Ian

Ian was sick today. He started to get sick at 1:39 a.m.

He stayed home with Mommy and Colin today to recover. He's always such a trooper. He doesn't complain and gets back to normal quickly.

It's 7 p.m. and he's been feeling better for a few hours now. He doesn't have a fever so we're relieved and can't wait until he's all better!

Colin Said...

The other morning I said, "Well, it's time to check the weather."

As I opened my laptop to get on weather.com, Colin said, "Daddy... I don't want weather today."

As far as computers go, we have a small "laptop" that Colin uses. It's something that Steph brought home from school and has a few educational games on it. Colin enjoys it as it hinges open and has a digital display with letters and numbers on it.

The other day he asked for it: "Daddy, I want my panooter!"


Am I crazy or does that beat the Family Circus obligatory dashed line tracing the little kids' steps around the yard!?? Bil Keane eat your heart out!

Please Stand By...

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


Be back soon.


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!