Quick Christmas Photos

It's been way too long....

Well, since it's been so long I hardly know what to say. Kiki has turned 1 year old and I have 2 torturous months of pregnancy left. Homeschooling is wonderful and I am really loving it. It's just so much fun to actively watch my children learn new things. On Wednesday next I get to scrapbook and I've ordered and organized my photos for that. Hubby has the new car itch (and he really does need a new car) so any day now I'm expecting him to show up driving something I've never laid eyes on before. Yes, he does that. He up and buys cars and then brings them home. Thankfully, he has impeccable taste.



Now, does anyone want to come and clean my kitchen cabinet doors? That is my next looming project.



Here are some mostly-up-to-date photos for your viewing pleasure. For those of you who have spent any time at our house, you will recognize the front yard where that stag is lounging. Truly, it was amazing to be so close to it!

Let it Snow--

Grandpa and Bug

They went camping together. What more can I say? Bug had a fantastic time and loved wearing camo, BDUs and shooting his bow and arrows.

Butterfly Pavillion

Kids are often so much braver than adults...and this is one of those time! My kids both held Rosie the Rosehaired Tarantulla. Nope. I wouldn't touch it. But I did take photos. And how could I not? My friend CJ took the butterfly photo and I managed to get this one of Bug sitting (amazingly) serenely with a butterfly on his shirt. It was such a fun day!

The Labor Day Balloon Classic

This is one of those events that is really fun once you're there. The colors are amazing, watching the balloons go from ground up is incredible. And the look of awe on the children's faces is astounding. BUT you have to get up at 5:30 am and get the kids in the car to do it.

HILARIOUS!

Honestly, you just have to read this!

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A Budgie Buddy Pooped on Me

I am sure you're wondering what exactly a "budgie buddy" is. Well, it is a little obnoxious bird that pooped on me. Yes, I know birds have no sphincter muscles and I walked into the building on purpose to see the birds. But I didn't want to get pooped on. Regardless, Bug had several of the birds land on his popsicle stick and he even tried to pet one (it wouldn't let him!). One landed on his arm but it scared Bug and the bird flew away. Now, however, he's a bird feeding champ!

And this is what our little Kiki did at the zoo...nosh on my apple core. But she sure was happy!

This baby giraffe had no qualms about Bug petting him for a while. Do you think he might be a bit too used to humans?

And here are the poopers.... No, not my kids, the birds!

Taylor Reservoir

Honestly, he wanted to go in...on purpose! The kids and I went to the "beach" at the Reservoir and they wanted to swim. Well, Bug still had on his pj's because it was so cold that morning. He just got dressed over his cute football pajamas and then stripped back down to them for a little swim. And little Peanut got down to her skivvies for the swim. Those mountain lakes are deceiving. As you can see, the water was colder than they thought!

The Obligatory 1st Day of Kindergarten Photo

We all look back on those "first day of _(fill in grade here)_ " photos and think we look like dorks. And we did look like dorks. What I didn't know is that our moms, standing there taking these photos thought we were the cutest things alive. They were wondering when it was that we grew up and how easily they lost track of the time. Then they remembered that they were one child short in the house for the day. What kinds of fun things could they go and do?

Honestly, Bug was so excited about school and everything to do with it. He has talked about it all summer and now he is there. Right this minute he is sitting in a classroom like such a grown up kid and he's doing it all without me.

It's the "without me" part that is terrifying. Is he having fun? What is he learning? Is he safe? Do the other children like him? Are they going to tease him? Is he going to tease the other children? Okay, the latter is much more reasonable of a question. He's not timid and has no problem taking the bull by the horns. I might even feel a bit sorry for the poor jerk making fun of my kid if he gets on Bug's nerves too badly.

The good news is that he's in a class with 5 of his best friends, he loves learning and making new friends. I think he's going to make it.