Ava's Sixth Posted Art Gallery

The grand, and ever-changing artwork of my little artist continues with her sixth art post! I noticed that she doesn't just look at a picture in a book and draw it, but now she looks at an object in the room and draws it. For example, Diego, our old cat. Or she'll draw something from memory. Horses remain her primary subject. But, even they have changed with her growing style. She draws them in all sorts of poses. I think her art just changes as fast as she grows, which makes documenting it so fun......
Ava gave this first drawing to her dad :)

This is one of my favorites: 

Until next time! 
:) 

Breaking News:

This month has been a big one!
Bryan passed his oral exams! A significant step closer to his PHD!
 I'm so incredibly proud of him!

Also, this may not be breaking news if you are on facebook. But, here is what I posted the other day:

Coming Soon
November 16
"Baby"
A Team Hamilton Production

Monday I will be 10 weeks along. I'm already looking forward to the second trimester. The first is the pits. At least it has been this time around..........I won't miss the nausea, abdominal tendon pain, low back pain, or the heartburn. But, I just power through it by walking, resting, doing massages, resting, playing with the kids, resting, cleaning the house/doing yard work, resting, tap dancing, and resting  :)
I plan on jump starting my garden in the next few weeks.
Can I have this new Hami baby delivered by a stork just like in fairy tales?
lol

I have a new doctor. I like him already. He told me I only needed to see him every two months since I have to go 100 miles one way. I can handle that :)
He is professional, but relaxed; and a little bit cocky.... all good traits to have in a doctor. Haha

We are going to name the baby "surprise"
Just kiddin'
:D
LOL

April Showers

.......... in the form of snow. We had about a foot of snow the last couple of days! I don't mind it this time of year because it usually melts quite fast. I wasn't expecting this much at one time though! We've had some measurable precipitation this month. I will say that I don't like the cold. I miss t-shirt weather, and the ability to exercise on a regular basis. *Sigh*
Funny to think, that this was the day I had plans of mowing the lawn. Guess I better pay more attention to our inaccurate weather forecasts  ;)

I really did think we were through with the snowsuits and heavy winter gloves.
 I should have known; silly me......

Zeek is the only one who is truly thrilled to see a fresh blanket of cold snow...... lol

At least it was good packing snow!

 We went back to using our wood stove. The power went out a few times. Good thing we had a lantern and the game of Candy Land to entertain us. Of course the kids just love to use the flashlight in the house. The power kicked on just as we were headed to bed :)

Weekend Trip: Red Rock Visitor Center

The Visitor Center was full of interesting exhibits. They even had some interactive things for the kids. There were many people there sharing the beautiful day. Like I mentioned before, I was eager to see if the tortoises were out!

The tortoises did come out for a visit!

Tortoise Crossing! 

Doesn't it look like a proud tortoise?
They live a long time, so they must be old and wise :)

I thought there were only two tortoises in this shelter. However, one turtle pushed out another. Then, again; and yet again! There were a total of 5 just in that one spot! 

One was thirsty. Another was hungry........

These next two looked deep in conversation, or just stared deeply in each other's eyes......

Here is a short video clip I took of one tortoise confronting another:

*Special thanks to Daryl! 

Our trip concluded when we got home Sunday night and went to bed around 11:30 pm........
totally worth it though!
:)