The Beach House and Such

The Oregon Coast is so beautiful, if you've been there, you know. We were lucky enough to stay all together (6 families, 12 Adults, 18 children, plus 2 in utero) at a big beach house right on the water front. It was constant fun and nonstop playing for the 18 cousins.

                    (Kennedy with her cousin Morgan, Tripp and Brayden in the back ground)

                                                                             
It was nice because we could sit up at the house and watch various family members flying kites, searching for treasures, playing in the sand and generally making good use of the beach. Aly never failed to total whatever outfit she was wearing about 2 minutes down there. Impressive. When the kids got too cold they could come up to the house and warm up in the indoor pool and hot tub which was well used over the week for sure.
My niece Emilee with a starfish she found on our beach- definitely a cool find.
Maddie and Aly below- Maddie (and all the older cousins) were so good with all the younger kids. I walked by a room one day to see Maddie patiently sitting on the floor while the two 3 year olds, Aly and Lyssa each had a brush in her hair that they were yanking around. Aly looks up and sees me and shouts excitedly, "WE'RE BABYSITTING!!" Maddie, you were such a good sport!
Norm (my FIL) working a trick kite, they were getting pretty good with those things!
The tidal pools we went to were super cool. The water had carved out these rocks and there were thousands of little pools where little creatures are caught and submitted to our exploring until the tide comes in again and relieves them. If you've never done this before, I personally think you should put it on your list of things to do in your life. It's so much fun.


Kennedy touching a sea anemone for the first time. She was nervous at first but eventually left no anemone unbothered :)

This was one of many hermit crabs the boys found. This specific one was Kohen's, according to him. He was convinced he needed to keep the crab and it took us A LOT of coercing to get him to leave the crab when we left the tidal pools. 

One afternoon we all went on a hike to see this cool suspension bridge. It was a fun hike that most the children were able to handle without too much trouble (though on the way back up Kohen did tell me at one point, "I can only take one more step!" which I thought was cute cuz don't you usually say, 'I cannot take one more step!'?). The bridge was the coolest foot bridge I've ever been on- though my experience in the matter is limited, I'm pretty sure the general concensus was it was a unique and cool bridge.

Below is one of the grossest things, um, ever, I'm pretty sure. My nephew Caleb found and befriended this giant banana slug. G-R-O-S-S! But he (and every cousin he showed) was in slug heaven. Carried the thing all the way back up the trail where he located another slug to leave this one with. Who knew the slime that the slug secreted all over Caleb's arm and hands that looks like the consistency of hair gel is actually more like rubber cement and does not just wash off. You gotta love boys.

Fires for s'mores before bed was a favorite activity of Kenna, Kohen and Aly. As you can see from the pic below and the cluster of children, it was a hit all around. 

Every night- and even some days- my kids had played so hard that they were just completely wiped out. We went in one night to find Kohen asleep with one foot on the floor almost as if he is about to take off, lol. Doesn't look that relaxing to me but he was in fact sound asleep. 
It was a wonderful trip and we are so grateful we were able to go and spend time with our family making such fun memories. Oregon coast- if you've never been, put it on your list. 

Oregon Coast Trip 2009

This summer we have been looking forward with anticipation to our trip to the Oregon Coast with the Jensen's. Looking forward to the 8-10 hr drive to the coast? not so much.  But we did make some fun stops along the way. The first 3 pics are from the back door of our hotel room in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Not too shabby. 

We headed to Multnomah Falls which are just outside Portland. Beautiful. The bridges that would never be considered 'child safe' were another matter. Thankfully none of the kids tried to fit through the gaping holes in the bridge because- stomach turning- they would have easily slipped through. Ugh. 
We met up with the Pugmire clan (Nathan's sister Tara's fam) at the falls and headed up the trail together. We ended up walking clear up a trail thinking there was a better vantage point of the falls but alas, it was just a hiking trail. Gorgeous scenery though.
As we headed back to the parking lot we crossed under this train bridge and as we did a train came blaring through, mere feet away. It BLEW Kohen's mind as you can see in the picture below, he was absolutely giddy as the long train took several minutes to speed by. His excitement did not wain a bit as it passed. Kennedy? if you can spot her in her neon green jacket covering her ears- not such a big fan. Like the 4th of July fireworks, the train was just too loud to be enjoyed. And my dear Aly had been throwing a bit of a tantrum when the train blazed through, it was hilarious to watch her realize she'd been completely upstaged.

