I am such a Bird Lover. Really. Big. Bird. Lover.

One of my most favorite places to see and photograph birds is at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head Island.  I've posted about it before. We were there on Monday and I managed to get a few shots that I really like. Our purpose was to look for gators (Sophie's Kindergarten class mascot!) but it was much too hot and I think they were all at the bottom of the lake. We saw not a one and we usually see several. Anyway, it must be my antisocial side but nature and wildlife are my favorite subjects to photograph. I get so excited.  But these birds.....oh, these birds....they literally take my breath away.  Who gets to be THIS gorgeous???  

My camera is a simple point and shoot. Clearly. But I've already warned my family that, once I save up enough for a Canon EOS, they will have to set me free for several hours just so I can go to the Forest Preserve and take pictures of birds.  Doesn't that sound just heavenly?

Here are a few other shots from today that I like.....the non-bird ones....I'm not an artist or a painter but these images seem to me to be the type that would inspire someone to paint a lovely scene....

Hilton Head is just beautiful.  Of course. On Labor Day weekend, it's full of people. For me, the Forest Preserve is the quietest and most serene place on the island.  Yet, when we go, we're usually the only people there.  Am I the only one who finds that odd?  Am I really so different?  Are we? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself.

A Top Bucket List Item

I don't actually have a Bucket List although I often ask myself what I would put on mine if I did.  Without a doubt, hanging out on a sand bar would be near the top!!! 

For the Love of Pelicans

What is it about them that makes me love them so?

Note:

I tried to get a shot of a pelican swallowing their catch and I managed to get the two below. Not perfect but you can at least tell what's happening.  Bon Appetit!

PS ~ I have to give Alain credit for the photo of the pelican on the posts. He took the picture even though I did ask him to (wink wink).

What'chu Talkin' 'Bout Willis?

A Birthday to Remember

This year we gave Sophie a choice ~ to celebrate her birthday at the beach or to have a party.  Before we could even finish the question, she was shouting, "BEACH, BEACH, BEACH".  As much I love planning and throwing parties, I think she made the right choice.....

After spending the morning at the pool, we ate lunch and then enjoyed some birthday cake, a delicious fruit tart from Fresh Market.

Sophie has always loved Playmobil and this was our gift for her.

She wanted to play with it immediately so I set it up out on the balcony.....away from Clara's busy hands and where some spilled water wouldn't be a big deal.

She wanted to stay out there playing for hours.

Clara banged on the sliding door for at least half an hour until you could barely see through the glass.

After a DELICIOUS dinner, I thought it would be nice to go for a sunset walk on the beach.

We encountered many, many horseshoe crab shells that had washed up on shore. This one (above on the left) was the biggest I've ever seen.  Those are Sophie's feet above to give you some idea of the size.

Soph and Clara tried hard to pose for a nice photo together.  I think this was the best shot we got.

We had an awesome time watching the many, many pelicans that were diving for fish.

Sophie made many sand drawings......

....so we decided to have a little fun. 

  

It was the most beautiful night.

Happy 6th Birthday, Sophie!

From Where I Sit

Clara is napping. Alain took Sophie to the pool. I am just sitting on the balcony drinking a warm coffee that Alain picked up from the bakery for me. It's so quiet and very peaceful.  Would you like to see what I see?

  

Aren't you glad you said yes?  

Life is good this morning, eh?

PS~

I have a confession --> I like to stalk the folks who are on their boats....like this guy....he's been working so hard scrubbing his deck all morning!

Iggy Pop

Since we've been spending a bit of time at the beach lately, I decided that the below photo is too appropriate for this week's post.  As I've been writing, it crossed my mind that I've never been to the beach with Ygal. How sad that I never will. I'm sure, at some point, we might have taken our families all together to the beach for a vacation ~ to see our little ones splashing around in the surf and making sand castles together.  I guess these thoughts will come up quite often......as time goes by, it will come to our attention all the things that we won't get to experience with Ygal.  Although he is still there.....always is...

This photo is too beautiful.  

{photo removed}

For those of you who don't know, Ygal is there in the front. My adorable husband is on the right.  Cute Tio Diggy is on the left.  These boys grew up in Europe where little Speedos are the norm and totally adorable on little boys!!!  (For the record, Alain no longer wears them ~ ha!).

I hope you all have a beautiful and peaceful weekend.