Snakes

Clay really loves animals. Even this one.

Nate found the little guy hiding in a tire next to a cattle grate they had to cross while moving the horses last Thursday. Clay loved the little guy immediately and named him "Tuffy."

Jackson Hole, WY

I love Jackson, Wyoming. Nate had the wyoming dental association convention this weekend, and with the help of some wonderful in-laws, we were able to have a little weekend get-away. We saw a play, did some shopping, art browsing, (Nate) attended classes, and I explored the little town. We drove over Teton pass, and drove through Grand Teton National Park. We're going to take the kids in a couple of weeks, and really get out there. I'm anxious for a good day hike, but too nevous to do it alone, so that will have to wait. I love everything about that part of this beautiful state (except for the crowds)!

Poor Lamb

We got home late from a family picnic the other night. We were greeting with the baaaaaing of what we thought were some hungry little lambs. Sam went out with their bottles and came running in the house with a look of urgency and amusement. Mom, you have to come see what happened to the lamb! Bring your camera. This is what I saw.

In our back yard there is a big well like thing that has a very heavy metal cover over it. I wasn't ever quite sure what purpose it served and just recently learned that it is sewer access for flushing an rv or something like that. (there when we bought the house) I worried a little bit about an 8 -10 foot hole in the ground with a metal cover whose hinges were rusted off, but not too much because we usually don't play outside the back door from the garage, and the cover is VERY heavy.

We're still not sure how it happened, but lovely little lamb Pepsi fell into that hole, cover and all. It is a miracle that he survived, and without a scratch. Nate lowered Sam into the hole and Sam lifted that lamb just as high as he could while Nate reached down just as far as he could, and finally caught hold of the little lamb's leg. He was brought to safety, and attacked that bottle like he always does.

I am way glad that it was an amusing diversion and not a sad disaster. We have grown quite attached to the little lambs.

Much Too Tired

Here is a little clue as to the business of our lives. Amelia just can't quite finish what she's doing before she drops off to sleep.

Here she thought she needed a snack before bed. Uh-huh.

And here, she needed to make a phone call, and was frantic for her "phone." Hope that call went through.

The Mighty Hunter Returns

A beautiful Alaska sunset

A couple weeks ago, Nate fulfilled a lifelong dream and made it to Alaska for some hunting and fishing. He brought back some delicious Halibut and beautiful pictures. Most importantly(for me), he didn't get chased by a bear. Most importantly (for him), he got an Alaskan Black Bear. Yes, those are braces on his (Nate's)teeth.

Nate, Kaylon, Bruce, & Jim

COLD

Just a thought. I don't think you should have to wear gloves and a winter coat to mow the lawn.

Coke & Pepsi

On Saturday I went inside to shower to get ready for a graduation picnic. I decided to make my salsa before getting ready, and while I was busy chopping vegetables, noticed Nate's Uncle Paul and family in the barnyard. I quickly learned that we had just inherited two little baby lambs who needed a home. My first emotion was anger. We do not need one other thing that demands our time. But, after I got over it, I realized that this might be a good project for Clay. He has so many "good" excuses as to why he can't help Sam feed the horses, or take care of the dog, or clean his room. He is very good at avoiding work. Well, he has fallen in love with these lambs. I asked him what he wanted to accomplish this summer and he told me, "I want to be kind to my lambs." That's Clay. I hope that he will feed them consistently too! (without too much of my nagging)

I need to mention that the girls fell in love with them too, or maybe it was the huge baby bottles. They are always right in the middle of things when it's feeding time.