Lovin this family pic below, Kohen has taken to all sorts of poses lately when the camera is brought out- he's actually got some skills so I can't complain. Anyway, Multnomah Falls was a fun way to kick off our trip to the coast.

9 Years and Counting

Since I blogged last Nathan and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. After all the crazy we've been experiencing it was so nice to sit down and have a nice meal with Nathan where the only interruptions were from a waiter bringing us more delicious food. It was great spending time with my best friend. I love you Nathan!

Speaking of Anniversary's, Nathan's cousin Marianne (whom we lived by in VA) got married to Bradley and so Nathan and I headed down to Utah for her wedding in the Bountiful temple. It was a great trip, congratulations guys!!! 

When Nathan and I first arrived in Utah we coincidentally were passing through the same time as our good friends the Dunnings who we haven't seen since they visited in VA about 2 years ago. Unfortunately we have been going nonstop the last few weeks and I started committing sin after cardinal blogging sin, most notably, not pulling my camera out when I knew I ought too. In this case it really is a shame because the Dunnings have 3 of the most adorable children, their oldest is not yet 3 and I should have gotten a picture. Shame on me. It was odd that suddenly they are in the "crazy" phase with kids when it used to be us. So good to see you Mark and Kristy!

On our way into lunch with the Dunnings Nathan was looking on his iPhone for the nearest Sally's Beauty Supply because I needed a straightener. We were walking and he was searching on our way into Cafe' Rio. As we found our seats Nathan was like, hey we're in luck, there is one right around here! As we left lunch we felt like complete idiots when we went to locate Sally's and discovered that sometimes using your own two eyes can be faster than the internet. 

Last but not least, while we were in Utah Nathan celebrated his Birthday. We were able to hang out with the Furni and we had breakfast at this authentic Belgian waffle place. It was unspeakably delicious :)  Nathan and Eric actually sent H. and I to the spa that morning which was very thoughtful of them. Kind of some weird folks running the spa- but H. and I had a great time being pampered and chatting away the morning. Of course there should be pictures to document all of this but...well, you know. It was a great trip, thank you Mom and Ashley for watching my rowdy ones while we were away. And Happy Birthday Nathan!!!!!!!!!!

The 4th of July 2009

To celebrate our countries birthday I got a little crazy with the girls hair. I suppose once a year, that ain't bad. They actually sat really well for me and watched a movie while I did my work. I did Aly's hair and Kennedy asked me to do her hair the same way. I was flattered, usually she is pretty indifferent. 

We went to Bonnie and Norm's (Nathan's parents) for a pool party and BBQ with about 60 other people, it was a giant par-tay. Get this, my SIL Tara bought a real deal snow cone maker, like the big ol machines that businesses use. If you know Tara this will not surprise you at all, she is quite the woman. So she sits down at these get togethers and starts whipping out the snow cones for both kids and adults. It is the hit of the summer for sure- I think Aly had 4 this night alone.  

The swimming went on for at least 4-5 hours, our children would have been totally exhausted had we left it at that but it was the 4th after all so the party continued as I inwardly cringed thinking about the next day and my melting down children... but that's another post. 

We all migrated to Taylor and Kysa's house and went out in their circle and broke out the fireworks. As per usual things started off with sparklers (I always have anxiety until they are done with those. Like- here little 3 year old, have a big stick on fire throwing sparks and go run around!!!)  Right off the bat Kennedy wasn't a huge fan of all of the smoke in the air and noise in the streets.  She didn't like the smell and it was all a bit too loud for her. She held a sparkler kind of like how you would a dirty diaper and held it out as far as she could, nervous she would get hurt (I swear not because of my nervousness!) So when someone else's wayward spark landed on her foot Kennedy was pretty much done and headed inside to crash in front of a movie. 

Kohen on the other hand was into everything and shadowing Nathan's every move, often more closely than makes a mom comfortable. Not surprisingly he loved every minute of the fireworks, snaps, sparklers, smoke bombs, and the bigger stuff too. He wasn't picky.

Aly was a little more difficult to keep a handle on. She was all over running back and forth excitedly and I was really grateful for my niece Maddie who kept an eye on Aly and kept her from getting too close to fireworks that were about to go off. At the end of the night as everyone was packing up I told Aly we were getting ready to leave and she sassily tells me, "I want to go to anotha pah-ty! I want to go to Auntie Ashley's!" The girl is always ready for the next party. (which apparently can always be found at Auntie Ashley's lol).

Kohen had asked specifically for the snakes so we had to get some of those for sure. It was pretty funny when grown ups and kids alike gathered all around to watch the snakes! The cheapest little thing was for sure a favorite of the night. Who doesn't love the snakes? They are rad... that's right, I said it.

