Critter Patrol

 A recent special visitor noticed some gopher holes in our yard.  He got busy trying to catch the critters and did not come up empty handed - what a prize!

Checking traps with his assistant

Not a good Scene

As we've all heard - Colorado is battling several wildfires. One near our beloved Colorado Springs. Too bad we can't send them some of the monsoon-like rains we've been having. Stay safe, dear friends-

Honored Guests

We were lucky enough to have these two as honored guests recently. Pssst, the one on the left can really cook (didn't hear it from me tho). Hurry back!

Attacked by Bandits

The kids didn't have school today and we found ourselves with a few extras around here. They decided to dress like bandits this evening among one of many activities. I still hear them up there rearranging the furniture (or so it sounds). I suppose they'll all whine when it's time to rise and shine as we have to be at the soccer field by 8:45.

Jade

Milah

Kylie

Myer Clan Happenings . . .

Maren and I went to visit the new baby this last week. We said we were there to help Elena, but we were really just there to take advantage of their air conditioned house as the temps were over 100 at home. Elle is an adorable and content baby - Maren loved cuddling with her . . .

With big brother Luke - Elena doesn't think the forehead hair meeting the eyebrows are too lady-like, but she has been assured that those little hairs will fade.

Couldn't resist snapping this one . . .


The three bambinos - they got along fairly well, just a few times they began acting like siblings.

I did a little decorating while I was there - this is in Steve and Elena's bedroom, the aspen tree branches are from a little scrounging I did after Wednesday night meeting.



I painted a log wall in the kid's bathroom. The boys were thrilled with it, I don't know what Elle will think . . .

Visitors!

Some good friends came to visit last night . . . the Rassbach's. They were on their way home from a camping trip in Northern California, and after a quick hello, they begged for showers. We talked until we were all yawning last night and had to say goodbye this morning - we sure do miss them.

Ellie is just an 8th grader and she's nearly at the top of our measuring stick. We met the Rassbach's through swimming, as Ellie was in Sten's first swimming lesson group.

Lucas and Maren played "restaurant" for hours

New (pink) Bundle to Love

Welcoming Elle Tamsyn Myers

Elle has already won the hearts of her parents, Steve and Elena. Her brothers, Levi and Luke are wondering when she'll be able to run through the sprinklers with them. Elle was born on July 14th at 8:00am and was 7lbs 12oz and 20 inches long. If you see Steve or Elena wandering the streets with a glazed look, please direct the exhausted parents to their home and kindly tuck them into bed.

Slumber Party

Maren and her good buddy Macey. These two are the most social people in both of their families, so it is non-stop chatter when they are together.

Macey likes to get her hair done - she requested 6 ponies but we settled on 2.

Wedded Bliss

We attended the wedding of Richard and Jennifer Carlson today. It feels like many moons since we were at the nuptials of anybody - seems like we go to too many funerals. It was festive and fun, the weather was beautiful - and we wish them all the best. You may recognize the official "officiator".

Maren's favorite part - the "wedding kiss"

Friday Update

Sten has returned! This is half of the fish they caught.

I guess we'll be getting our daily dose of omega 3. Yummmm!

They caught 70 salmon and 18 halibut

If anyone has exceptional recipes for this fish, please pass them along

The kids competed in another swim meet.

Fun and games with the Johnson kids

The more the merrier - HUH?!

Yesterday, we had 8 kids here - after we had a couple extra, a few more wasn't too bad. They played together well and we all piled in the jeep and headed to the pond . . .

Conner, with chocolate frosting facial hair

Macey

Kids and dogs go together, right?


This looks like it could be trouble


Yes, Levi still has his tonsils . . .

Do we have to?

Luke and Levi stayed with us for a couple days and they were thrilled to dress up and take pictures. It's a good thing these pics don't require bright and sunny smiles, because I don't think they had any in them after the dressing up part . . .

They are awesome little lads and the only child that we seem to have problems with is our own?!

The Myers Crew

Steve and Elena's Home

I attended Elena's baby shower today - it was fun to see the boys and, of course, catch up with my good buddy. Well . . . we did a quick catch up. I think we could've oiled our jaws and kept on chatting the rest of the night. She is going to have baby Elle on July 14th by c-section. Elle Tamsin will join two brothers, Levi and Luke.

Summer is here

Milah and her buddy, Kylie. They were thrilled to be moving onto 4th grade today.

Our kids had an especially long school year because Colorado schools start early and Oregon schools go later - so they should be extra smart.

Company from Colorado

Sten's buddy, Darrian from Colorado came to visit for Spring Break. Yesterday, they were mucking out the chicken coop and today we attended a funeral (for Edie P). They came down dressed in these impressive duds - I didn't check under their fingernails tho - eeeew yuck.

What a difference a (FULL) day makes

Finally, some color! I had a different color in mind and painted a bit of it as a sample. My highly opinionated laborers all looked at me questionably and told me I was nuts. So if anyone needs a gallon of Wooden Porch Swing (sounds good, eh?) paint from HDepot, it's yours!

Good ole Dad, or should I say sore Dad after rolling the ceilings
Mr. Detail - thank goodness for steady hands and lots of patience -
Mr. J had the tedious job of cutting in at the ceiling.
Will and Scott after spraying the primer

Italian Night

We had some old friends over for a "make your own pizza" feed tonight. Old for sure! It was Mike A and Scott's 45th birthdays. They went through Junior High and High School together.

I decided to mimic that famous picture of those workers sitting on a beam over NYC - don't know if that's obvious or not? It was awesome to get together but we were missing a family - ahem - I think you know who you are!

Kenzi and Milah rolling their dough

Ryan, throwing his pie
Chef Boyardee