Happy Autumn ~

Another Gorgeous Sunset!

Hollywood, Africa

Jordyn has informed me that she is taking a trip to Hollywood, Africa. It's a long way away, so she packed her backpack with all the things she will need, and she will be home tomorrow! And just what does one pack for a trip to Hollywood, Africa?

1. one large pink backpack
2. a computer
3. one fuzzy blanket
4. 2 stuffed doggies
5. one jacket
6. sunglasses
7. scootaloo pony, with scooter and remote control
8. foam dominoes
9. cat toys
10.plastic fish
11.one feather

She plans to see leprechauns and lions at their zoo, so maybe she should take my camera.
Before she leaves, i ask, "Jordyn, i made mac n' cheese, do you want some before you go?"
"yeah, I'm pretty hungry...i better eat before i go. I better take this milk with me too."
She heads off to Hollywood, Africa, (which is just upstairs at the end of the hall), and races back downstairs to use the bathroom.
"uh, mom...i forgot to pack some fresh underwear, im gonna need to pack some fresh underwear"...and then she discards the dirty "accident" pair on the floor and runs off!

Bittersweet Moments...

Fall...my absolute favorite time of year...is there any wonder why! Fall brings about change...The nights are cooler, the tourists are gone, which means things have quieted down, and the colors are gorgeous! Something else that's changing...the tearing down of the old school house/community center to make way for our new fire station. It was a bittersweet moment seeing it torn down today...as an EMT, i am thrilled to finally see some progress on the new station we so desperately need...but i am saddened to see this little bit of history gone forever. Justin's elementary school years were spent in this one room school house...sometimes with only him and one other child (the teachers kid) in attendance. Growing up in Los Angeles, i cant even imagine what that life must have been like, but i could always bring Jordyn here to play on the playground and get a little taste of that life. She was sad to see it go...but i know the new fire station/community center will bring joy to her eyes...and better, safer equipment to our crew!

Here is a shot of the building being demolished. I just couldn't leave without taking a bit of the school home for Justin, so i decided to take home a piece of the fireplace (this giant gray rock)...sometimes photos just arent enough :)

On a lighter note, here are some blocks i did for a swap on about.com. I havent participated in a swap for a while, but this one caught my eye. 6 sets of 8, which will get me a total of 48 different Halloween squares! I have another 32 to make at home, so that should create enough blocks for a twin size quilt. I didnt realize i had that many Halloween fabrics. Wont these be fun! :)

Stay at Home Robin : Square 3

For those of you following along to Kates Stay at Home Robin, this is block 3. I am doing two quilts...one with a Winter theme and one with a Halloween theme. Im really enjoying the progress, though i must admit its difficult for me not knowing what each step will be.

Designing unusual size blocks is a new one for me too...but so far, i think im doing pretty good. Not sure about the latest addition to the Halloween quilt though...i love the fabric, but now it seems too busy. Perhaps when the other squares are added it will grow on me.

And now for some random photos from yesterday...

Jordyn decided to have a little birthday party celebration and look who was lucky enough to be invited! Doesnt Spooky look thrilled :)

The deer decided to pay us a visit...havent seen them all summer, which is why i was able to keep a garden, but since the season is over, i welcome their company!

and finally...Justin gets out the fiddle to practice for a piece he plans to play at Berdenas memorial and Jordyn decides to accompany him. Never a dull moment at the Black Bear!

Six Days of Fun...

Labor Day weekend brings lots of tourists to our neck of the woods, so Jordyn and i decided to get outta dodge! Denver or bust! We had a great time visiting with cousins at Aunt Gwens house...chili dogs, cold beer and other munchies were just the thing for a warm Friday night! Of course, the big hit was Christy's iPhone :)

With weather in the high 90's, we tried to find fun things to do inside, shopping, air conditioned restaurants, the Butterfly Pavilion, more shopping...and naturally a trip to Dairy Queen...

After a full day of activities, my little princess was exhausted!

We had a special treat while we were in town...my cousins Greg and Christy are part of the Inertia 2 Team that took 2nd place at the Punkin Chunkin festival in Delaware last year.

It aired on the Discovery Science Chanel and they were one of the teams followed on the "Road to Punkin Chunkin". Anyways, the Discovery Chanel came out to film them prepping their centrifugal machine on Monday, and they invited some friends and family out to watch the fun.

They didnt toss any pumpkins, but they did get Inertia 2 spinning for some entertainment while we munched on BBQ. They are heading out to Delaware again this Fall, so be sure to cheer for them in November!

Driving home on I-25 i saw this ominous cloud of smoke and took a photo...the Fourmile fire near Boulder has destroyed at least 136 homes, making it the worst fire in Colorado's history. So far, there have been no deaths reported, but there are a few people missing. I hope the firefighters remain safe and kick some ass!

Today we went for a hike up to Lake Agnes...a steep, but short climb to a magical lake in the Rockies. I wish i had taken more photos, but i was too busy enjoying the moment!

We had rain, sun, clouds, more rain, and then more sun...a typical day in Colorado! Jordyn had a great time, albeit a little cold, but once i gave her beef jerky, she was good to go.

This is one of my favorite places in the canyon, and i am so glad we had a chance to get up here before the season ended. Im just sorry Justin couldnt make it, but then, he had a good excuse to stay home...

his new toy was delivered today! Thats right, a John Deere backhoe! He has wanted one of these for years, and finally treated himself to one. Just look how excited he is to have this thing...

I dont think im gonna see him for a while.

And finally...the perfect end to a cool September day...a delicious candy apple, complements of our friend Rocky. Thanks Rocky, she should be up all night now :)

Hope you enjoyed our six days of fun!

Happy Birthday Daddy~

Today was Justins birthday, and Jordyn was anxious to celebrate with Daddy after school today! When we got home, she made this delicious cake...and after singing happy birthday, they happily devoured it :)

Then it was time for presents...but he was taking too long to open them, so Jordyn decided to help. This was the gift from her...a new Hot Wheels car to play with on her track.

She seems a little hesitant to let go of the car :) But Justin thought that was hilarious...especially since she couldnt even take her eyes off of it for this photo!

Happy Birthday Babe!