don't realize how much wildlife is right in your own "backyard" until you go outside and look for it. We did just that today and it was only a couple of miles up the road. Check out what we found. Enjoy. Catkin

Bumblebee

One Goose Family

Another goose family

Red winged blackbird.

Ladybug

Turtle

Mama Goose on the nest.

Worm

Yes, this is a snake. He was more scared of us than we were of him. How do I know that? Well, I stood there and took his picture and he was the first to slither off.

Wild Strawberry

Turtle on a log

Empty Nest Syndrome

Well, the baby birds are gone. They ran around our back yard most of the day. The fourth eggs did hatch, so there are now 4 little chicks. You can tell the youngest. He isn't quite as advanced as his siblings, but he does just fine. Mama bird wasn't as accomodating today. She and daddy bird were in training mode with their babies, so I was the enemy to fear. I did get pretty close later this afternoon.

Mama bird trying to distract me. Ha. I don't think so.

Here is the whole family out for a walk. I numbered the babies. They blend in so well.

After lunch we went back out and I couldn't find them. Then I saw Mama bird. She was in my garden, so I went to her. I couldn't find the babies. Where did they go? Then I spotted one in plain view. Then I spotted another in the tall grass. Where were the other 2? Something moved to my right. It was number 3. She was pretty close. Now, where is number 3. It must be the baby. After a few more minutes she moved to and there she was, right beside me. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Then the race was on. Mama bird squaked out orders and they obeyed, sort of. One little guy apparantly wanted his picture taken, so he stayed near me. That was a no no. Mama bird threw caution to the wind and flew to him. She squaked some more then stepped on his head. I wish I could have gotten a picture of that. You know, I sometimes feel like doing that to my little chick. This afternoon the all slipped through a hole in the fence and into our neighbors yard. I'll miss them. LOL Enjoy the pictures!!!!