June 16, noon. Mom says: "You guys are getting pretty big. You might want to find different bedrooms elsewhere."

June 16th: Two hours after Mom suggests we leave the nest, Rob stands up to check out escape routes.

Rob says: "OK, let me try my wings. I want to soar with the Eagles."

Rob says: "Gee. That's not working. I don't seem to be going anywhere!"

Rob: "OK, I'll just sit on you guys while I figure out how to leave."

Rob: "It's about 8 p.m. I'd better get going before it gets too dark."

Rob: "Here I go. Wish me luck."

One foot out. (That only took 15 minutes.)

"I'm on my way." exclaims Rob.

Rob: "Look how far I am!"

Rob whispers from an upper limb: "The bad guys can't even see me. Am I worried? Sure am, but I'm out."