Being A Part-Time Pet Owner

We are fond of some animals, but having allergies has narrowed down the window of who we could invite into our home, and the thought of having a "forever toddler" has really soured our desire to add that to our plate, especially as we've had 3 kids in 3.5 years, diapers were our song for many years.  When it comes to having that as a responsibility, it just hasn't fit with our travel and adventure lifestyle.
Since moving to St. Louis, however, we have fallen in love with an animal, the cardinals.  The kids take this job very, very seriously.  They clean out the bird bath every other day, we've researched exactly what seed to buy to attract this specific bird, and I'd like to say it feels like we have the perfect budget/travel friendly pet.  Best of all, I don't have to clean up after them in the house (they do get a bit messy outside), no vet bills or that big of a responsibility.  It's a win win!
We first saw the female cardinal all alone in the bird bath when the brilliantly colored red cardinal arrives. She leaves shortly after. "Don't mind if I do!"

He was going to town, splashing and making a big, big, big mess.

When all of a sudden he looks right at me, "Who you staring at?  Who, ME?  Bad hair day?  NO!"