More Backyard Nature Pics

Today we had four deer and two turkeys come for lunch in the backyard. Not sure what to expect next.

Our Backyard Deer

We have seen deer around our house since we moved in. Last summer I would occasionally find one eating my flowers. Scott decided to put out some deer corn in the backyard to help feed them during the winter. He built a feeder but they don't like it as much as they do the corn he throws on the ground. When they come to feed, we see anywhere between 2-8 deer at a time. He has tried several times to get a picture but one is generally on sentry duty all the time and will scatter the group in a second. He was able to take this picture this week. If you click on it, you can see two of them. As soon as he took it, they ran. We have enjoyed watching them, but he is going to have to keep feeding them if they start eating my flowers again.

Finley Weekend in NC

This weekend, Nikki was photographing a wedding in nearby Bat Cave. In addition to her, Josh, and Eli, Nikki's parents, brother and sister-in-law came for the weekend. We had a good time shopping and sightseeing. The photo and video were taken on Sunday while the guys were grilling burgers.

Snow 2008

We have lived in NC for 3 winters and this is our first snowfall! It looks like we only got 1-2 inches and is starting to thaw. For a few more pictures

Christmas Videos

The following two videos were taken with my new Flip video recorder that Scott gave me for Christmas. The first one, I took, is of Quinn telling me to stop taking his picture because he is trying to do something. I am not sure, but I think that is usually why you take video, because someone is doing something :) The second one, Josh took, is Eli singing "Twinkle, Twinkle" in our basement or as he says "Twankle, Twankle". Josh couldn't get him to sing at first, then when he started Eli didn't want to give up the microphone. That is Quinn singing a little in the background but he would not sing into the mic.

All hearts came home for Christmas! We had lots of presents, food and fun.

We all took lots of pictures. Thanks to Nikki and Amy for taking my traditional ones - the little boys in their matching pajamas in front of the tree and then one in grandpap's lap. I may have to rethink this next year, as the three won't be able to fit soon. Then my "head shots" of the boys and the one on the front porch (below) in their coordinating sweatshirts (or sweaters last year).

This year Scott built a fire in our backyard fire pit and we roasted marshmallows and made S'mores. I love all of our new traditions, like making cookies for Santa and a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve with Amy and her boys. This year while Nikki was shooting outside photos, Amy and the boys (big and little) threw the football around and played.
I am especially thankful for all the blessings my family brings to me with each visit.

Since Chuck has more vacation days than Amy, he decided to use a week and bring the boys to Rome to spend some time with his family. Amy came for the weekend, so we all met at the cabin. Even though it was hot, not at all October weather, we had a wonderful time. Josh, Nikki, and Eli came on Sunday. We ate at Colonel Poole's on Friday night, went to Hillcrest Apple House on Saturday, then to Grandpa Jones' Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch on Sunday.

The Cabin

My first post....
Scott and I were invited, along with 8 other family members, to help Carol and Phil celebrate their birthdays on their motor yacht Marathon in Italy. Six of us went a couple of days early to see Rome. Then we met the Marathon and went to the Island of Ishcia, Pompeii, Island of Capri, Positano, Amalfi, then returned to the port near Rome and spent a day in Tivoli. It was beautiful and a wonderful experience. Thanks Carol and Phil!!

Italy