a pony ride

Over the weekend we visited one of our friend's family farm complete with sheep, a big dog, a mini horse, and a tractor.  We first fed the sheep apples, and then we took our turn on the pony ride.  The cutest sounds came out of little M.  He was in "hosey" heaven. Then he was in "did der" (digger) heaven when Jake climbed in the tractor with him on his lap.  These new adventures with a boy is a riot.  Oh little farm, you did us some good.  

the fire's out

The fire continued to burn Wednesday, moving south east one part going up and the other moving down.  The few helicopter planes that were trying to fight this fire, were only left to lay down tardent to prevent the fire from damaging homes.  The flames were too big, causing too much smoke to see where the flames were to actually fight it.  And we were still waiting for the special team of forest fire fighters to get here.  Thursday rolled around and it started to RAIN.  Not forecasted mind you.  And it was the perfect kind of rain-- a downpour would have caused mudslides, but this steady slow rain seeped through the burnt-waxy earth to extinguish the fire.  And to top it all off, a double rainbow over the very mountains made an appearance.  I can't make this stuff up.  A miracle.  The next day still had low temperatures, but the clouds cleared enough for the fire fighters to find existing hot spots.  So the rest of the week and this week we've had helicopters monitoring the fire making sure it doesn't flare up again.  But I think it's out because of that unexpected blessed rain.  How could it not.  The perfect ending.

snap shots

I think we captured some really good memories-- swimming, walks, play time, water, and hugs in our grand 7 days together.  I was really surprised how well Myer and Navy played together.  I guess since Navy had her girl toys and Myer had his boy toys, they just played next to each other.  The greatest playmates.  Everyday I would tell Myer we were on our way to play with Navy and Maddix, and he would grab my hand and head for the door.  I am so glad he knows who his cousins are even when they are two states away.  Having this time with my niece and nephew was also priceless.  Wish we could see them more often so we'll take these babysitting jobs when they come our way.  The kiddos leave tomorrow and I'm not sure how to help Myer with the withdrawals.  Or myself actually.  I guess we'll just have to take our turn and visit New Mexico.  Shoot.  See you next time Maddix and Navy!

our family photo session with yan

A month ago, we had our family pictures taken in our cottage with the lovely yan. I dearly love our cottage, and wanted some photos that captured my family in my favorite place.  Thank you yan, you certainly did just that! Please click here to view the complete session.

red, white, and blue

Patriotic mini flags

patriotic striped clothes

patriotic flowers

and the flag itself.

Despite all the smoke and fire we were proud to display our colors.
We are grateful for all the service men who serve our country,
including fireman fighting this fire.
Thank you for your service.

Happy Birthday America!

alpine's on fire

It's a little too close for comfort

and bringing back some memories of the fire that occurred here 

12 years ago just a ridge over.

So far homes are safe,

only one barn burned,

but many are evacuated and more are on stand-by.

I've got my list made and things somewhat gathered

but really, what do you grab?

Diapers made the list as those things are so darn expensive,

photo books,

journals,

laptop,

important files,

cameras,

books,

and naturally our bikes.

Of course our bikes.

I don't think it'll come to an evacuation

but watching those flames climb the mountain in a matter of minutes

really put my booty in gear to organize myself.

USA's birthday will be a little different today

with the lack of fireworks (which is totally fine by me!)

but not all birthdays need fireworks.

Just a really good bbq or two.

Happy 4th and stay safe. 

above pic from the view of our street

babies and water

We are surviving this week and it's all thanks to the swimming pool.  Babies love water.  And I love my kiddos in swimsuits and smelling like Coppertone.  Mmmhmm.  Now if we could just swim the rest of this week, we'll be golden.  Mommy comes home Thursday so pool day tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Yep!

p.s. did we notice how tan baby Navy is??? And how fair Myer is?  So different those two, even down to skin color.