Catch Up

A few photos from the last few weekends...September already!

Although school and learning never really ends for us we've been in talks about officially starting our more structured schedule next week. Our daughter graduated high school but is going to pursue a college prep math class along with pursing some fun interests to help her decide what her future holds. Our son will be in '8th' grade next year. He and I dubbed this year fun year since he's not yet in high school and this is the first year just him and I together. We are looking forward to adventuring, hiking, playing, exploring, bird watching, and more. He is excited about birds, photography, cooking, science and building.

 Our not so little girl is now 8 months old...she is spunky and full of personality. We dub the photo above her cute face. It took 20+ photos to get this cute shot. Her favorite treat at the moment is banana. She doesn't mind pea's either and loves cheerio's.

 She loves running among the weeds.

 Ernie spends all morning outdoors in the sunshine. He loves the outdoors more than any of our pups. He lays in the dirt soaking up the warmth. I call him and he just wags so I tell him he can stay.

 Our son lost his beloved chicken Acorn recently. She was 12 years old and the best bird ever. So tame and loving. She'd sit on his lap and enjoy pets. She came to the county fair many times enjoying sitting perched on the arm of our son's chair while she people watched and let kids pet her. Seriously the best bird ever and holds a very special place in our son's heart.

 A few favorite old pics... this completely sums up boy to me. Full on laying in the dirt, watching the clouds roll by daydreaming. Our son- always has been the slow mover, soaking up life, smelling the roses.

And my boys- the first time we explored our backyard forest in Idaho. Man do we miss that place. Where the trees tower over you. Its okay to feel so small every once in a while to put you in your place and make you appreciate this life and all it has to offer.

 Weekend brought making...chocolate chip cookies and canning applesauce.

September is off to a good start - living life slowly, enjoying each other daily.

June and now July

Where has the time gone? After finishing up the school year the first week of June we've been busy...relaxing. Kids have taken this whole summer break thing pretty seriously. We all enjoyed their Uncle coming out for a visit. We celebrated our daughter's 18th birthday and had family over. The kids spent a glorious few weeks lounging, reading, relaxing after their Uncle left. Then all of the sudden it was 4th of July...no fire works due to fire bans but we enjoyed a barbecue. That morning hubbie and I even got out just the two of us in nature for a few hours - so relaxing and beautiful. Otherwise life's been normal- filled with everyday blessings of taking care of our animals, enjoying monsoon weather and living life together. We made a summer bucket list of fun things to do, places to go, crafts to make and our son and I are already excitedly talking about 'school' plans for next year and adventures. 

A few pics below of animals, nature, beautiful monsoon sunrises and scared of the thunder pup.

Living everyday life together.

Class of 2018....Sneak Peek

Happy Graduation to our beautiful Terynity!

We commissioned our son who loves photography to take her grad pictures today.

We wanted to get them out sooner to friends and family but the color cap and gown she wanted took a bit longer to arrive than expected. Worth the wait, the blue is beautiful on her.

A little sneak peek of some pics I took...but not the actual ones going out that our son took...Friends and family will have to wait a few weeks on those!

 Just a couple from our son's camera.....

Excited to see her soar into her future, keep being brave, keep being determined, attain her goals, live her dreams and enjoy the rest of her life.

We love this sweet girl.

Weekending

Weekending Happenings

We checked out a new trail this weekend and plan to head back out soon so our son can bring his camera. We saw birds, water life and neat water plants. A beautiful spot.

 Picked up free extra large dog igloo's too this weekend. Hubbie says they are goat-gloos!

Our sweet daughter completed her senior homeschooling year of high school on Friday.

Our son and I sneaked into town real quick to pick her out a vase of flowers and a card.

 This sweet, beautiful girl.....Class of 2018!!

Time has gone by in the blink of an eye. When they are small you think you have all the time in the world and before you know it they are turning 18 and grown.

 I wouldn't change a thing. We have spent so many wonderful days, years, moments together. Homeschooling has given us time. Given her time...time to grow, time to explore. Its given us time to be supportive, encouraging, loving. We are SO very proud of her and know her future will be great.

Working on animal pens this weekend...

 Pig Pen-

 And introducing - our new girl - - - Miss Scarlett.

She's 8 years old, mellow and so very happy go lucky.

She had a rough upbringing until her last family rescued her. She was with them for 2 years and they are now moving from their acreage and unable to bring her with them.

We have adopted her into our family and will now be her forever home. 

Who knew you could fall in love instantly with an animal - this girl has already stolen our hearts.

She swam in her pool, ate grass and weeds, let us pet her and stroke her belly. 

She nuzzled into us and is fitting in great. She is so very loving and always happily wagging her tale.

Once she settles we'll do intro's with our other pig girl too.

 Our neighbor horses came to all gather to see who the new addition was!!

 Then they kept edging closer to take a peek into the pen. So curious!

Fun family weekend - Happy Graduation to our sweet daughter. Welcome home Scarlett to your forever family!