I love the 4th. I love our country. I am grateful for all those who serve our country, I feel like we forget to appreciate them all too often. And I have a sneaking suspicion I am going to have an even deeper appreciation for our country and freedoms when I leave and I am half a world away from them. God has blessed America. And God does bless America!

7 Months

All right everyone, thank you for all of your kind, flattering, thats-what-friends-are-for comments after I posted my 6 month picture. To be clear I said I was feeling huge before, and guess what? though it's totally unheard of in pregnancy- I just keep getting bigger. Go figure.

This pregnancy has really felt different to me and I can't quite put my finger on it- though the junk food, I can put my fingers on that which may have something to do with feeling bigger sooner. What can I say, I'm moving an ocean away to go and have this baby far from all of our loved ones, a little comfort eating may have come into play here.

It's not that big of a deal except I keep wondering how much more uncomfortable I am going to get the bigger I get...I already know the answer...it makes me wish it were opposite day.

The movers came today. They packed everything and loaded the stuff going to Taiwan on a ship. It takes a month or two for it to get there so hopefully we are giving it a good head start. The stuff going up to Boise for storage will get loaded Saturday morning.  

Before the movers arrived we had each child set aside a small pile of toys to have arrive in Taiwan when we do as we will not have the rest of our things until the beginning of September. Nathan gave Kohen this job before quiet time. When he got Kohen up he discovered literally every single toy/dress up Kohen owns had been painstakingly transfered to the designated corner, all ready and waiting to go (above). Notice his hats hanging on the back of the chair, the bulging back pack on the floor, the boy did not discriminate against any belonging. We had to explain a little further the size of pile we had in mind and reassure him everything else will arrive* safely. 

(*barring any Typhoons, torpedoes, Pirates etc) 

We should be on our way to Boise in the next few days to visit friends and family and generally over stay our welcome before we head off to you know where. Hope everyone else is enjoying the beginning of their summers!!!

Aly's 3rd Birthday Party

When Kennedy was 3 we took her to Build-a-Bear. It pretty much blew her mind. So Nathan and I thought we would be crazy awesome parents and take Aly for her 3rd Birthday. Has anyone ever noticed that no 2 children are alike? Yeah, well we were reminded again just how true that is when Aly zoomed through Build-a-Bear generally unmoved. She did enjoy herself, had a fun time picking out the Unicorn and putting it together but nothing like we'd expected. I mean, geez, as a parent you still never know! Kennedy, on the other hand, has been pleased with Aly's indifference to her Birthday Unicorn, so it all works out I guess.

Aly's favorite book is called "Pinkalicious". It is an adorable book and one Aly likes to hear as much as possible, so our theme was Pinkalicious, and we got Aly a hardcover version of her own since the other one is getting pretty well worn. Kennedy and Kohen helped me with the party prep and Aly was very excited to wake up from her nap and discover her Pinkalicious Party. 

Probably could have forgone the Build-a-Bear had I realized the reaction Aly would have for a $2 'Picolote'- no lie, she entertained herself for at least 15 minutes playing it and then laughing her head off and then playing it some more. When we finally moved on she still kept pulling it out in the middle of unwrapping another present and totally distracting herself so we had to temporarily remove it. It was the hit of the night. I guess with her love of music her response shouldn't be a real shocker.

I found a glow in the dark wand at the dollar store and made Aly her own Pinkalicious wand that she had fun with too. I'm not gonna lie, I thought I was pretty smart with that little find.  Overall the birthday was a hit and we enjoyed celebrating our baby girl turning 3. Anyone who knows her loves her, she is quite the little girl.

Aly Turns 3!

Aly is 3 today. My sweet baby girl! A unique thing about Aly at 3 is that she has quite the ear for music and rhythm. When I turn music on every morning at breakfast after only 3 notes she will shout out what it is, "Wicked!...Nutcracker!...Beethoven!" it is impressive I have thought, for someone not yet 3 to have such an adept ear.
But that was before she started pointing out the instruments playing in music. Some of them she has learned from different places including Little Einsteins but on Sundays we always listen to classical music in the car and Aly will excitedly shout out the instruments as they come in, "It's the trumpet! It's the 'picolote'! It's the piano! It's the flute! It's the 'viowin'!"....it is kind of incredible to Nathan and I because she is usually correct. We are impressed, but as her parents I guess that's our job.
Aly is absolutely the ham of the family and provides lot's of laughter- she'll do anything for a laugh. I love this little girl so much, I am so grateful for her bright influence in our home.

