Bunny Sanctuary

In September, a rabbit decided to take up residence in our back yard. Here is Casa #1. Comfy right?!

He is now in his second burrow, as the first wasn't as sturdy as he would've liked. The current abode is underneath a patio table; more suitable for blustery, rainy days.

The patches of tall grass have been declared a rabbit sactuary (aka - a good excuse not to mow), where camoflauge is key... Because somehow, Charley has yet to notice the rabbit. Some 6 months later.

Unseasonably warm weather

This is a strange winter. Incredibly warm weather... Very much like our camping trip last October. Which reminds me, that trip is worth a blog post.

The first weekend of October, the four NWA Shepherd's (five if you include Charley :) made the quick hour and a half drive to the Mulberry River. 

It was a gorgeous campground, with tall trees rustling in the wind, and surprise guests at the campfire. Check out the ginormous stick bug!

There were a lot of leisure activities to choose from.

READING

WATER SAFETY LESSONS

FISHING

PHOTOGRAPHY

SWIMMING
(doesn't Charley look like an otter?)   

WADING

DIVING. 1......

2.....................

3!!!!

We had a lot of fun.
Couldn't have asked for a better trip.

Maybe it's time to plan for a
February Hike

Cupid, carry me away to St Louis!

Here is an excerpt from my Valentine's Day card from Bryson:

"......To show my appreciation, I want to take you on a weekend getaway somewhere with a temple. Friday night we can drive there. Saturday we can do sessions all day long... I thought you might like that. Love, Bryson "

-----------------XOXOXOXO-------------

My do I have a husband that I do so love.

We have fun everyday we're together.

-----------------XOXOXOXO-------------

I chose to go to the St. Louis temple for my gift fulfillment. Only a 5 hour drive, with TONS of FREE things to do in the city!

Saturday, we entered the temple after passing through a chilly wind, green grass and purple

pansies, and a few snow flakes here and there. Felt more like spring than winter.

When we left 3 hours later. Voila!

3 inches of snow

-----------------XOXOXOXO---------------

Sunday we enjoyed free breakfast, free science center and free zoo. See a pattern?

-----------------XOXOXOXO----------------

There are many more things we would like to do in St Louis. We will have to plan a trip back. Hopefully it won't unexpectantly snow on us, and we'll get to ride our bicycles around the cool sites and parks.

Forest Park http://www.slfp.com/SLFP-FPFEmap.htm

Mississippi Riverfront Trail http://www.mv24.org/riverfront.html

Bryson. Sweetie. Mother's Day is coming up! Hint Hint

Dec 21 - WINTER SOLSTICE and LUNAR ECLIPSE

We stayed up to 2am watching the Lunar Eclipse, that happened to fall on the Winter Solstice of this year.

It started with a very bright full moon, the highest in the sky we have ever seen. Then the earth's shadow started to cover.

BTW- We got a new camera. Love it! It's so powerful you can see the craters of the moon when the picture is blown up.

Luckily this was not a frosty night. Only in the 40's. Still Alyssa bundled up in her cocoon of blankets.

Almost fully covered by earth's shadow.

Here is the result of the eclipse: a reddish-brown moon!

The next time this will occur is Dec. 21, 2094. Probably not in our lifetime!