Hooray for Dylan!

In an attempt to get Dylan off the couch and into his bedroom we've started having a bedroom party. Each night that Dylan sleeps in his room he gets a donut the next morning. After a successful night in his room last night we sang Happy Bedroom to Dylan. He was so happy to get a donut with a candle!

Park Fundraiser

Holli's school is having their annual fall fund-raiser. They have lots of cute wrapping paper and gift wrapping supplies for sale. If this is something you plan on purchasing anyway, please consider buying it from Holli. You can go here to order online. In addition to gift wrapping supplies they have magazine subscriptions, chocolates and flower bulbs.

Thanks for the support!

Fall Colors with Mimi

We had a nice visit with Drew's Mom, Mimi, over the weekend. We kept very busy on Saturday by going to the farmer's market, Oktoberfest and a birthday party. On Sunday we took a drive up Lime Creek to see the fall colors. The Aspen trees are so pretty right now.

Bad Cat

We had the hamster out for a little play time and when we went to put him back in his cage we found it was already occupied. Did Oliver think we wouldn't notice and he could have a little snack when Dark White went back home?

Spider

Dylan and I were on our daily bat hunt and we found this spider by the front door. I looked it up and I think it is a cat faced spider. Harmless to humans but I still don't like the look of it.

Baby Gifts

Our friends, Zack and Carrie, are having a baby in December. I looked through my friend's blog to get an idea of what to make for a gift. I had so much fun sewing the changing pad, wipes bag and butterfly onesie.

Zippity Do

We went to the Harms' house Saturday morning and built a zip line. The kids loved it! Below are a couple of videos of the kids on the zip line.




Dylan rides zip line.

Holli rides zip line.

It's a moose!!!!

We had some neighbor friends over Friday evening. One of our friends, Trevor, works for the DOW and spotted a moose from our backyard! There were quite a few people here and no one had ever seen a moose in Durango before. We got out binoculars and you could clearly see his big antlers. It was so cool!!!!!

New Visitor

Dylan and I just discovered a visitor on our front porch... a bat! Hopefully he'll eat some of our flies.

Celebrating Oma

My Oma passed away early this morning. She was 86 years old. She lived a full life... white water rafting when she was 70 and traveled to Hawaii and Alaska in her 80's. When she was younger she was a very talented seamstress. She made a Raggedy Ann doll that Holli now has and made lots of Barbie clothes that her Great Grandkids can still enjoy. We'll miss her but I'm happy she gets to be with Papa and Grandpa Joe again.

This photo was taken when we visited in March. I just could not get all 3 of them to look at the camera and smile at the same time!

Lazy Cat

This is what happens when the dryer door is left open.

FINALLY!!!!

I finally finished Holli's rag quilt last night. This was supposed to be a birthday present but it took a little longer that I had planned. Many people make these quilts over a weekend. This one took me a season to complete. Even with my Mom doing so much of the sewing when she was vising it July. I finally made myself sit down and finish it yesterday. Holli loves it and it's done just in time for the cold nights we've been having.

Busy, Busy

We have been so productive today and it feels so good. I painted Dylan's loft bed red and black per his request. Drew has cleaned and organized the garage and the laundry is almost all done. Just a few more clothes to hang up. The kids have been so good. Playing with each other and getting along so well. I am ready to relax on the deck and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Hot Springs

We had a great day at the Pagosa Hot Springs. They have 23 different pools and I think we hit at least 13 of them. The hottest pool was 108 degrees. We didn't stay in there very long. The coolest pool was 82 degrees. It was a like a regular size swimming pool. After soaking in the really hot the pools the 82 degrees was very refreshing.

This waterfall pool was one of our favorites. It was 95 degrees and over looked the San Juan river.

Playing in the waterfall.

During our lunch break Dylan posed as a Knight on the giant chess board.

A hunting we will go

Every Friday Durango schools get out at 1:30pm. So, yesterday afternoon Dylan and I met Holli at the bus stop, came home for a snack, grabbed our fishing net and headed off to the Durango West 2 pond. Right now there are frogs all around the waters edge and minnows everywhere. The kids managed to catch several frogs but had no luck with the minnows. As we were walking around the pond we saw the grand-daddy of all pond life... a giant crawfish. The kids and I tried so hard to catch one but never could. The kids were so patient, quietly waiting by the edge of the water for the crawfish to come close but we just weren't fast enough. Luckily, Drew showed up and caught one almost immediately. The kids were thrilled! Holli was so brave to hold the "mini lobster". Dylan was afraid it may attack us with it's enormous pinchers. We all managed to escape unharmed and the crawfish is back swimming in his pond.
Holli holding a frog.

Dylan holding a frog.

Holli holding the crawfish. She is so proud of herself!

3rd Place!!!!!

Holli recently participated in an art contest at the Art Supply House in Durango. She was given a very small canvas and told she could use any medium she liked. She chose crayon and marker. Her picture is a Unicorn and Unicorn baby under a rainbow. During the month of August the artwork was on display at the Art Supply House and anyone who visited the store could vote on their favorite pieces for each age group. Holli was in the youngest age group, 6 -11 years, and she won 3rd place! We are so proud of her!