Are My Expectations Too High?

Umm, where did all of the good babysitters go? I mean, I hate to get all, "in my day" but in my day, when I babysat and the parents came home the house was absolutely in better condition then they had left it. The children were soundly asleep because I had tuckered them out from actually playing with them, and I was always trying to impress the parents I was babysitting for whether that meant asking questions to make sure I understood their directions, or engaging in adult conversation on a ride home- I was completely willing to do that for whatever measly amount I was making.
Nathan travels some and it has caused me to come to rely on a few of these babysitters as a means of keeping a household running as a temporarily single parent. So now that I am at a stage in my life where I need good babysitters, where have they all gone? I am starting to think that besides my nieces (who are exempt from this rant, having been raised properly) are the last of a nearly extinct species- COMPETENT BABYSITTERS.
This week when I came home to the first of two sitters we've used here (and for the most part been underwhelmed by both) to find the house a wreck, the lunch food left out, dirty dishes left everywhere and my kids bored and restless. I thought that I had been specific with her about having the children clean up after themselves because, small detail, WE ARE MOVING IN A WEEK!!! So I was feeling pretty frustrated. Then on the way home, she sat next to me and texted the entire time, not perfect when she is supposed to be giving me directions to go a different route to her home. I had to turn around 3 times cuz she would be texting and miss telling me a turn. She later cheesed a future babysitting job we pre-set via text. I'm starting to feel less bad that Kennedy- upon meeting this sitter months ago- asked if she had a baby in her tummy.
I pick up the other sitter today, and due to the unsavory experience Monday I am very specific with what I expect to be done while I am away. I am going over lunch and nap information and, no lie, she interrupts with an excited, "This is my favorite song!".... What? David Archuletta's 'Crush' is cause for you to interrupt my instructions?! Are you kidding me?
And no the house didn't impress me when I came home, and they were all watching Hannah Montana which #1- my kids do not need to be watching a show for teenie boppers thank you very much #2- why are my kids watching tv? Go play with them!!!
I don't know, maybe I am expecting way too much of these girls. Am I?

Kennedy's Kindergarten Graduation

Kennedy's Kindergarten Graduation was last week. This ^ is Mrs. Magelby who -as Kennedy's teacher- knows more than me, is a much greater authority than me, and always has the right answers. The power teachers hold! They had a cute little program and Mrs. Magelby said a few words and by the time she was done there wasn't a dry eye in the place. She said that in 11 years she has never had such an amazing and well behaved class and that she wasn't just saying that. We were so grateful to have her as a teacher.

Above is Kennedy and her BFF Alex and below is one of her 2 other really close friends Shayla.Kohen was at preschool but Nathan was able to make it and we stayed and watched the class go out to the park nearby and play games, it would have been perfect if it wouldn't have felt like a winter day out (hello!? Do I not live in California?! What is going on?...Don't even say Global Warming or we won't be friends anymore).

I held it together well but I have to say- I feel like I'm going to wake up tomorrow and it will be Kennedy's high school graduation. Our babies leave us so fast!

To celebrate their last day of school we went and saw UP! which was really cute and then decided to go get ice cream for dinner- a really fun first for our family. Not one complaint about what we're having for dinner? also a family first. We were excited to taste the yogurt at this cute Yogurt Castle we've wanted to try since we've lived here. As you can tell by Kohen's all business posture and inability to look at the camera long enough for the shutter to open and close- 'dinner' was a hit.

The Tooth Fairy Visited Kennedy

Disclaimer: This is a long post which could be summed up in 5 words, Kennedy lost her first tooth. But it has been such a long time coming, if you so choose, the full story awaits you.

Just a smidge of background, after Kennedy learned about losing teeth from a cousin when she was around 3 yrs old, she has been looking forward to when she would start losing her baby teeth so much I think it is fair to call it obsession. A couple of summers ago she even did a little summer school class all about the Tooth Fairy which increased her excitement even more.

So imagine when she is one of the last in her class (the last, according to her...not quite accurate) to lose a tooth and get her name on the special tooth poster. As a Kindergartner, clearly this is earth shattering. Baby Kennedy didn't even get her first tooth until 14 months so I figured it might be a while before they started coming out. But then she was the oldest in her class and still that wasn't enough to give her that competitive edge, lol.

