Football

Football season is under way.  This is Gavin's last year in the youth football league.  He will play in middle school next year.  They have lost a few players this year and aren't doing very well.  Of course I think Gavin is doing great.  He gets some bumps and bruises.  And we love that family comes to support him.  He is well loved.

The Last of Summer

Enojoying the rest of our summer.  We watched our garden grow,  visited Durango a few times and found a few food trucks.  Gavin went back to school before summer was over.  They go back way too soon. Boo hoo.

       

Summer in Cali

On our way to Cali, Gavin and I stopped at the Grand Canyon.  First time for both of us.  The weather was overcast and cloudy, so it was nice and cool.  It did rain on us, but we were able to take in the spectacular view.  Next stop..California.  Gavin and I went out to visit and Aunt Kathy, Jo, Kasey and Cole came out for a few days.  We had morning beach runs and then hit the beach for swimming and sun.  It was such fun.  We tried a food truck with the girls.  Muy bueno.  Gavin and I went to the OC Fair and ate at all the food trucks there.  Then I surprised him with a concert of the B52s and X.  We had a great time.  This trip was mostly about visiting and hitting the beach. Well done.

Florida Trip

Too much to say about our trip to Miami and the Florida Keys.  It was really fun.  Something we have never done before.  We took our nephew,  Sam, along with us to entertain Gavin.  It was nice to have another "child" to have fun with Gavin at the pool and beach.  Our first day we drove down to Islamorada.  Shane, Gavin and Sam got up the next morning and went fishing with a guide, Tony.  They caught lots of fish and Gavin caught a Lemon Shark.  The weather was great, although there was too much humidity.  Sunny skies and beautiful water.  There is a marina called Robbie's that we stopped at to feed the tarpon.  They ate right out of your hands. We drove down to Key West. We went snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico and saw tons of sting rays, a nurse shock, and awesome fish.  We ate lots of great food from Cuban, Haitian and fresh fish.  We tried something new every meal.  We drove back up to Miami the last couple days and took an Everglades tour.  There was a baby alligator that came up to the shore.  We took a walk to South Beach and went swimming in the warm water with no waves.  Different than we are used to from California.  Can't wait for our next adventure!

Driving to the keys

Fishing with Captain Tony

                 

Gavin reeling in his shark 

   Pretty birds

Feeding the tarpon

        Pesky pelican trying to eat the fish

          Everglades tour

Holding the pet alligator

Wild alligator

Relaxing at the hotel in Key West

Snorkling in the Gulf

Walking on South Beach

Some of the yummy food

Mumford and Sons

While on our way to Taos to see a concert for Mumford and Sons, Shane, Gavin, Sam and myself stopped at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge that is one of the highest bridges in the world. Very cool. Then we jumped back in the car and arrived in beautiful Taos. It is a very pretty city, although very "hippyish" too. We waited in line a few hours to get in, but it was totally worth it. There was a lightening storm and rain, but luckily we were under shelter while it passed. The town accommodated the huge crowed really well. They had lots of vendors on the street selling goodies. The Kit Carson Park is standing only in front of a huge stage. We had a pretty good view and the band was awesome. The only thing I didn't like was the crowds, but what can you do?

Lazy Days

We love sitting outside and watching all the pretty birds come feed.  It is peaceful.  Unless you smell smoke and go out front and see a fire burning across the street.  Then you have to call the fire department and help neighbors put it out before the fire department comes.  A little excitement around here.  And no Gavin nor his friends started it.

Sunday Dinner

The weather has been really nice lately so we decided to have dinner outside.  We  broke open the deep fryer we got for Christmas and fried up some fish that Shane had caught on a fishing trip last week.  It turned out pretty yummy.

Gardening Time

Monday night we bought some veggies and flowers to start our garden.  Shane and Gavin were digging  away while I supervised.  I love this time of year when the warmer weather starts and you can grow beautiful things.

Cleaning and Garage Sale

It was definitely past time to clean out the office and organize. I decided to have a garage sale to get rid of those things you keep around but don't touch for five years.  We managed to have quite a bit and had a garage sale.  I was amazed at how much stuff I had and was pleased by the outcome of the sale.  The next week I painted the office and tried to organize so the door doesn't have to be closed all the time.  It turned out really nice and I have tons more room. 

My helper

before

after