All boy!

What happened?! I'll tell you what happened. Ten months happen, that's what! Tal is EVERYWHERE. He doesn't just sit and smile or... just sit... anymore. He's mobile. It took him awhile, but he's figured it out and he's enjoying every minute. He still smiles but it's while doing this: (Amy HELP....!)

Everyone asked me if I was ready for a boy, and I naively thought, "Well of course!" But along with the trouble he's getting into he's showing his very animated personality, and i love it!! Let the adventures begin!!

I haven't done My 5 for awhile so here we go:

My 5:

1. Answered prayers. Gosh I'm so thankful for that.

2. "Bounty Select-A-Size" paper towels, for the many messes that we seem to have had lately. It seems to have been more then usual... not sure why?!

3. My camera. To capture all these memories.

4. Love

5. Getting over my fear of making a pie crust. Don't laugh! The first time I tried making one it was a complete disaster, so now 5 years later I've conquered pie crust making!!! And it was good too (that's always a nice bonus)!

Eagles

Eagles you say? No, I'm not talking about about my old school mascot (although I did feel a bit of Millard pride during the day...), but real eagles. This time of year since most of the water north of Missouri is frozen many eagles migrate to Alton, IL where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet to fish. It was a incredible site. We were able to see almost 100 of these truly inspiring birds. 

Here we all are on  the Bluff City Trolley that drove us around to see the birds. Thank goodness for the Trolley. I was FREEZING that day, and the Trolley kept us nice and warm. Grandma, Grandpa, Emma, Tal, me, and Dita's coat in the bottom corner (sorry Matt didn't get you all the way in the picture, Dita)!

Emma made it her duty to make sure everyone on the tour entered and exited on the correct side. It was very funny. And those that happened to get it "wrong" were very good sports to go back down and try it again... the "right" way! Thanks for keeping us straight Em's!

This is the dam and power plant that helps keep the water here unfrozen so the eagles can fish. The seagulls were definitely getting in on the action too!

This was the very first eagle we saw. Very cool.

And of course if there is water, that is were you'll find Emma! 

There were also quite a few pelicans around. 

The kids loved looking out the window. Emma thought the binoculars where great. It made everything look really FAR AWAY...! ;) 

I had to take this picture through the window, but these blue herons were so beautiful!!

And now the eagles:

Most of the eagles fly down for just a couple of months then fly "home", but a few over the years have decided to make this their "home." Eagles mate for life and always return to the same nest. And the nests were huge.

Learning a little more about these majestic animals made it even more clear as to why it is the bird that represents our nation. Such a great experience.

Snow!

This post is pretty late since the snow is completely gone now and it's been 70 degrees, but better late then never!

The pictures say it all... the girl loves snow. Literally! She loves to eat it. If I let her she could have eaten us a path out of the garage and over to our sledding hill (we have a great little hill down off the driveway!) instead of having to shovel one!! I'm sure she got her fill, though.

And of course the gloves came off, until she realized that there really might be a purpose for wearing them!! 

Then Daddy came home, and it was back outside (he felt left out I guess!)

Guess who's taking the picture! Yep... ME

Tal had his first sledding experience. I'm not sure he enjoyed it like he should have. It couldn't be because he could barely breath underneath the git-up I've got him in, could it? Sorry buddy! Just remember, you were warm... and I love you!!!

Look at the poor kid's eyes!

It's wonderful how kids can make you feel even when it's snowing!