About a month and a half ago I was... I really want to say I was flossing her teeth when I made this discovery but that would be a lie. At any rate, whatever I was doing besides not flossing her teeth, I came across a tooth that had popped up quite a ways behind her baby tooth on the bottom. Unfortunately because it was so far back the permanent one hadn't loosened the baby tooth. I consulted my nearest professional (James) and came to the realization that all Kennedy's fantasizing about losing her first tooth may come crashing down if the reality ended in a Dentists chair having it yanked.
Then Kenna decided to play "dog" one afternoon and was trying to chew on a soccer ball (???) when Kohen bounced them on the trampoline and the ball knocked her tooth barely loose. Nathan, knowing Kenna's desire to make it onto the tooth poster at school began working with her tooth and pretty soon either he or I would wrench that thing every night before bed- all at our daughters prompting I assure you.

We made little progress. The last day of school was approaching and we were dealing with daily episodes of tears because, well you know, that d-a-m-n poster. I started preparing her for her upcoming Dentist appointment, Nathan of course, was convinced that baby tooth was as good as gone. Last day of school comes and goes, baby tooth still intact.

48 hours later when Nathan went to tuck Kenna in before he left out of town he promised one last tooth wiggling session. And viola! Kennedy Jolee lost her very first baby tooth!!!!

IF ONLY THAT HAD BEEN THE END OF THE STORY

I have had to listen to it so you must suffer too. That night Kennedy was so insanely excited, she couldn't fall asleep, kept coming out and telling me what had happened over and over again, who she was going to show and who she was going to tell. The Tooth Fairy remembered to stop by and so in the morning we had a new tidbit to add to Kennedy's I-lost-my-tooth loop, the hundreds of different ways she was going to spend her $2.

I thought the excitement would fade with the day but I was so wrong. She proceeded to insert her tooth loosing gems into every conversation throughout the rest of the day. Example: at dinner she ate her broccoli first since it isn't her favorite. Later when Kohen was balking she said, "Kohen, when I lost my tooth, I ate my broccoli first and then it wasn't so bad." She even turned to me while the Sacrament was being passed at church to tell me something about her tooth which sadly I don't remember because I was laughing inside that even the Sacrament wasn't exempt from interruption with this dang tooth!

I am exhausted from hearing about it, luckily it is so cute that I can stand it. But seriously, I dare you, call our house- ask Kennedy about anything, the moon, paint, cats, and I guarantee within 20 seconds you will hear about her tooth!

The DL on the ER

This last Friday Kohen graduated from preschool in a big shabang program at a nice church. That is all I'm going to say about that because although my little guy is hilarious and adorable, I don't want to waste any more time talking about this preschool that I haven't really been that in love with.
On Sunday morning he came in our room saying his mouth hurt and he didn't think he should go to church. Hmmm. At first I wasn't sure if that was just a ploy to stay home but an untouched breakfast gave credence to his complaint. He and I went to just Sacrament meeting at the end of church and after afternoon naps poor Kohen was so much worse. He had a fever over 103 and was telling us how bad it hurt to swallow and though it is not terribly common in children under 3, Kohen has had Strep throat several times before so I figured he may have Strep again. Knowing the history our family has with Strep (specifically my MIL who nearly died after Strep throat turned septic, several years ago. She lived but lost both of her legs-man it seems wrong to try and sum up her trial and journey in 2 short sentences.) I don't mess around at all if I think someone has it.
As I wrote before Nathan took Kohen to the ER Sunday evening. Long story longer, the P.A. who saw them totally blew off doing a Strep test. She actually sat there and listed the reasons why it was pointless: He is young, would've had to have been around someone with Strep, the test is only 70% accurate and takes 20 min for results and on and on until Nathan felt like he shouldn't insist. Instead she brilliantly wanted to observe Kohen drinking some apple juice... huh??? 3 hours later they were discharged and told nothing was wrong.
Kohen comes home feeling awful. He proceeds to throw up the apple juice- the only thing he'd had in hours- and felt so terrible and feverish he just wanted to go to bed. Monday morning, no change except he had a new rash to go with the rest. I was FUMING. I knew what the rash was, he had Scarlet Fever- goes hand in hand with, wait for it cuz this is super tricky, STREP! Nathan took him in to our Ped. an hour later and the Dr. takes one look in Kohen's mouth and says, "I'll do the test but I don't need to, he clearly has Strep." He then told Nathan that we should not pay that ER bill and that we needed to call and raise hell because we were treated very poorly- and the PA missed something extremely obvious.
So finally today Kohen is feeling a bit better. The rash is still there, looks like a sunburn on his cheeks and upper body, but otherwise isn't bothersome. I am truly grateful for antibiotics and good doctors, they make such a huge difference.
Update on the call to the hospital to come!

