Arizona – A Bird-Watcher’s Paradise

Ashlee and I are both interested in birds but you can't even call us amature birders because we know so little. Everytime we see an unusual bird we say we have got to get a birding book and learn more about it. While we were sitting on the front porch of my parents Antiques store, across the road I spotted a Cardinal in a Cat Claw. Ashlee took my camera and got several good pictures. I told her we should do a Big Year but just between the two of us. We live in one of the best birding areas around. To Quote from a website "Southern Arizona has some of the best birding in the world. People come here from all over to see many rare species found in few other places. Most of these areas have confirmed sightings of more than 200 species of birds. Some have as many as 300." Where we live has a confirmed 300 different species, we even have a local bird brochure. Let the count begin!

Cardinal in Cat Claw

I decided maybe it was time to get a kid pen so we went to a local store that carries them and tried a few out I think this one was the best fit. It allows them room to play but keeps them in a safe contained area. Does it come with a lock?

Zany was really tickled to have a balloon that floated she kept looking at it with a smile on her face until sadly it came untied and blew away.

 One of my favorite things as a kid was to sit on the front porch and watch monsoons (summer rains) we arrived at my parents store during a nice storm so I got a chance to watch a quick shower. While there Quinton asked what this machine was for? Anyone, Anyone?

It makes brooms, can't you tell. We were shocked Quinton didn't know.

Sitting on the porch blowing bubbles while Quinton leaps over a puddle and Declan looks for ancient coins

Just had to pop that bubble oh sorry was that your eye! Declan still looking for ancient coins.

Who doesn't love a good bubble popping session.

Declan finds his ancient coin worth millions only to discover it is just a bottlecap. So disappointing. 

Here's wishing a Bon Voyage to Ashlee who is off on a Europe Adventure. I think this occasion call for a re-reading of one of my favorite books Our Hearts Were Young and Gay: An Unforgettable Comic Chronicle of Innocents Abroad in the 1920's. It's vintage book from 1942 but so funny it is even available in audio form.