Happy Birthday

This post is dedicated to my dear sister Jamie! Where has the time gone?? When I look at my own daughters playing, it often reminds me of the sweet memories I have of my own sisters! Thank Heaven for sisters! I love you Jamie!!

Shelling Peas!

Look at my three sweethearts helping mom shell peas. They loved it and ate as many as they shelled. There is something about popping in your mouth a fresh pea straight out of the shell!

Nana and Papas Yard!

I wanted to make sure and take pictures of my mom's yard so that we can always remember all the fun times we had there. They got a new swing set/play equipment for the grand kids this summer and boy was it a hit. They found it at a garage sale. Alain took it apart, painted it, reinforced the entire thing and it looks brand new. Alain is pretty amazing, but we already knew that!! :) I remember pushing Paige on that little blue swing that is between the trees on the right when she was a baby. That tree is so beautiful and goes up right by my parents bedroom window. In the spring my mom can always see baby birds in their nest and when the birds fly away she has seen baby squirrels enjoying the nest as well. In the fall the leaves change the most beautiful colors and begin to fall. We can't forget winter. There is something enchanting about the way a heavy snow sits on the branches of a tree. How still the world can seem after a fresh fallen snow. How fun to snuggle up with a warm blanket and a good read only to roll over and see the winter resting on the branches outside. Thank-you old tree for all the joy you have brought us! I wish I would have to taken a picture of the top of my moms porch. She has it decorated so cute and has the most beautiful flowers. What fun a garden can bring. My girls love spending time in the garden with there Nana and Papa. Weeding, pulling up carrots and picking peas. There is something about brushing the dirt off a carrot and eating it straight out of the ground. We would pick bowls full of strawberries and raspberries and enjoy the most scrumptious summer milkshakes!

We can't forget the old hammock. What a fun way to rest your weary bones and look at the dark stormy sky. I loved having a few minutes to myself to breath in the fresh air.

Scooters!

Going for rides on the scooter are definantly a highlight for the girls. My mom and Alain bought these when they first moved to Idaho. It was funny when I first pictured them scooting around town. I'm sure my Mom has to be careful or the college guys might mistake her for a younger woman. Love ya Mom!!

Nice goggles John!!

I had to put in this last picture of Paige. She is often obsessed with being some kind of animal. She was a dog as she waited for her turn on the scooter!!

Beach Bliss!!

I love this picture of John and Emma looking out over the pier. It reminded me of the other morning when I went for a jog down by the beach. It was overcast and a little foggy. The air was cool, just the way I like it. The sounds of the waves crashing down as I ran was really soothing. At the same time it's interesting how at times looking out at the ocean and hearing the waves pound on the beach can bring with it a kind of lonely feeling. I think I have a fear of being alone and lost at sea. Creepy! Anyway, the fog horn was sounding way out in the ocean. When I first moved here it would drive me a little crazy, but now I have learned to love it. It relaxes me!! I decided to jog down to the end of the pier. I took the time to observe the things around me. There was a reunion of a group of people that touched my heart. I love to see people embracing, laughing and smiling. One of my favorite things is when I'm sitting in the airport and get to watch people reunite as they get off the airplane. As I looked to the right of the pier I saw two little blond twins standing on the sand as their parents were trying desperately to get them in the right position for the photographer. It was pretty sweet. The smell of fish in the air was not so pleasant as I watched the local fishers bait their smelly hooks! Then I looked out to my left and scanned the dozens of surfers gently floating on their boards as they waited for the "wave of the day!" It made me want to paddle out with John and share in something that brings him so much joy! It also reminded me of John who got up early with the kids that morning and put off surfing so I could sleep in . Then he said I could go for my run and he would go surfing later. I truly loved and appreciated him at that moment as I was watching all these people out enjoying the beautiful salty morning air. I had no doubt he was at home having a crazy morning with the kids. I'm so glad I was able to get out and have some time to think and enjoy the things around me. It was a beautiful morning, and I was grateful to have it.

Lombardi Ranch

Well, another fun filled time at Lombardi Ranch. Look at those smiling faces! Ok, it was 97 degress! Not ideal weather conditions, but we made the best of it!!

Emma had her first pony ride and loved it! She just made the cut off and was probably the youngest cowgirl around. Oh, the life of a 3 year old. Pure delight!! Ellie loves horses so she was excited to go on her ride. She 's starting to look a little big for the pony ride. You can tell by her expression! Pretty cute!!

A carmel apple and all is well. Jackie, Steve and Clair came with us. I wish Clair was in this picture she is so darling. I tried to talk them into laying her in all the pumpkins like we did with Ellie when she was a month old. It was such a cute picture. Steve wasn't to thrilled about the idea!!:) I have to say despite all my complaints the kids had fun!

Paige and daddy dancing to a little country western!

Classic Lombardi ranch picture! Two of my loves! Ellie had to wear her cowgirl boots since ranch was in the name. I think there may be a little cowgirl in her blood. Good thing Nana and Papa live in Idaho. I love the Roxy hat/cowgirl combo. Best of both worlds, I'm telling ya!

Happy Birthday!

I love this picture!! Emma was about 1 minute old!! Look at those cheeks. She could not have looked any more beautiful to me. I realize you can see my sexy leg in the background. Don't get too excited!! One year later and counting! Emma would not touch her cake. We were all standing around staring at her and she just looked up at me like "What is going on?" She eventually realized she liked the taste, but was a little too proper as she ate her birthday cake.

Uncle Jeff and Emma! It's fun that Emma can share her birthday with one of her favorite Uncles!

Grandma and Grandpa got her this doll that sits in a little carrier. We strapped it on her back and laughed as she crawled around. It wasn't long before she protested!

We are so grateful that Emma is a part of our life. She has brought so much joy to our little family. Happy Birthday Emma!