Family Pumpkin Porch Portrait

The kids put together this display of the Newell Family in the form of pumpkins, complete with leaves, berries, rocks, and rose petals.  The large one represents Brian and I hugging.  Happy Fall!

Attempted Hike to the "A" and Success at Red Fox Meadows

This week provided many opportunities to get out and enjoy some beauty before the impending cabin fever sets in.  Viola was off school for fall break and we used the time to get out and soak up some fall.

First the attempted hike to the big "A" (CSU used to be the Aggies but are now the Rams but still there's a huge "A" on the foot hills).  Anna joined us for this adventure.  We gave it two hours and made it half way there.  Next time we will park at the closer parking lot and pack snacks!

Never the less, time well spent enjoying nature and prairie dog barking.

Here's one of the little fellows now.

We tried to coax one out with kissing noises but it couldn't be done.

The little guy started out fast and furious but by the end it took a "magic" penny, a lot of encouraging and some shoulder rides to keep him on the move.

Since I didn't actually get a photo of the "A" here is an artistic rendering courtesy of Viola.

Next venture, Red Fox Meadows.  This sweet spot is no more than a mile from our house.  Must visit more often!

Some urban wildlife and an enormous "dandelion".

 I remembered the bars this time.

 Chocolatey faces and nature.

 Climb up the hill, Run down the hill, Tumble down on your head (not pictured).

 Viola tried to convince me that we needed to bring this stick home for her pet termite that lives in the backyard.  I know that we already have a bizarre pet (the hedgehog) but a termite, I just don't know about that.
  We left the stick there.

Sorry for the barrage of nature outings but we just can't get enough.

Enjoying very fine weather.

Charlie and I decided to get out and enjoy the beauty of fall today.  Starting with a trip to the Farm.

Why do you suppose the "PLEASE" is in quotes?  It makes me think that they are trying to be nice but "Seriously if you feed the horses we will make you shovel manure then kick you out."

 There was some animal petting. 

 Sheep gazing.

 And large farm equipment.

 We found this feather but Charlie insisted we return it to these ducks with sassy New Wave hair-dos.

 Next we decided to go for a little hike through the woods down by the river (with apple in hand).

Master stick collector.

Good times.

National Walk (or bike) to School Day

 We live close enough to walk but sadly don't do it as much as we should.  But when the internet told me that it was International Walk to School Day I made the effort for pick up today.

  This one is claiming that she has a loose tooth.  I think it's wishful thinking.

 "There's a spot of blue sky, let us chase it"

 And in an attempt to be a super fun mom I brought a project.  Crayon rubbings on this cool drain that I have been wanting to do for months.

 Then we stopped to play in a stream.  Wet tukases all around.  It was a good walk.

Creative Types

No matter how much we try to discourage it they just keep making stuff.  

I guess we're stuck with creative types.

Charlie designed and built this track all by himself.

 A flamingo with a fish in it's mouth.

Rollerland!

 We met up with some pretty awesome people at the rink today.  It was the first time on skates for the kiddos and my first time in many moons.  Fun was had.

Charlie put on some skates but it didn't last much longer than this photo-op, notice the impending split.

 Who needs skates?

 Viola did awesome.  We need to do this often so we can keep up with Natalie and Jordan because they do Roller Derby!

 Lots of falls and lots of giggles.

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea, In a beautiful pea-green boat.

 Except for these were both pussy-cats and its a purple Laundry basket.  

This was the morning's entertainment, they carried it together all over the house and squeezed in.  How much longer will they be able to fit in a laundry basket together? Not much.