The Eagles are Back.
One year ago last weekend we went eagle-watching. We went again this year on the same weekend, but took Ethan with us. I wouldn't recommend it. The Ethan part, I mean. He's at the age where he cannot sit still for even a moment, which means Greg has to carry him everywhere, lest he throw himself over a railing into the Mississippi or break into the control room, causing chaos at the first place we visited, the National Great Rivers Museum and Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Oh, I know those control rooms are secured, but this is Ethan we're talking about, folks.
We all took turns on a towboat / barge simulator. Laurel outperformed me. I don't know how Greg did because I was chasing Ethan around the museum. I'm sure he would tell you he did the best.
No eagles at the locks, but lots of seagulls and a great blue heron. Laurel pointed it out to me and of course knew what it was. She probably knows all kinds of little obscure facts about great blue herons, but I didn't ask. All in all, the mass presence of birds reminded Laurel of Alcatraz.
After Ethan exhausted us completely, we left and ate a quick picnic lunch so we would feel better about ourselves when stopping for pie and coffee at My Just Desserts in Alton. Just like last year, we had some awesome pie and just an all-around good time. Ethan even fed pie to his car. Here are several photos from the outing:
I don't know if the eagle-watching trip, after only two times, can be considered a family tradition, but it seems to be well on its way.
The last couple of weeks have been filled with turmoil and uncertainty as I've decided to come back home again. I loved my job, I did. I just didn't love what it was doing to the family or to me. It has been wrenching for me to leave people at work who told me they have come to depend on me. I will miss them very much. Then again, it's days like the one we had here that help me know I made the right decision. Well, that and the fact my house is in a shambles and desperately needs me before it crumbles around us from neglect.
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