Word Break, Picture Time

Here's a random assortment of pictures from the last few weeks:



A couple of Sundays ago we had some special visitors. We happen to be looking out the window at the time when they all flew in and landed. What a special surprise!

Part of my getting ready for this upcoming year is trying to think of ways to keep us all in order, especially this little guy. He doesn't take two naps a day like he did last year, so it will be a huge challenge to keep everyone studious with him running around.  I have a list of special activities for him posted in the kitchen and supplies stored away in a special spot.  Here's to hoping my planning and preparation will be helpful in some way. Lord, give me grace!!!  (pretty please!!??)

He made this one up himself. I'm not so sure what I think of it but it IS creative. I'll give him that.

cup stacking

They love their free hot dogs at The Meat Market. Actually, we just love The Meat Market in general. Once during the school day they gave us a special tour behind the scenes where they hang the pigs and cows and process all the meat. Pretty cool!

One of our favorite summertime meals: Drunken Noodles (thanks to the half cup of white wine). LOVE all the fresh summer produce in it.

One of Basil's numerous finds. 

Getting started on our history reading with some play dough in hand. 

Last Saturday Doug and I slept in until 7:15am. I opened the bedroom curtains to see this! Nutmeg and her homemade kite at 7:15 in the morning. So precious.

Another special house guest. (at least briefly)

trying to get a close-up.

Happy Saturday

Te, he. Doug and I are laughing at this.  This morning Mace is having Sage do this game with him over and over and over again. After the little piece flies out he says "Oooh yeah." Over and over and over again. We mimic him "Oh, yeah."  So he says it again. "OOooh yeah" Cracks me up.

Wednesday evening Basil, Sage, Nutmeg and I went strawberry picking. We picked two flats. So I froze two bags full, made strawberry jam, this Strawberry Souffle, and some strawberry bread. Yum!



Wednesday morning the kids and I went for a little walk at Ableman's Gorge.  The kids (Basil especially) love to go there to find neat minerals and rocks.

They found a big turtle or tortoise. (I don't know the difference yet. I'd have to look it up.)

If you were wondering . . .

if there was some inside joke about the picture of Basil trying to jump in the water . . .

. . . there is, It started like this:

So then it was recreated . . .

And then since Mace seems to take most after Basil, we gave him his first glimpse. . .

Alaska Trip: Kenai Peninsula Fair (Ninilchik!)

**I didn't have time to touch up all the pictures here, oh well.

One of my favorite memories about this trip was Nutmeg's horse ride. I suppose we could have gone to any fair in America to do the same thing but it was extra special to share the moment with family. We were walking around the fair when Doug spotted the horse ride. If you know our little Nutmeg you know she isn't afraid anything! She has held snakes around her neck as big as herself. Doug just knew the ride would be a hit for Nutmeg. And was it ever! The smile you see on her face was glued on her happy face the entire time.  I have never, ever seen her so blissfully mesmerized. It was a truly magical five minutes! Complete with pink cowgirl hat. 

We have a horse ranch down the road from our house that gives lessons. I may just have to see what they charge for a few lessons.  

Mr. Basil also had quite the thrill himself. He was determined to ride "The Zipper." After the ride he told me, "I was terrified . . . but I loved it!" Lol. All boy! Here is a photo essay by Doug on his wait for his ride with his cousin Kelsey. 

And . . . no worries, Sage had some fun of his own. With Aaron the Bear, of course. Here he is on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

Another photo essay by Doug while I was in the baby tent nursing Mace. Aunt Jaemi treating the kids to flavored popcorn. A big hit with these two. The last picture must be the result of the sugar load. Aahh, the good fair life. 

One of our last stops at the reptile room. 

What a beautiful day!!