Kohen Quotes

Kohen is really not feeling well. After his fever spiked this afternoon Nathan took him to the ER (no Doc in the Box places here open Sunday) and they waited quite a while for the dr. to come in. When she finally did come in Kohen, not feeling very well says, "What took you so long?" lol, isn't that what we all want to say at the dr's office? I guess the dr. laughed and said, "Out of the mouth of babes..." Exactly.

Next quote came after a family in our ward adopted their first child from Africa and Kohen had some questions for me about how this family suddenly had an adorable 6 month old African baby. So, I think my friends who have adopted need to give me some pointers because as I tried to explain the basics of adoption, I could tell I was causing him to have about 5 new questions for every one I tried to answer. I did my best, tried to keep it simple. Anyway, about a week later we are driving and seemingly out of nowhere Kohen says: "Do some boys not have families?" I hesitated wondering what the question was really about but I say, "...yes". He thinks about it and says, "Where are they?" I answered simply and he ponders this info and then says, "If we find some can we keep 'em?"

A favorite from a month or so ago, Kohen was very frustrated with Nathan about something and to let him know just how frustrated he was he says, "Fine! Then I'm not gonna be this families Super Hero anymore!"

Lastly, yesterday he had his hand on my belly waiting to feel his brother kick for the first time. When it finally happened a big smile spread across Kohen's face and he said, "Hey! He just gave me a high five!"

Sooo, a few updates.

Normally I would feel fine about posting pregnancy pictures. This time I'm not feelin it. I don't know if it's cuz it's my 4th or if this boy is just huge or what but I am bigger than I normally am at this point. It's probably a good thing in that I now have sympathy for the women who feel huge (I suppose we all feel huge regardless of actual size) or deal with this regularly with pregnancy. You may be wondering what I'm talking about cuz the baby bump isn't that impressive. Well, we took about 20 pictures and this was the most flattering one I could find. It's amazing how I can look months more or less pregnant just from an angle. And no, I'm not posting bigger ones. 

I am 6 months in this picture btw, went in a few days ago and I am, for the first time ever, measuring big, so it's not just in my head.  My belly button is on the verge of flipping inside out which is also about a month earlier than usual. Not looking forward to this so much because last time it was herniated and actually looked pretty obscene. I know, I know, could be much much worse. But since it's not may I please complain?

In other not so great news, you know my laptop that I crushed? Yeah, well, turns out it's not actually covered. So I have to take it in today to see what the $ damage is and how long I will be without my computer...feeling sick about the whole thing all over again. It might actually be a good thing seeing as there are just a few short weeks before we will be moved and I will not have the computer tempting me all day.  Moving over seas is proving to be more complicated than state to state (Movers come and pack the stuff to put on a boat over, then come back and pack up the things to put in storage in Boise, then I have to pack for 2 months worth of living, plus separate baby stuff we decided to Air ship over to ensure it is there before the baby...) so I will be relieved when we pull in to Boise at the end of this month. We will leave for Taiwan at the end of July :(  

Lastly, I took these pics the other day after dropping Kenna off at school. This Quail family was migrating across the street and through our yard and they literally had about 15 or 16 babies, hard to count cuz they were of course moving all over the place. But it was the cutest little scene, the Dad was pacing back and forth irritated that the family wasn't coming along any faster, the mom was chirping trying to get all her little ones gathered and moving in the right direction. And she didn't want to move away from the dangerous road until the last of her babies had jumped up the curb, despite her husbands obvious angst and irritation about their exposed location.

Thats when I discovered a couple of the babies couldn't make the jump up over the curb. One little guy was chirping and running back and forth like a frantic little mad man, pooping himself out so that when he tried to jump he couldn't clear it. I debated and decided either he dies cuz he's left behind or risk touching him. So I caught him and he sat right down in my hand, totally exhausted. Poor little guy.

By now the mom had moved everyone into our bushes and when I brought over the first baby he hopped down and ran into the bushes. Then I noticed the obvious knuckle head of the family running around in the gutter clear up at the top of our Cul de sac. I ran over and it took me a bit but I was able to finally catch this lost little guy and when I brought him over, the mom came out of the bushes just a hollering at him, as she nipped him all the way into the bushes. It was a really fun few minutes for me watching how even this bird family has similar qualities to our families. Plus, hello- I got to briefly hold 2 adorable little baby birds! It did make make my day.