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I've written a few new entries and I'm trying to update but I am temporarily unable to upload photos!


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T

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween!





Ian carving his Jack O' Lantern.





"Um ga' yooz diff!" ("I'm gonna use this!") Hard to say with the mouthpiece in - Safety first!





The gooey, fun part! Dig right in theyah!




Ian is proud, Colin steps on thumbtack.





Bobbing for candy. Yeah, I know.
















Bobbing for brothers!




Twick o' tweat!




Ian, the Ninja with fiancée Emma, the Fairie.





Thank moo!

Steph made this whole costume for Colin! Quite a project. It came out great! It has a hood with ears, too. It took a long time to convince Colin to wear it but, finally, after Auntie Toni said, "You've got to put on your hood so you can get some candy!" on it went! He doesn't have it on in the pictures but he wore it for a while.




We put a bright LED white light in Ian's pumpkin to make him visible (especially important this year because his costume was flat black). It makes the whole thing light up and looks like a glowing orange ball wherever he goes. Colin had a blinking light on his costume, too.

We all had fun and the boys made out like bandits!

Hiking

We always enjoy a good hike, long or short. Colin does more and more on two feet, less in the pack (which he is quickly outgrowing).





Soaring eagle.





Where a stream passes under the old railroad bed.





Kitty was scared.





Sometimes.....well.....they walk each other.





"Heel, Brother!"





"Good boy."





I'm sure it's safe.....



If you get a chance, run through the leaves!

Pow wow

Recently, we went to an animal refuge. Every year they host a pow wow. Native people sing, dance, celebrate and educate people about their culture. There are vendors, too. They sell furs, skins, handmade instruments, crafts, jewelry and other things.

We always enjoy seeing and learning about the animals, too.

This was not our first visit and it certainly will not be our last!




Drumming circle and traditional song.























There are plenty of walkways and trails.


















A moose smelling Colin's diaper.





What it would look like if a bear were to eat Ian feet first.





























Nice kitty!
















We prefer to see animals in the wild, of course, but these animals were not just taken from their natural habitat for the sole purpose of being watched in cages. Most were injured, some orphaned. It's good to learn more about them by seeing them up close. We talk to the kids about why the animals are here and to not attempt to capture a badger or mountain lion to bring home and put in a cage!

Upta Camp

It's always nice to spend some time at camp enjoying the weather and playing, swimming, boating, and whatever else. It's even better when other folks are there and can share in the good times!





Ian with the lunker!




The boys have found something...





...it's more of their own kind - hungry boys!





Cousins rule!





Three feet in the hammock? Hmmmmm.......





Jam a mahshmallow on that there stick, Mahtha!





Colin stealing a cheese curl from Momma.







Go, Ian!




Even after a full day of excitement it's impossible not to relax when you get views like this.




Summer goes by too quickly but we definitely soaked up as much sun and fun out of this day as possible!

Growin' Up Fast

Our Trip to NY

We had a lot of fun and good time with the family. Didn't get to see friends this time due to their plans and commitments, but I'll be home again in August and will catch up with them then.

Mom took us to their new public library. Quite a place!








Colin.





Steph reading to Ian.





One of the many mobiles in the children's section upstairs.







The landscaping is excellent. Makes you want to bring a book out their and relax to the sounds of the waterfall.






Frogs read to their kids, too!




Day 2 we went to a State park. We had so much fun we went back the next day for more fun in the sun, swimming, and a visit to the nature center.

They had an art exhibit featuring these works of intarsia (a technique of woodworking consisting of interlocking pieces). Each piece is precisely fitted to its neighbors. No stains are used, just clear finish, so everywhere you see a color change represents a border between two pieces of wood. Incredible!










Of course, a nature center has its share of animal exhibits as well.



Good doggie!


















Here, kitty - kitty!


Rick, Ian, Colin and I decided to take a hike. It wasn't a long one but proved to be a challenge. We ascended some 900 feet in .86 miles. Most of the way up and all the way down, I carried Colin. Whew! Sweaty!





We made it! (Notice how fresh Colin looks.)





On the trail with Uncle Rick.






"My carry you, Daddy. My carry you." We tried that a few times but in the end it worked out better if I was carrying him. Hard to do, but hard to resist when he looks at you like that!





It was quite an effort, but we got to the top. It was a little hazy, but what the heck. It was fun. Toward the end we had to rally our spirits. The way down felt easier, if only psychologically. We chanted over and over, "Fun part - easy ride - get a drink - go swimmin' !" Sometimes you just gotta keep on goin' !






It's nice when someone is sitting on your shoulders, pushing your head down as you try to navigate tricky terrain. You should try it!






"That was easy, Daddy! Let's play!"





Yeah! WATER!!!





R-2 made of sand imported from Tatooine.





Grandma with Colin.





You know you had a full day and a good time when...





Back at the apartment, Ian and Tara fed the honksters.





And Colin helped Grandpa with the more difficult crossword clues. G: "Five letter word for Pacifist? " C: "Binky!" G: "Right!"





Da boys.





Rick tries to reconstruct my tower after causing the top piece to come down. Not so easy is it, Brother?!





Well, it was good to see everyone as always. We saw Marion and Jeff and Stella, as well. Thanks and see ya next time!!!



1 : A remote control boat on the pond at Mom and Dad's.

2 : Ian gobbling at the nature center.