{inspiration: hawks}

yesterday we finally celebrated

our two year anniversary (which was supposed

to be March 28th) in Marysville.

on the way to our destination...nothing

but green fields and small neighborhoods

(in a way very peaceful).

the place we were heading to is called

"west coast falconry".

it is CA only licensedd falconry school.

people there own a huge piece of property

in the mountain

where they use it to train falcons and hawks.

they also offer classes for little children

to  learn about the birds.

for two hours we got to learn

where these birds come from,

how they prey their opponents,

and how they survive in the wild.

BUT the funnest part of all was

hiking with the hawks!

we were 30 minutes early

so we took some pictures:

heading up the hills now/excitement/

not quiet sure what to expect.

whenever you're ready for the hawk

to land on your wrist,

you would face your back toward them

with left hand extended.

then tap your left wrist and wave your right

hand while calling their names.

in this case- DIEGO! or SHEBOK!

(they look alike so i often call the wrong name)

when they see you calling them

they would fly over and land on your wrist...

because they know you have a piece

of squirrel meat in your hand to reward them.

(sometime i tricked them into thinking I have the meat)

Brandon bonding with Diego.

the action pics

they're beautiful but after learning about

how powerful their beaks and claws are...

i avoid making eye contacts.

the world's largest species of owl

(literally just hanging out

in their backyard!)

on our way home in the car:

brandon: 'aww i wish they made gloves small

enough to fit Mae so she could come with us.

me: 'aww that would be so cute! no wait,

but then,

the hawks might think Mae

is a jack rabbit and will prey on her.'

good thing you stayed home

with grandma,

Mae!

April:

Habitat's going away party/

Mae's first easter

Mom's 54th birthday

Kao's mission homecoming

looking forward to May...