We are totally doing this!

Alice loves science, the outdoors, and our local bird population so what better time to introduce her to the idea of citizen science?  The Great Backyard Bird Count invites citizens to count birds for 15 minute increments (or more) from February 17-20th and submit observations to the GBBC website (they have an App too!).  You can count birds in as many places and as many days as you like.  There are instructions and bird guides available.

An article in the outdoor magazine Jared brought home from WA, OutThere Monthly, the Inland NW Guide to Outdoor Adventure, Travel, and the Outdoor Lifestyle (love it!), reminded me of the yearly bird count and I thought Alice might like to try it.

Her favorite show right now is Wild Kratts.  The Kratt brothers, Kris and Martin, are super excited about science and have been creating quality kids shows for years, like Zoboomafoo which aired back in 1999.  Do you remember that show?  Okay, well I do.  Probably because Molly was a nanny then and I’d hang with her and the kids some afternoons.

Hopefully the rain will let up long enough to observe some birds but we’ll give it a try either way.  There was a break in the rain today and the birds were out and about.  And we’ve actually had some glorious days with sunshine and springlike conditions.  Now, the rain is turning over to snow which is exactly what we want to see.

We’ll be tuning in from our window, right here in Idaho, like we always do, and this time it’ll be in the name of Science!

  xo

One week in and we’re down a seatbelt, a dog bed, and a few toys.

Still getting to know each other, we’re figuring out what life with an adopted dog is all about. Pearl is a sweet dog.  And she only wants to be near us every.single.minute. We’ve discovered she has some separation anxiety. So…we’re working on that.

Walking on (frozen) water.

Ready?

Walks!

Beast master.

Bed Shredder.

Bike Ride!

Alice loves ‘ol…”What’s her name again?”  She takes her role as master, trainer, and crate mate seriously. And Pearl lets Alice lay all over her. I think she may have taken her out on purpose a time or two when she’s tearing around like a puppy.

Good girl Pearl

Alice and her Pearl

Crate mates.

But Pearl seems genuinely happy and so are we. What we’ve gained already outweighs the time and effort it takes to have a great dog.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Homemade treats, heart melting Valentine’s, and the most thoughtful packages created miles of smiles and one very happy little girl. We feel loved.

Hand picked goodness (Ruthie!)

in heart heaven

WE LOVE ‘EWE’ too GranJan!

Bringing the spring.

I “lichen” you a lot!

love friends

Sweetheart pancakes

you always know what to say

A rose by any other name…

Every drink is better with heart straws.

Jared took to Pintrest for inspiration and he and Alice left sticky notes with sweet messages all over the house. I love them.

 xo

It’s pouring rain outside, a taste of spring in the mountains I suppose. We may be in for some serious indoor lounge time over the next few months. Good thing Alice loves to draw and craft! A big thanks to loved ones who have supplied materials and supplies to feed this girl’s creativity.

Inspiration

Interpretation

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once she grows up.”

-Pablo Picasso

This girl loves snowboarding. Alice recently graduated from Easy Street (i.e. the bunny hill) to Bear Chair at our local Brundage Mountain. At Tamarack, she experienced her first Magic Carpet lift during a school ski day. Being the only snowboarder in her class doesn’t bother her a bit and she’s always up for heading to the hill. Now it’s time to tackle the T-Bar at The Little Ski Hill!

Roots Forest School Ski Day

Alice on a Magic Carpet ride

Alice and Olivia taking a snack break