Eagles?!?

Well, it's been a while since we updated this blog. Things have been a little exciting, but not too bad. on the 8th of february, we had Eagles in our backyard for the first time we can remember. For those of you who don't know our backyard is very scenic. We have several ponds bordering our yard, and beyond. As a result of this we have always had ducks and other small birds eating in our yard. Occasionally we have a hawk pluck a little bird from our bird feeder or hunt in the vicinity but we've never seen Eagles other than at the nearby golf course. Well on this particular Friday, Dad and Michael were both home, and Mom was still at work. Dad got looking out in the backyard and noticed a large bird next to one of the farther ponds eating something. (Warning: this gets a little morbid...) He grabbed his binoculars and saw that it was a golden eagle. It had plucked a duck off of the bank of the pond and was having a feast. He called Michael to come and see it. Michael grabbed his video camera, and came running. That is where we get these great pictures (thank you Michael). As they were watching the Eagle eat, Mom came home from work and was immediately updated on the situation. So now they are all watching as this eagle snacks away. Then they notice another large bird flying in to check out the scene. First they think it's a hawk, but it's too big. Then they think it's another golden eagle until they notice the white tail and head. So this Bald Eagle floats along the breeze over the other eagle, surveys the yard, and then floats right past the window where they are all standing, watching it all. And Michael had his camera rolling the entire time. As the Eagle ate there were several magpies and hawks hovering in the surrounding trees. But he ate for so long they got tired of waiting and flew off (except for the hawk that The eagle chased off). He came back a couple days later to check on his leftovers, and they haven't seen any eagles in the yard since. It was a really cool adventure though.
As for the rest of us, things are going well. Dad is still working for Westates Construction. they are still sending him between Rexburg and Saratoga Springs. Not so fun, but it's work. Mom is Still at Thermofisher (formerly Hyclone). Michael is thinking of going back to school next semester. Brian is in a city called El Centro, right near the border of California and Mexico. He loves being out in the Desert and is expecting ot be there until he comes home. He comes home in just under TWO MONTHS!!! But we're not excited or anything. He has really enjoyed his mission and has done a lot of good work. We are really proud of him. Melissa is still living in Logan (until mid July) and Steven is starting to talk. We have a lot of fun with him. We are excited for him to meet Uncle Brian.