Selfie

I try to get myself into a picture every once in awhile, but this is about the best I can come up with.

Boris

When their teacher asked them the name of their pet, Cate said "Mommy!" The next weekend, we brought this little dude home. 

Now she knows to answer, "BORIS!" Often followed by, "Heso soff, heso soff!" (He's so soft! Which is true. He really is :))

He's incredibly tolerant and a bit of a riot. 

Time Flies

I know it's chilly outside, the days are short, and Thanksgiving has passed, but before we get all gung-ho for Christmas we still have September, October, and November to catch up on.

Flying high in the clouds.

Catching the first raindrops.

How can Lela be so still while attached to Cate (the blur) in this picture?

Chasing Hot Air

Another new tradition was the Spirit of Boise balloon chase. We attempted the Nite Glow Friday evening but left before a single balloon inflated. These ballooners evidently just go with the flow and aren't so hot about sticking to schedules. We couldn't be thrown off course though... the girls and I departed early on Saturday for the chase and found balloons returning to the park. 

After dodging a balloon that barely missed landing in the river and lifted just over our heads as we walked the river trail, we returned home to a balloon landing just a few blocks from our house.

The neighborhood kids rallied to help deflate and pack it up.

And all were tattooed for their efforts. The girls are totally going to regret these when they're 40!

Dog Days

We returned to Boise just in time for the annual Tour de Fat festival. Thousands of people riding thousands of bikes in the heat of summer, wearing some variation of spandex, sequins, capes, and wigs, ringing bells, and whooping and hollering all around town... that's our idea of a good time!

Unfortunately for this elderly woman, I'm not so sure that getting stuck in the start of the parade was her idea of a good time. Although, her rear-window sign was oddly appropriate to the occasion.

A few days later we ran poppers after a storm...

And Lela gathered "storm flowers" for her friend at school.

While we continue to squeeze in our favorite activities, having two talking toddlers means that we are adding new traditions all the time. It's hard to resist the enthusiasm they have for all things new and weird. The Idaho State Fair was definitely both new and weird. And even a bit educational. Did you know sheep wear funny outfits after they're shorn?

For the record, it's not always sugar and spice and sweet cows around here. Anyone care to see the outtakes? Maybe we'll have a special edition post soon. Until then, let's just be clear that it's a good thing these girls are so cute sometimes!

August In Santa Cruz

We returned to Santa Cruz in August for John's Mom's memorial service aboard The Chardonnay. The sail and the sentiment was astoundingly beautiful, as was the rest of the visit.

StL - The Doogers

StL - Photo Shoot Bonus Shots

StL - Fishing

A little casting practice in the pool to get warmed up.

Evidently trying to catch a Winston.

Class begins...

And Success!!

                                       

WARNING - Kiddos (and grown-ups) in these photos may be grumpier than they appear. 

Toddlers and fishing poles with fishing line and waiting for something to happen does not necessarily make a recipe for perfect happiness. Under the circumstances (and with photos as proof),  I think we fared fairly well.