I like to eat!

While in AL, we started exploring solid foods.


So far, she likes most everything she's tried, with a few exceptions.


She LOVES sweet potatoes, they are her favorite vegetable.  

She was enjoying it all - squash, peas, carrots, until we got to the green beans!

She is not a fan!  I love them - hopefully she'll come around!

How Goes Idaho?

When I was working on my master's research, I applied for and received a grant from the Conservation Research Foundation called the Morley Nelson Award.  Dr. Bill Mattox awarded the grant to me, and sent me an autographed copy of Morley Nelson's book A Cool North Wind.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  Morley had a passion for raptors, and among many other things (like figuring out how to reduce raptor mortality due to power lines) he was instrumental in protecting the Snake River Bird of Prey National Conservation Area (which now bears his name).  So, when we moved to NV, I knew at some point we'd have to make the trip up to see it.  Well, this past weekend just so happened to be the Snake River Birds of Prey Festival, so we went!  We had a great time - it was Charley's first "vacation" (meaning not to visit anyone, but to go just to go!) and she did SO well!  Here's a photostory of our trip.

We'd no sooner left our house than this little guy appeared by the road.

Rod ran him down on foot to get these photos - that's without a zoom lense!

Moving our first gopher snake (of MANY) of the year.

Arrival at the festival.

With "Slim", Morley's eagle.

With Tyler and Norm Nelson, Morley's sons.

Ready for our first field trip!

This little guy was right by the roadside!

Rod got this great shot of an Avocet in flight.

Isn't it beautiful?

The temp dropped 30 degrees from when we were here the day before!

Condor exhibit at the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey

We've worn her out!

Luigi, the Harpy Eagle

She sure has been a trooper, but I think we've worn her out!

Taco Night

To welcome our new neighbors, we hosted a taco night at the bunkhouse for refuge staff.  Charley hung out with me while I made them.  And Suzie entertained while I cleaned up!

Charley's First Easter

Check out all my loot!  :)

Ya-Ya Gayle gave me this bunny!

My first time coloring Easter eggs

Okay, so maybe Pops colored Easter eggs and I watched

All I care about is whether I can eat one!

Maybe we'll go with the plastic one instead

Whaz'up, Easter bunny?

Too cute in my Easter dress

My new frog pull toy!

My great-grandpa Ress made this basket for Mom when she was little - now I get it!

This animal was my mom's - I love hand-me-downs!

Too cute to be...

I love blowing raspberries...

...which is fun, except for when Mom is feeding me!  Then she wears whatever she's feeding!

I don't REALLY like dolls yet - I just like to chew on them!

This is great fun!

Six Months Come and Gone

Tomorrow my baby will be SEVEN MONTHS OLD.  I can't believe it.  I'm just now getting around to posting her 6 month photos - the monthly photo I take, plus the professional photos Dana Baker took while I was home in AL.  Here are some of my faves.