Morning Walks

I have been really enjoying the morning walks Elle, Daisy and I take to the top of the mountain behind our house. It is a beautiful view and we all seem to look forward to it. Elle asks frequently, "Walk, Mama? Walk?". Sometimes we have to get bundled up. It has been chilly here some days. The hills after the rain are so beautiful though. It is truly a relaxing and refreshing part of my day. I thought the picture standing in Mama's shadow was so cute.

Fort Freedom

Fort Freedom



Colby and Daisy
Burke Swinging from the ropes



This Monday's holiday we spent time in our yard cleaning up. It was a beautiful day with the temp in the 70's and 80's. We have been promising the boys a treehouse for a while, so we decided to do a little work on it. It is still in progress but boy do they love it. Colby came home from school yesterday and said. " Mom, I couldn't wait to come home to play in my fort with my dog!"
He did just that, came home took his homework to his fort with Daisy and had a snack!

We haven't been able to use the fort this weekend but Daddy has plans to build a roof for times when it rains.

Daisy Mabel

It was a tough decision. They are all so cute. But we all finally decided on Daisy Mabel. A little black girl lab. She has been so much fun so far. She is the one in the middle of the 3 black labs together. She has made the perfect addition to our family.

Cursef

We rented the movie the water horse quite a while back. WE all really enjoyed the movie. It makes me laugh everytime Colby talks about the movie still. He insists that Crusoe is actually, Cursef. It is so cute. Seems these little words are so fewer and further between these days.

Apricot Jam

I made my first attempt at canning last week. Our apricot tree had such a plentiful harvest. Sheral came over and helped me make apricot jam. I looked for directions on the Internet and found a cool web site . It gave me step by step directions to follow with pictures. I had a great time and most of jam turned out perfect. I also made and canned apricot syrup and some apricot pineapple jam- hasn't set up yet. I don't think it is going to. Oh well. I am excited to try to make some orange marmalade and blueberry jam as well.

The 3 little kittens

We got 3 kittens from Aunt Andrea & Uncle Ron. The boys and Elle have been enjoying them very much. Burke named his Bullet, he is gray and white. Colby's was King originally but we figured out that he is a she so the name is now McQueen, she is long hair black and white. The last one Colby wanted to name Chicken, Mommy wanted Chick and Grandma Pam liked Chicken Little. So he is some variation of this name. He has white ears and is also black and white but with short hair. He is Daddy's favorite. They are doing well so far. We are trying to make them more friendly by spending lots of time with them. Laverne our other cat doesn't like them much but she will get over that.

Garden Casualty

We are at war with a gopher. We had a garden casualty today. He took out one of our zucchini plants and our lawn. I'm hoping he doesn't get too comfortable. We put about 100 gallons of water down his hole yesterday so hopefully we drown him. We might have to use a smoke out next time. Kinda bummed!! He took out part of our crook neck squash yesterday.

Our Pond

This poor little lizard...he looks cool doesn't he just hanging out baking in the sun on the edge of the plant? Pictures are often deceiving. We find about one or 2 of these little guys a week in the pond since we have put it in. I fished him out today, he drown. We had 2 others bake before there was water. Poor little suckers!










When we moved into the country we had a spot in our grass that well, never had any. Grandpa Larry had a pond that was given to him by Kevin and Debra (our cousins) that he had never put in the ground. So when we moved in he said we could use the materials to put in our own pond if we wanted. 2 weekends ago we finally got to it. It has been a process and still isn't quite finished but the kids just love it. They have played legos in it, sat in it, cars in it, and now splashed in it. We got some water plants yesterday from some of Grandpa Jeph's friends, Thomas and Lourdes. As well as 2 frogs. But the kids tormented them so much they hopped out of the pond and we are not sure where they went. Today, Grandpa Jeph surprised us with 12 new fish for the pond. So we all had to be a part of letting the new fish into the upper deck of the pond. We are conducting an experiment to see how many of the fish stay in the upper deck. Anyone want to make a guess?

Dad and I sit out by it in the evening and find it very relaxing. It's the little things in life isn't it?


I just loved these pictures of the kids looking into the water at their own reflection. My favorite, not sure why just think they are cool.

Our Garden

Our Garden is starting to give us veggies and fruit. We are all so excited. A week after we moved in Mom got all excited and planted a vegetable garden. We didn't get any pre pictures but all of our plants are still pretty small. Yet they are still producing yummy zucchini, tomatoes, crook neck and bell peppers. We are waiting for the eggplant, jalapenos and onions. The herb garden is doing great too with basil, cilantro and onion chives I use all the time. Plus we added some mint this year!! The kids help me water and monitor the health of the plants. They are great little helpers.
Our apricot tree has gone crazy too. I am hoping to have my grandma down to help me make some apricot jam this year. This is one of the best things about living in the country. We have enjoyed the oranges and avocados so much so far. Fresh orange juice all the time. MOM and DAD and the kids love it!! Colby was so excited on his birthday to have fresh squeezed orange juice made by DAD!