The "Hawk Thing"

We have watched this "hawk thing" all summer long. We've seen it perched high in various trees on our block, seen it swoop to catch a bird mid flight, seen it squeeze the living daylights out of a small bird, seen it squeeze a small critter on our next door neighbors grass, and seen small bird feathers in a circle on our grass several mornings. I even had a carcass in my perennial garden. It must have been saved for later because it was gone the next day. It swooped low just above us one day in the driveway, it flew to our tree above us, and then to the wires over our side/back yard to squeeze his meal - a lunchtime favorite spot! I have heard the squeel of death all summer long - practically all day every day! Our neighbors claim there are 3; and we have seen 2 at one time. Simon has learned that big birds eat little birds. He also knows the hawk sound from inside the house. We now believe him when he says he saw or heard the "hawk thing".

So today we took "the hawk thing's" feathers (we had 2) and this close up picture and went to the Willowbrook Wildlife Nature Preserve. We asked what it could be and was told it is a Cooper's Hawk. It has not been in our area for a few years and is now making a comeback. They eat small birds and make stick nests. Sometimes not so sturdy and baby Cooper's Hawks can fall through the nest. We are not exactly sure where the nest is located.

This bird sure has entertained us this summer. Large birds have a regal characteristic to them!

The MN State Fair

Here are sights and moments of glee from our trips to the Minnesota State Fair! So much fun, we sure missed Grandma and Grandpa going with us! Enjoy your day at the fair Grandma and Grandpa, tons of pictures were taken for you!!!

Chocolate Covered Pig Lickers

Yep. Chocolate covered bacon. I found this culinary delight at none other than the Minnesota State Fair. The perfect combination of sweet and salty and due to its oddity, I had to sample. To accomplish satisfying this craving outside of the Great Minnesota Get Together, I would plunge for chocolate covered pretzels.

Irony exists over the entire fairgrounds. You see, these cute little oinkers will someday be my ham sandwich, bacon, grilled chops, pepperoni, and any of the "other white meat" delights that may cross my plate. My sweet Simon and Norah have yet to figure that out!

Who wouldn't want . . . .

. . . . . a barrel sauna? I saw this at the Minnesota State Fair. It made me laugh.

In the Nines

10 years ago on 9-9-99, Eric proposed to me! Life has been fantastic ever since!

So on 9-9-09, we spent the day getting used to our new routine of 3 mornings of preschool and me working part time and keeping a 1 1/2 year old safe and everyone fed!

10 years, where did the time go? Life really passes us by fast. But we have learned to enjoy each step of the way.

And look what we have accomplished!

7 Digits & 10 Years

Last week Thursday was the first day of my 10th year working as a Speech and Language Therapist in the schools. I now am in the same school working in the same program for the second year in a row. Amazing! Although I haven't moved buildings or programs, I have moved rooms. I am out of the back corner of the library, and up in the front by the offices. My own entry way! This is the most convenient and beautiful space I have ever had at work. It only took 10 years!!!

With the major construction that occurred over the summer came phone, computer, and technology improvements. The phone system acts computer-like! And I have a direct number - only to be used by important people like my husband and sitter. Or my Dad, who very sweetly called me on my first day!

Ironically, these 7 digits are strangely similar to my personal phone number from my first apartment in Glen Ellyn 10 years ago! This fact was highlighted by Eric and sadly not remembered by me. But back then he called that number much more than I did.

So let's pretend my phone number back then was
434-2284

My pretend new work phone number this year is
434-4428!

Summer Fun is Done

This morning I go back to work as school begins! This summer was quite the summer - filled every day from early morning to late evening with my little precious children. We frolicked at the pool, splash parks, with friends, at the library, and at home. We filled each day with fun filled moments that fit our fancy for that day.

Now it is back to a more scheduled routine of work for me, sitters for them, and preschool again for Simon!

Soon I will post pictures of our Minnesota State Fair Fun and MN trip. Since Mom and Dad probably will not get to the fair this year, I took in all sights possible for "A Day at the Fair" for them!

Have a good day.

I am off to get ready to go and squeeze my little ones before I head out the door!