I had an amazing moment a few weeks ago when I received a darling email from Cat Mayer, who is, in my opinion, the best photographer in Grand Junction. She was touched by what I’ve written on this blog recently and decided that this new version of our family needed to be photographed. So last week the kids and I picked out our own clothes and headed out to the country to have a photo session with Cat. Honor couldn’t understand why “everything needed to be perfect” when I asked him to brush his teeth and smooth out his hair. (Little boys can be so slimy!)

We had so much fun tromping around in fields, chasing cows (Eden was determined to pet one), throwing sticks in the pond. The kids were beyond squirly, but that’s just how they are all the time, so it seemed appropriate for the photos.

Through this whole process I have been so touched and surprised by the people around me who have reached out. I am so surrounded and loved. Cat walked into Tangle a couple years ago and since then I have marveled at her talent and beauty, all of which is a reflection of her heart. I feel lucky to know these people who are surrounding me, they have made me a better person. I am just so grateful.

•The children set up a little store in our house. Notice how everything Honor is selling is a weapon.

•I turned 29 and got all kinds of great presents (including some I bought for myself.)

•Puppy Dexter is as spoiled as ever and liking his new kitty.

•Some antique store scores

•New fall windows for Tangle (which are way cuter in person if I do say so myself.)

•A few random damask things: Cupcakes for Rickelle’s birthday and Damask Duct Tape from Target.

Saturday it was nearly 60º here and then we woke up to snow Sunday morning. But we took the opportunity Saturday to take the kids down to the Colorado River trail with their bikes. We’ve decided to take up letter boxing. Honor was convinced that he needed to look for the “X” that marked the spot for the treasure, but alas, no “X” and no treasure. Of course the first box we looked for had to be missing.

But I managed to snap a few photos before the battery on my camera died. I totally enjoy spring, but with it comes the dread of the miserable heat of summer. I tell you, I live in the wrong part of Colorado….

(my new hair)

Last Saturday we headed up to the mountains for a picnic. It was so perfect up there, the mosquitos have already died off, but the weather is still beautiful. There were a few spots on the aspen trees where the leaves were starting to turn gold. I have to say, this is my absolute most favorite time of year.

We took the dog with us which is always… interesting. He has gotten to be a BIG beagle – at least 40 pounds at 9 months old and he’s not quite done growing. This big beagle likes to sit in my lap while we are in the car which doesn’t really work for me because, 1. I like to feel my legs and 2. I must knit while in the car. Sorry puppy. We got him a new leash attachment that goes over his nose and turns him into a good dog, it’s amazing! And it really makes for a much more relaxed family outing.

While were were up in the mountains, we took the opportunity to take some amazing photos of the kids. I love my camera! I’ll probably be pestering you with photos of the kids over the next several days, they were all so good! But here’s a few to start.

Jim took this one.

Jim took this one.

Eden took this one.

(don’t mind the laundry, we were mid-fold.)

photo by Eden

photo by Eden

Well, here they are, pictures from our trip. Being at the zoo made me wish for a telephoto lens. hmm…

Colorado Mountains

The kids thought the best part of the whole zoo was being able to pet the goat and the turtle. That and the gift shop.

Eden had to see the elephants and the giraffes.

Honor had to see the crocodiles. Here he is with a komodo dragon.

As I said on Friday, I re-organized my yarn stash. Wow, do I have a lot of yarn. Click on the photos below to see the detailed notes about what each yarn is, and that isn’t even everything I have.

And for your enjoyment, here are some photos from our afternoon at the park on Saturday. Most of them are by Jim.

Today is Stash Re-organization day, so I’ll leave you with a few photos.

By the way, still no response from Starbucks. response came, I’ll write about it Monday.