DucK Days in Davis

On Saturday the family piled on in the car and drove just a few miles and had a "nice" time at the Yolo Wildlife Area. It's the large, flat area to the side of the freeway (50 or is it 80?) that is usually flooded. Well, it was a beautiful area. We got to see lots of ducks. We unfortunately didn't get ANY pictures of them. We saw Shovelers that had wierd shovel shaped bills. And cinnamon colored guys and other ones that weren't actually ducks but Coots. They were cute. The kids got to make bird boxes. They could choose a cute little blue jay box to build or a huge honkin' duck box to lug home. Guess which one they both chose! Guess what? We get to find a nice tree and nail a wooden box to it 8 feet from the ground this week. Isobel insists that a Wood duck is going to make a home of her box. She would just love baby ducks to be born in her box and to have the momma abandon them so she can take care of the orphans.

Ellie enjoyed the ride in her backpack. (Thanks Julie -and Jonah too!)

The children got fish in a barrel.


I also got in on the action too. A fish got our bait and another spit our hook out. That's O.K. we didn't really want to take him home anyway. He smells. Ha. So there.

Introducing Totoro crochet guy

I picked my hook back up as per Ian's request and stitched him up a Totoro. I am working on a can of sardines next. Don't ask why.

Eleanor Valentine is One

Ellie had a fun birthday. She had a pancake breakfast in the morning, A little nap, and then family came over for a party.

Ellie was a bit timid with her cake at first, but eventually decided "It was good" and was covered from head to toe in frosting in no time!

We love you so much Ellie. I can't imagine our lives without you. You bring joy to all of us!

We try and try to stay away

Last year we over did it with the Disneyland vacations. We bought the annual pass and used it too! Mike and I vowed not to return 'till the year 2010 or 'til the children leave for college. Well we've been back a few times since we took that vow. We just can't seem to stay away. The kids are going to think Disneyland is a home away from home.

Wanna' go to Disneyland?

Humh?

Ellie enjoyed the flavors of Disneyland.

...And the carosel.

The crazy fearless kiddies!

Mike gets ripped off with Home-made gifts!!!

I needle felted Totoro for Mike for Christmas.


And crocheted an ugly "Jayne" hat for Mike too. (we like Firefly the tragically canceled t.v. series)


"Pretty cunning don't 'cha think?" Not too close to the original, but just as ugly in it's own rights!

Isobel Gets Braces

Isobel has started a long and at times painful process of fixing her teeth. Isn't she cute?! And she is with her cousin Ashley in this picture.

Our First Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree

We decided we'd like to try cutting down our own tree this year. So we set out to Sloughhouse Tree Farm to give it a try. The children had a fun time running through the trees. Mike and I had fun trying to chop the tree down. We wanted a picture to document our momentous occasion, so we asked a kind tree to take one for us. I think he did a great job.

Pictures under the tree

I was trying to get a picture of the children under the tree for Grandma, and this is the squirmy baby trying to escape. We ended with a pretty good one, I think.