Being A Part-Time Pet Owner

We are fond of some animals, but having allergies has narrowed down the window of who we could invite into our home, and the thought of having a "forever toddler" has really soured our desire to add that to our plate, especially as we've had 3 kids in 3.5 years, diapers were our song for many years.  When it comes to having that as a responsibility, it just hasn't fit with our travel and adventure lifestyle.
Since moving to St. Louis, however, we have fallen in love with an animal, the cardinals.  The kids take this job very, very seriously.  They clean out the bird bath every other day, we've researched exactly what seed to buy to attract this specific bird, and I'd like to say it feels like we have the perfect budget/travel friendly pet.  Best of all, I don't have to clean up after them in the house (they do get a bit messy outside), no vet bills or that big of a responsibility.  It's a win win!
We first saw the female cardinal all alone in the bird bath when the brilliantly colored red cardinal arrives. She leaves shortly after. "Don't mind if I do!"

He was going to town, splashing and making a big, big, big mess.

When all of a sudden he looks right at me, "Who you staring at?  Who, ME?  Bad hair day?  NO!"

Cardinal's Garden

 Our feathered guests make our garden a fun place to watch.  This is Spikey, he is the most brilliant shade of red we've seen in our Cardinal visitors.  

Snapshots of a Senior, Z!

 I got to meet this happy Senior bright and early this morning.  Spring is in full swing, he was excellent company and a real treat to photograph!  The future is bright and full of promise, and I know this Senior is ready to make a difference.  You're pretty much awesome, Mr. Z.!

Oh, the Blue Bells

It's been nearly a year since we left our home in England.  There are still moments that will just hit me and make me cry for that technicolored, majestic island.  My little E. had a field trip to the Botanical Gardens and as we walked around enjoying the Spring weather of the Midwest, I was struck with emotion as I saw a patch of bluebells.  They are peculiar, not exactly like the ones we had in England, but non the less it made me feel happy to see them then I was swept with a pure emotion of longing and sadness.

My E. has found such good friends, and each of them represent a country that Casey or I have lived in and have loved the people of that nation.  Korea, Somalia & Japan.  I love how she can have such good friends wherever in the world we live.

Me and my mini me.

Did I tell you we've discovered a little critter who not only eats nuts and leaves but we've seen him slurp worms like spaghetti noodles!

Double the Teeth Missing

I'm just going to have to *sigh*.  He's lost both his top baby teeth in the space of 2 days.  This will be the last time I get to see my baby's gummy smile.