Hit Me With Your Best Shot - 20140509

I believe this is a white crowned sparrow.  And yesterday I watched her take a bath.  There's not much I enjoy capturing more than the enthusiastic all-in commotion of a bird during her morning toilette!  It all starts calmly enough.

 But almost immediately she digs in!

Right here she looks a little annoyed to be photographed.

And she seems to be complaining a little here.

But then she gets distracted by a pesky bit of dirt that has to be removed with her foot. 

 Then a slight pause

 And right back at it!

 Another short breather....

 And splish splash again!

 Breathe....

 SPLASH!!!

 Shake your tail feathers....

 Assess the situation...

 Fluff!

 Step out of the tub

 Stretch

 And she feels like a new woman.

The entire process took 55 seconds and 60 photos.  Obviously I had to eliminate a lot but if I've been able to share a little of how amusing this complicated operation was, then I've accomplished what I wanted.

Evan Graham

Today we're celebrating our grandson, Evan's, 17th birthday.

He was born in Hawaii and we were lucky enough to be there for his birth.  He was our 6th grandchild and 4th grandson.  He now lives in Colorado Springs where he is a junior in high school.

Evan is an important part of this large family.

And an even more important part of this smaller family.

 Here he is, pictorially, 'through the years'.

Evan is one of the sweetest, kindest, most considerate people I've ever known.  He's helpful, hard-working, smart, hilarious, and a great sport.  He plays golf and the bass guitar and has even done some composing.

We very very proud of Evan and so happy to claim him as our grandson.  We're wishing him a year filled with happiness, great accomplishments, and dreams coming true.

Happy Birthday, Evan.  We're hoping it's your best one yet but only half as good as the many, many more to come.  We love you!

Emily Elizabeth

Emily Elizabeth was born in Evansville, Indiana 17 years ago today.  She's our fifth grandchild and 2nd granddaughter.  She now lives in Waverly, Nebraska where she is a junior in high school.

Emily's an important part of this large family (although she couldn't be here for this picture)

And an even more important part of this smaller family.

Here she is, pictorially, 'through the years'.

Emily is sweet and cheerful and an excellent student.  She gets along well with everyone and is as thoughtful and kind as anyone could be.  She has an upbeat personality and a can-do attitude that will take her far in the world.  We're inordinately proud of her and wishing her a fabulous senior year in high school and the best summer she's ever had!  Happy Birthday, Emily!!!