Day 226: Sunset seen from I-680

This weekend is the first one we've had for a while with nothing planned. So we decided to drive to the Valley to do some Goodwill shopping. As usual we managed to get lots of bargains. We stopped at Denny's again for some dinner before driving home. The sun was just setting, and I managed to get this picture as we drove along I-680.

Day 225: Perseid meteor

Last night I stayed up late watching for meteors. August 12th is the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. Although this is usually the biggest and brightest meteor shower each year, I've never had much luck with it. This year was different though. Almost as soon as I went outside I saw a really bright fireball. I had the kids with me and didn't have my camera set up, so I didn't catch it on camera. I went out again later when they were supposed to be getting more frequent. I set the camera up and settled into a chair next to it, taking 30 second shots continuously. I sat there for about 20 minutes, and although I did see a couple of faint meteors, I wasn't sure if I had caught them on camera. My backyard is surrounded by a lot of trees, so I decided to change position. I saw a few more, but by 1.30 am I was cold and tired and had had enough, so I went back inside to see what I'd got. I was delighted to find this shot among the 100+ pictures I took! Since it was taken after midnight, it can still count as today's picture :)

Day 224: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Today the kids and I went to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo with Elizabeth's friend Lindsay and her mom Liz. It's in the middle of San Jose, and they don't have any really big animals, but it's still a lot of fun. We checked out all the animals (Edward LOVED the spider monkeys), then went on some of the attractions. The kids tried out a roller coaster for the first time. Elizabeth was pretty scared and didn't like it, and Edward buried his head in me the whole time but seemed to enjoy it. When we went on the carousel later though, Elizabeth was fine (although she wouldn't ride on anything moving), but Edward refused to get on at all. It was a fun day, and I'm planning on going back again next time my parents visit.

Day 223: Hummingbird

We've had this feeder for a couple of years now. Last year I did see a few hummingbirds feeding at it, and the liquid kept going down, but I only managed once to get a few pictures, and they weren't very good. So far this year, until today, I had only seen a bird at the feeder a couple of times, and the liquid didn't seem to be going down as quickly. Nevertheless, when I spotted one today I decided to set my camera up and wait until I got a shot.

I sat in the back yard with my camera all set up on the tripod and the remote shutter release in my hand for about half an hour waiting for a hummingbird to come to the feeder. When I had given up and was just standing near the feeder hand-holding my camera, one finally came! He actually came back several times, so I was able to reposition and try some different settings. He didn't seem wary of me or the kids at all! So in the end I was able to great some great shots, and this is one of my favorites.

Day 222: My bible study group

This is my bible study group. Ashley (second from the right) has been our leader, but she is leaving soon. Her husband just got a job out of state, so they are moving later this month. I thought this was going to be our last meeting with her, which is why I took my camera, but lucky for us she'll still be here next week at least. After that we're going to have to try and struggle on without her! We'll definitely miss her, she has a lot of knowledge in theology and has been great at guiding the group.

Day 221: The biggest caterpillar I have ever seen!

Yesterday, during my MOMS afternoon, I noticed this HUGE caterpillar crawling across the doorstep. I've never seen one this big, and I thought the kids would love to see it, so I captured it and put it in a bucket until they got home. I was right, they were fascinated with it. Elizabeth wanted to keep it, so I let her keep it in the bucket overnight, then today we released it back into the garden. It immediately started trying to burrow into the ground. I believe it is a tobacco hornworm. To be honest, the thing grossed me out quite a bit!

Day 220: MOMS coffee & dessert afternoon

Today I had my MOMS reunion coffee and dessert afternoon. Only three moms were able to make it in the end, but we still had a really nice afternoon chatting and relaxing. And all the desserts were delicious!