facing my fears

So we recently took a train ride during our visit back to Iowa this summer. As long as I lived in Iowa I never wanted to go on this train ride because of the amazingly high bridge it goes across during the tour. But now that I have a son, who totally absolutely loves trains, I decided to face my fears...well almost. The ride was amazing and we even rode in the open car section. But throughout the entire trip in the back of my mind I thought about the bridge. I wanted to show "no fear" for the sake of my children. I didn't want them to grow up having a fear of heights because they saw mommy had it. But when the time came I couldn't stand it. I ran into the closed car section, closed my eyes real tight, and waited for my husband to tell me the coast was clear. After we passed the bridge I was proud to know my children stayed out on the open car and took in the view with amazement. And after seeing the breathtaking pictures my husband was able to take of the view I am so glad they were brave little ones and didn't miss out on seeing nature's beauty. But once again because of my fear I have missed out on a slice of something wonderful.

calgon take me away!!

I saw this picture today and totally got swept away in my imagination! Simply Breathtaking!

i now pronounce you mr. and mrs robin...now go make some bay bays

Well now I know we have to start a wild life preserve because no sooner then the turtle and turkey went away here came the birds. My husband found a robin's nest right outside our front door in a tree. There was already 1 egg in it! They say a Robin lays 1 egg per day until she gets about 3 or 4 then we sit and wait for the babies. Well lets see what happened.

Day 3
Sure enough there was another egg!

Day 4
She has laid yet another egg!! Ok she should be done now. It is pretty rare for a Robin to lay 5 eggs. If she is done we should be seeing little ones in about 14 to 16 days!! Can't wait.

Day 5-Incubation Period
And there she is. I had to take her picture through the glass of my front door but I think she sees me there LOL!

Day 7
We had storms rolling in and out this day and poor Mrs. Robin was taking it like a trooper!

After the storm she appeared to be almost all dried off and comfortable again.

Day 17
I noticed there was extra activity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robin were standing over the nest today looking in it all day. I couldn't go out and get a pic because one or the other was always in the nest watching over. I knew there had to be something going on in there.

I was right!! As soon as they both left I ran out and took some quick pics inside the nest. Once again sorry about the weird angles. I was just trying to get in there and get out LOL. Oh BTW there are only 3 eggs now not 4. I have no idea what happened to the 4th!

Day 22
Baby is getting bigger! By this day another egg had disappeared and the last egg seems like it will not hatch. It has been too many days.

Day 29
I caught baby robin sitting on the edge of the nest. Just 12 days after hatching.

Mama Robin flew in and sat next to her baby. You can see her tail is curved to the side as if she is protecting her baby from falling out.

Next thing I know baby robin jumped from the nest. I guess it was time for it to leave the nest.

I watched baby Robin hop around our porch for awhile before finally hopping away. Soon Mama Robin will teach him to fly! Now that the nest is empty I kind of miss looking out my front door everyday watching nature in action!