Bird Watching

Yesterday and today we've had a Baltimore Oriole visiting our backyard bird feeders.

Baltimore Oriole on the suet, Goldfinches on the Thistle feeder:

On the wreath (no, it's not a fake bird decoration):

Sharing with the Goldfinches:

Colorful birds: One of the many reasons we love Spring!

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

Claire came down with a fever tonight. She didn't seem to have any other symptoms, but when I asked her if she just wanted to rest and watch a movie, she said that she couldn't watch anything too funny, because if she laughs too much, she might throw up. Later, she said, "I tested it out, and I didn't throw up." Phew! Laughter is good medicine...usually.

Caught Up in a Good Book

Whether on our own or together, Claire and I love reading. Claire is only just beginning to read on her own - mostly easy readers. It has been an exciting process to watch so far. What I love seeing is when a moment of free time arises, she will at times choose a book over a toy. That is what I caught her doing on these two occasions...

Just a few of our current favorite books to read together:

Betsy-Tacy, by Maud Hart Lovelace

Uncle Elephant, by Arnold Lobel (as pictured above)

In Grandma's Attic, by Arleta Richardson (we've read book 2 also, and hope to read more)

My Father's Dragon, by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Poppleton, by Cynthia Rylant (all of the Poppleton books are great!)

A few of Claire's favorite audiobooks:

Hello Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, by Betty MacDonald

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Farm, by Betty MacDonald

Three Tales of My Father's Dragon, by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, by A. A. Milne, narrated by Peter Dennis (No matter what age you are, if you have a chance to listen to these stories, you are in for a treat! Peter Dennis's voices will have you laughing yourself silly!!)

Happy Reading!!