VISIT FROM AUNTY MAIYA

Unfortunately, the first 5 days or so that Maiya was with us, it rained almost the whole time so we were stuck inside trying to find things to do. We did go to the Children's Museum which they really enjoyed. These are pics of them playing in the water area....

We went to Baggenstos Farms to pick out pumkins after the sun came out. It was a lot of fun. Caleb loved rolling over the tops of the pumpkins on his belly.

The kids also enjoyed climbing on the haystacks.

Eric gave Maiya her first riding lesson. She was very excited and they went on a long ride through the forest and all over. Upon her return, Maiya told me that it was a great chance for her and Eric to just "chit-chat!" She insisted on riding Sue because Dibb just wasn't pretty enough for her.

We borrowed a bunny that Maryn named Allie for while Maiya was here. Maryn fell instantly in love. She treated it like her own baby.

Of Mice and Men - Rated PG

Well, we have had an interesting last few days. Maiya has flown in to stay with us while mom is in S. Africa. So far, she has been a pleasure and done really well. Maryn loves having someone so big and creative to play with her all day long...I just hope that Maiya doesn't get bored with all the "little kid" play.

Anyway, so yesterday, I was picking up utensils that Caleb had showered all over the kitchen floor and went to pick up a piece of fir when I noticed that it had a tail and a few legs and then eyes and then I gagged. It was a baby mouse. We had noticed sound of rodents recently and so put out some traps and have had some success. Anyway, this mouse and I were eyeing each other when I realized that I should probably catch it so I grabbed a cup and trapped it. While Maiya and Maryn made friends with the little mouse, I called Eric to find out what the heck I should do with it and suggested that I should flush it. So, I did, much to the horror of Maiya and Maryn who said they could hear it squeaking all the way down.

So, later on I was cooking supper when another little mouse came out of nowhere and scrurried along this time jumping to its own safety before my cup could reach it (although it did give away the escape route!). So, later that evening, I was lying on the couch watching Wheel of Fortune when Caleb saunters up to show me his latest find. Inbetween his grubby little fingers was that wriggling little mouse. So, not wanting to touch it myself, I coerced Caleb to the bathroom where I had him throw it in the toilet and then I closed the lid and flushed. Caleb was really annoyed that I got rid of his little friend.

So, now I'm not only worried about what my kids will say I did to them on Oprah one day but I also can't go to the bathroom in peace without my thoughts wondering back to some revenge-seeking rodents! Yikes! That's my scariest story so far this Halloween!

The Apple Farm

This is the apple farm a few farms down from us that we frequent about once a week. I love this tree...it looks so spooky and Halloweenish and perfect for this time of year...plus, DELICIOUS APPLES! Click on any pics to see them bigger...sorry, I had a lot to put on here.

We really enjoyed having Mary, Evan, Gracie & Sander come to visit this last weekend. We had a lot of fun visiting and playing. We took them to the Oregon Heritage Apple Farm which is a couple of farms down from us. They have a few little animals and a hay maze, pumpkin patch, and jumping castle. We stood in line for quite a while to get Maryn and Gracie’s faces painted. Maryn got a unicorn and Gracie got a kitty cat. Gracie was hilarious to watch as he painted her face as she would flinch at everything. She was very cute. As you can see, it as worth the wait…he was really good and used paints and airbrush. After a long morning at the apple farm, Sander and Caleb flaked out for a good snooze. Thanks for coming, you guys! We missed you, Jodi!

The kids also had fun just playing around the yard together!

In the Garden

Caleb and Maryn have alot of fun on these swings. When there is nobody to push them, they swing on their tummies...it takes quite a lot of balance!

This takes great effort!

These are some pictures of the kids playing in the garden and on the swings. I know that it’s been a while since I posted anything so I thought that I should send some pictures too. We have just been busy with our little lives. Eric has been called to teach the 15-16 year old Sunday School class. They are a rowdy bunch and will be quite challenging but he will do really well, I’m sure. I am playing the piano for the primary which I’m really enjoying.