Without Excuse: August 2014

Well, Clara is here and beautiful and amazing and perfect. We're already almost past the newborn phase. They're tiny for such a short time!

That means that life is beginning to return to normal, and though I'm not close to getting a full night of sleep, we are starting to have a decent routine during the day.

For these final weeks of summer, we've been on the go a bit more and enjoying the outdoors again. We went on an evening walk at Sensiba State Wildlife Area (which I also discussed here), and were yet again impressed by the beauty, serenity, and diversity of wildlife found just outside the city.

It had a totally different feel to it than earlier in the year, when we were watching blackbirds fight over nesting territory. This time, we observed lots of different frogs, wrens, and even a baby bird that hadn't quite figured out how to fly.

We got pretty close before he scampered and flapped his way into the grass. He didn't look hurt, just inexperienced. I'm not sure what type of bird he is. Any guesses?

Grace was excited to put on her ladybug boots.
In her mind, boots = adventure, and we've had far too few of those lately.

It was also the perfect weather and time of day for taking pictures, so I couldn't resist snapping a few of the girls. (Girls! I'm still getting used to saying "girls" instead of "girl." What an amazing thing! I still can't believe it!)