Friday, April 13, 2012

Poultry in Motion....


Why did the chicken cross the road?

To check out the creative new sign!


Audrey designed, carved & erected a couple of signs for my mom. They are so cool; she did a fabulous job! I may have to hire her for a couple of projects in my yard ;) 






Love them!

:)






Tuesday, April 10, 2012

C is for Cousins

It's a special day when we get to see the cousins! A week ago the Osburn clan came out for a visit. Ava was excited the whole week before they made their appearance. lol
Sydnie, Jorja, and Morgyn looked so grown up. Crazy!


Jamie being Jamie ~ LOL



We took a moment to get an updated photo of the kids all together:









Of course, the trampoline is always an attraction :)











Isaac being goofy as usual ........


Making a muscle! LOL



They were thrilled when Jamie gave them a ride around the yard......









This last photo ended up being my favorite!
So cute!

"You are my sushine; you make me happy when skies are grey"..........

It was great to see you Sarah, Jamie, Sydnie, Jorja, and Morgyn!

Friday, April 6, 2012

S.p.r.i.n.g time!

It's been great to see the signs of spring (although winter weather hasn't retreated yet). The grass is greening in our yard. The leaves are unfolding on the trees. My forsythia bushes are glowing yellow. 15 miles away in my mom's yard (lower in elevation) she's got flowers blooming everywhere! The only thing I haven't put up in my yard are the hummingbird feeders. I have an unhealthy relationship with a gopher that's been reaping havoc on our property. I'm still trying to trap him. The cats clearly aren't doing their job. Maybe Zeek can help out with that.........

 


 
It's lovely to see color popping out :)


 
Of course, spring weather is extreme weather. One day it's 60 degrees ~ the next day it's a different story. At least this time of year, the snow doesn't stay too long.  I would prefer, however, to have April showers not April snow. This is the time of year the wind shows a little more aggression too. 

 



Zeek has been a good puppy. He's still causing tears with his razor teeth - but he spends most of the time outside chewing on sticks. Diego and Zeek actually get along now. Alaska is still avoiding the situation. Zeek already seems bigger! Along with tears and frustration we have tender moments:




Beginning of a new friendship for life


In other news:


Bryan has been out in the field, as the rattlesnakes are emerging from their dens. Him and his crew have caught, processed, and released many snakes this spring already. It's almost the season of the snakes ;)



My mom starts work up at Great Basin NP on the 16th of April. She's had her days off changed this summer. Because she babysits Isaac & Ava while I work in Ely one day a week,  I changed my therapeutic massage day in Ely to Fridays effective the 20th.



I'm getting a little slower start on my planting season. Usually I have carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, and peas planted already. I plan on getting my hands dirty in my garden next week.



Bryan & I have 3 concerts lined up in the next 3 months: The Guess Who, Trampled by Turtles, and The Scopions ~ in Wendover, Salt Lake City, and Vegas. We are getting out this summer! Horray for date nights!!!!!!



Bryan and the guys are still jammin' with their instruments on Friday nights at T & D's. As the weather warms, they'll be able to relocate outside which will be even more fun. I'm still taking tap dance class with the ladies. We are going to perform "footloose" at the Border Inn at some point during the early summer.

There's only a couple more months of preschool, or less. Hard to believe! *sniff*



I feel like we are climaxing/approaching the top of a rollercoaster ride and we are about to speed down full force as the summer approaches. It's getting to be that time of year! Hold on!
Hope all of you have a great Passover/Easter weekend!


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Biking Challenge

Last month (it feels weird to type that since we are only a few days into April) we had some incredibly warm days to get excited about bike riding again. Actually we've been able to ride bikes more this winter than ever! Ava is on her bike almost every day. What makes it more fun is getting together with friends and enjoying longer rides.



Usually we get together with the Gretchen, Matthew, and Emma. Matthew & Ava both have alpha, competetive personalities and are driven to peddle faster to see who can take the lead. lol
I just think of it as a great way to expel their energy..... Haha

These 4 year olds just got new, larger bikes this year. I literally feel like I get a workout now riding along with them. Plus they are building stronger muscles. They will be primed for the wheel-a-thon come September!



So, to challenge their little bodies and skills further, Gretchen recommended this trail just outside of town that had hills (like a motorcycle stunt area)...... so after a quick photo-op, we followed Gretchen's lead to play at this new location :) 

Check out this view!



It was a good challenge (even for me as it only confirmed my feelings about getting into shape)!
The kids had to gain some momentum to make it up the hill on the other side. They even learned how to negotiate sand in some spots which tested their balance :)
We'll have to come back again for more practice ;)



Usually I pack Isaac on my back during bike rides. But, he was napping so he stayed home with dad. Emma was happy with snacks and playing in the bushes....... and getting awesome rides with her mom with full front view! Can't get any better than that!









It's a good feeling to have the sun on your back, wind through your hair, blood surging through veins & muscles burning with "good" pain ........ lol

Nothing compares to it, especially for a 4 year old!

Gretchen posted some fun photos of this little adventure on her blog too if you're inclined to check it out:
http://desertsurvivor.blogspot.com/2012/03/stunt-riding.html


Bicycle commute

Stillness returns as I retrace the path
Daily rhythms hold at workday close.

Spirit wind is a constant companion.
Even when the leaves are idle,
The breathe of life is called forth
By the joy of movement.

Time is irrelevant, the sun moves
The mind to reflect on the day
As gravel stones sing a broken melody
And the horizon communicates purpose.

Machine, sacred ring of Black Elk's vision
Revealed in steel and sweat.

~ Alan Bender

Don't forget to keep moving no matter what!