Super Fun Mountain Weekend

We spent Sunday afternoon at our friend's new mountain home. The little boys and the big boys got to ride dirt bikes and the girls went for a hike. M got new riding gear and I think if he could still be wearing it he would!

Could these little guys be any cuter?

G rode it to the top of the hill with me me on the back saying the whole time, "I think I am scared." On the way down she was helping me gun it and trying to steer. 

This is one of the amazing sculptures that my friend's husband created. If you are interested in learning more about this piece or his art shoot me an email. I love, love, love this owl.

Still in riding gear!

This is the view from their property. You can see the smoke from the recent forest fire. Colorado is so amazing. 

These are for you mom. As a general rule, photographers have a hard time taking pictures of their own kids. This is so G, dirty face, crazy hair and a goofy face when the camera comes out.

She looks so calm in this picture! Don't be fooled.

Penny

Yesterday I got my husband an early wedding anniversary present. He always gives the best gifts and I wanted to return the favor.

Meet Penny. She is a 12-week old Goldendoodle.

Even though she is the mellowest puppy I have every met she does have sparks of energy. We think once she adjusts to our family she will get a little more lively.

Even though my parents' reaction to her was gut-busting belly laughter we think she is adorable and you would know their judgement and vision is impaired if you ever met their gorilla/dog.

Happy anniversary honey, I should be solid in the gift department for the next couple of years!

Pop Bottle Ecosystem

Yesterday we made a pop bottle ecosystem. It was pretty simple to make once you have all the supplies on hand. We found our inspiration here on Pinterest:

 
 

                                                                                  Source: cranberrycorner.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

We made the following changes:
1. The pet store didn't sell duck weed so I told them to sell me the hardiest most weed-like plant they have. They did. No idea what it is called, so please don't ask. It was cheap though.

2. I didn't include any fish because I was afraid they would die. We got two snails instead.

3. We had to cut slits on the middle layer that joins the two bottles. Not a bid deal but it helped to slide it.

We used old sage from outside to feed the crickets until the rye grass grows. Hope they like sage!

Next time we make it instead of cutting the bottom of the top layer (which makes the top of the ecosystem) we will cut a hinge door in the side and then tape that close. This will result in a cleaner finish with less tape and frustration. 

Now we sit back and wait for nature to run its course.

The Ugly Chickens

Adolescent chickens are ugly. Period. End of story. Those soft cuddly chicks that poop everywhere have turned into awkward teenage chickens that poop everywhere.

 

So far all the chicks we brought home are still with us. I am anxiously awaiting when the coop will be put back together and our garage will be completely resided in beautiful cedar.

This is the very curious Plymouth Barred Rocks. They are a week older than the rest and about a third bigger.  We bought these because my dad is a big fan and they were in stock when we went. 

This is one of our Speckled Sussex chicks. They are quickly becoming my favorites of the bunch. I wasn't originally considering them but since this is what the store had and I read they are good layers I bought them.

This is one of the Black Sexlinks (or Black Stars). Definitely the ugliest of the ugly. Poor ugly things, hopefully they will have a winning personality.

Buff orpingtons. I think these are our friendliest. 

Looking forward to large amounts of fresh eggs with these ladies.

Rusty

I do remember how to log into my blogger account still!

Things here are still as busy as ever. I am helping my best friend work on getting her family's new business up and running and looking forward to when I can share all the details (especially for you upstate New Yorkers)!

We got new chickens. I should probably confess here that late last fall a predator, of unknown origin, took advantage of my mistake of an open coop door and killed my whole flock. I felt so bad that they died because of me. We cleaned up the bodies and most of the feathers and spent the winter wondering if we should get more. My son asked about every other day if it was spring and if we could get chickens so when the signs went up around town saying "chicks are here" we made our way down and got 8 new chickens, knowing we would probably end up with about 6. (we still have 8)

We got 2 speckled Sussex, 2 black sexlinks, 2 buff orpingtons and 2 Plymouth barred rocks. They all are supposed be bigger birds that love to lay eggs. Both kids have been busy watching them and trying there best to take care of them (i.e. not squish them to death). So far so good.

Lots of Irons in the Fire

I know I haven't been posting as much as I used to but I really do have a good reason. For two years I have been working on building my doula and photography business. For the past six months I have been really ramping things up to get my name out there.



If you aren't familiar with birth photography you should check out the 2011 Birth photography contest, featuring photographers from all across the country. My entry is #40 and captures the moment the mom first pulled her baby through her legs and saw her for the first time. So crazy that I get to do this for a living!

You should go check them out and vote for your favorite, which I hope is #40...

Snow Day

We woke up this morning to 8-12 inches of snow. My son told me that snow days were the days you should make cookies, so we did. 

 

We made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with coconut shreds instead of walnuts (yes Mom, oatmeal cookies can be good with chocolate chips).  Since they came out of the oven they have been the only thing I am surviving on today.

 

My daughter isn't a fan of playing in the snow so once we finally got her to take a nap (sweet relief) M and I made our way outside to clear the sidewalks, throw snow balls and plan how much hot chocolate we would drink once inside.

 

There is something about a snow day, even if your kids aren't in school, that makes you slow down and enjoy getting bundled up in blankets and eating warm cookies.