New Mexico State Fair!

Every year, the state fair is such a big hit with the kids! It was especially fun to see Dylan take in the sights this year, although we must admit that what was funnest for him was walking up and down the road and dancing to the music. (How about that cotton candy???)

Weekend Camping Trip!

We just spent two nights in the Santa Fe National Forest at the Holy Ghost campground, supposedly the only campground in a National Forest in the United States to be haunted! We regret to report that we had no ghostly activity what-so-ever. We did have a skunk visit our site in the middle of the night (thankfully he did not stink us out...) and we saw several deer in the forest. Our campsite backed up to a little stream that kept the girls entertained. The weather was gorgeous although quite cold at night. I must make the journey to REI and get warm sleeping bags... Dylan enjoyed himself and was quite the helper getting dinner ready and setting up the camper with Daddy. He sure was hoping to use our outdoor shower and we found him trying several times. It was definately easier to camp with a walking baby and he even got new shoes for the occasion! All in all, it was such a fun family adventure and we hope to do it a lot more often!

The Great Bunny Chase!!

Our bunnies run loose in the yard and do not allow themselves to be caught easily. We were so lucky to have our good friends visit from Pittsburgh last weekend and the girls spent a lot of time trying to catch those bunnies (wearing lots of protective gear in case of scratching...)!

Shhhhh...

Walkin' and Kissin"

Kiss for Granny

Hoses are FUN!!

Tilt a World!!!!!!!!!

Don't get dizzy watching this, Grandma A!

Wild Animals at the Amusement Park

"The Duet"

Lovin' That Guy!

Braces!

Mason's new smile is officially under construction!

The Virtues of Overalls...

Overalls can be so handy-- they are great for getting a baby away from danger quickly, perfect for carrying said baby, and provide a wonderful swing when another can't be found...

Labor Day in Taos!

Playing With the Hose!

Backyard Wildlife

This hawk has been hanging around in our back yard. It is very beautiful but we are wondering what it is snooping around for. Is it interested in our bunnies, who hop freely in the back yard? Or does it want to sample one of the baby turtles or frogs in our pond??? What about the fish in the pond??? As long as its intentions are not about sampling from our small animal meal menu, we are thrilled with its visits!

It Isn't Summer Without a Day at Cliff's...

Ahhh, the rumble of the roller coaster, little cars that go round and round, screams and laughter... we just couldn't miss Cliff's this summer! We really lucked out and got a mostly overcast day. That was good for Mom, who rode one too many spinny rides with Mason and was sick the rest of the afternoon...Dad took Dylan home for a nap and I just sat in the shade and watched the girls and their cousins run from ride to ride. Dylan was totally entertained with Dad dripping water on his head...

That Granny is Sooooo Funny!!

I Know Body Parts!!

Strolling in a Deserted Mall

Look who's driving...

Backseat Dancing

Lookin' Sharp!

Fun on the Jeep with Robert and Julia!!

DYLAN WALKING VIDEOS

Hannah Starts Kindergarten!

Hannah had her first day of kindergarten today! Unlike on Mason's first day of kindergarten, the parents were invited into the classroom while her teacher read "The Kissing Hand" (which, of course, we had read the night before...) and then we were allowed to do a special kiss goodbye before we left. It felt so much better than saying goodbye in line on the first day and I think it helped Hannah transition from Mom to a new situation. There were no tears, although she confesses that a few snuck out during rest time. Other than that, she seems to have had fun. I am still holding my breath for a bit longer, though, because Mason's first couple of months of kindergarten were so traumatic that I am forever scarred...
In the pictures, Hannah is holding her backpack, lunchbox, and nap sack which is filled with things for quiet time. Also, be sure to notice how happy Mason is that her little sister is finally going to school with her! That is her true happy smile!!

Hannah's First True Piano Song!

Future Salsa Dancer???

And Third Grade Begins...

Here is our tiny baby Mason ready for her first day of third grade! How fast the time flies! Third grade sounds so huge. She had a great day and from what I understand, we hit the jackpot on the teacher this year! Hannah also met her kindergarten teacher today and will start classes on Thursday. I will be holding my breath until I see that she is happy. I always have a hard time sending them off to kindergarten...

Happy Guy Video!!

First Video!

Slumber Party!

Robert and Julia spent Tuesday night over. Lots of fun!

More on Granny's Patio!

Treasure Hunt

Gotta Get Away!!!

Sometimes when Hannah is at loose ends, she finds it entertaining to try getting reactions out of her baby brother. Interestingly enough, he seems to sense when she is in one of these moods and comes running and complaining to Mom.

Dylan's First Kiss...

Little Izzy tried so hard to give Dylan kisses and hugs but he is a guy who is not ready for romance yet...

In the Taos Ski Valley

We spent Friday morning in the Taos Ski Valley with Kersti, Briget, Izzy and some other friends. The girls especially liked eating wild strawberries on the bunny slope.

A Boy and His Granny...