Fall Day at the Zoo

Flamingos--One of Chloe's favorites

Komodo Dragon--all thought he was "cool"

We were fascinated by this Macaw.

Allison enjoyed feeding the ducks as they would eat right out of her hand.

These tigers had just been given a treat as we walked up to see them.

The zoo keeper said they like to tear open boxes for something to do.

This fellow was smelling some meat inside as well.

Tiger number two finally brought its treat out in the open where we could watch it enjoy its treat too.

The zoo keeper also told us about this treat for these lions. They were supposed to have eaten their treat the night before, so that zoo guests wouldn't be upset by the sight.

However, they didn't choose to eat the poor goat until the next day when guests arrived at the zoo to watch. The zoo keeper said the goat was a real treat for these lions. I tried not to think about it too much. :)

Quote of the Day: Chloe: "You can see the most amazing things at the zoo!"

Anyone Need a Quill Pen?

Just look at all the feathers!

While in the kitchen cooking dinner tonight, I heard a "wham!" against the side of our house. I looked out our back sliding glass door just in time to see a shower of feathers raining down all over our backyard and porch. When the feathers cleared, I noticed a HUGE bird sitting in the yard. I was so stunned that I just kept looking at that bird, which I quickly realized must be a hawk. He had a dove in his claws and was contemplating his next move.

Two of my kids came around to the back gate and scared the hawk and his dinner up over the fence. Just like that he was gone! I could just kick myself for not grabbing my camera and trying to get a picture of what I later figured out was a red-tailed hawk! All I have left of the incident is sprinkled all over my back porch. Abby looked out and said, "Anyone need a quill pen?"

Birds: Lots of Activity This Fall

Sunflowers in Bloom

Taller than last week!

Jemez Mountains

A little over a year ago, Kyle took Grant to the Jemez river to do some fishing. The rest of the family finally got see the Jemez mountains and river this week when we took Gigi and Poppa with us while they were visiting.

We saw lots of red dirt on the way up.

We braved the trail up to the waterfall where they kids played.

We had a picnic among beauty.

And, the kids played more in the river.

I followed this loud squawking stellar jay trying to get his picture, but he didn't like me following him. You can kind of see the crest on his head here, ...

...and a little of of his striking blue color here.

Sunflower Growth Check

Our sunflowers are finally about to bloom!

They've definitely grown taller this week!

Saguaro Cactus Study

We've been enjoying a few books on the Saguaro cactus since we took our trip to Phoenix, AZ. The Sonoran desert is full of them!




We discovered in our reading that all kinds of animals live in holes in the Saguaro cactus. Our favorite is the Elf owl. The Elf owl is only 5 inches tall! Chloe ranks him high on the cuteness meter.

Click on this link and scroll to the bottom until you find a picture of a Saguaro cactus with a hole in the middle. If you click on the picture, you will be able to see the cutest little Elf owl sitting inside the hole!