Shenandoah

Yesterday we took a day trip to Shenandoah National Park, to see the fall colors. It was one of those perfect Saturday mornings: coffee in hand, road ahead, babies in the backseat and a few hours to talk with Ricky about anything and everything. That's still my most favorite thing.

We took Skyline Drive, which of course just reopened. A long line of cars waited (in my mind, triumphantly) to enter National Park land. Ours again, these treasures.

We stopped off at Big Meadow Lodge for some lunch, playground time, and a very short hike that intersected with the Appalachian Trail and had some amazing views.

I think this may be my favorite picture of Silas ever. Taken by Ricky.

What an abundance of beauty.

just because

Just because I had an early meeting, and now I'm gathering tax documents and folding laundry, crossing t's and dotting i's, and days behind on my reading,

just because I want to remember how Silas runs with his arms bent up high, a little like Sid the Science Kid,

and because Nicky-boy ran and jumped up on me when I picked up him from school,

and because Silas likes to wear hats,

and because of her lashes, and little yellow dresses, and grass that's starting to turn,

and just because my boys play together so much now,

and because a nice old man gave them a walking stick. Pick one out, hijo, that's right, go ahead! Because honorary grandparents exist all around.

Because it's a windy first day of Spring, and I miss them while I cross things off my list. Just because.

Saturday hike

*Little Miss had a playdate with her big sister. One of these days we'll attempt a hike with all three littles.

secondhand smoke, teething, and other stuff

Saturday morning, having been summoned from my bed a little after six and still groggy, I made some popcorn. It was the fastest thing I could think of to feed the boys (and kind of Saturday morning-ish) and gave me a few minutes to drink some much-needed coffee. Really, the point of all that was that Nicky was eating it and started choking a little bit. So he coughed, and cleared out the offending piece of popcorn, and then said "must have been some secondhand smoke." And we laughed, and after that I was awake. I love that boy.

This week has been satisfyingly busy. Sunday I cleaned the whole house in preparation for the home-study, which was Monday, and wouldn't you know we sat on the couch doing my interview the entire time. I will never complain about a clean house though. I even organized some things I've been putting off. There's plenty of home-study to go, not to mention many other foster-care related things to get done, but it's really nice to have the ball rolling. I'm excited for what 2012 may hold.

Silas is getting molars. He is just all about the teeth, that baby. He's pretty fussy with all that going on, but right now happily distracted playing in big brother's room. He does a little happy dance in my arms every time I take him in there. I suppose they'll be sharing a room soon enough.

And, a few Penny pictures just because.

Maybe tonight Nicky can learn about emphysema. Good times.

good to be.

I have sand in my hair, and my good stretchy yoga pants on, and it is good to be home. Today was a day of events: spend too much time drinking coffee and lounging this morning, dress everyone quickly, dash in to Target to buy tripod for photo shoot, birthday party with boys for me, music practice for Ricky, home again, dress everyone quickly, off to wedding at White Sands. There was snow on the dunes, and we all remarked how weird it was that the dunes looked dirty. They usually look so pristine against the desert. The snow was all sparkly in the sunlight, and it was a lovely spot for a wedding.

a little silliness while Ricky sets up the camera

After the ceremony, we attempted to get a good family shot using the new tripod. Out of forty or so I think there are two usable ones; that's how it goes right? So Christmas photo cards are in the works now. Nicky had a blast sliding down the dunes and making snow angels. We headed back to town, and while we were driving I got a call from a home study contractor who received our referral just yesterday (we're still working on a few things, but have most of the paperwork in; all of the "biggies" anyway). So, turns out she's in town for the weekend and we're starting the homestudy process Monday. Monday! Needless to say, I should be cleaning (that is almost always a true statement). Things are moving right along. Yay! And also eek.

Nicky's Christmas play was adorable. There was a girl right in front of him busting a move during every song; it was hilarious and had us giggling so much.

I got a few shots of Nicky beforehand- yup, same outfit. I like to have one good Christmasy outfit for the season, since there are usually a handful of dress-up events during. Keep it simple. The sweater is actually one of the greatest hand-me-downs of all time. I love it.

This one charmed the lady behind us. He does this thing where he finds someone closely and flirts shamelessly.

We had some celebratory brownies and milk at home afterward.

Just threw this one in because it's cute. I love being his Mome. So, those are the haps. Lots to think and pray about, and lots to do. I'm ready to get this party started.

the first of the Fall rituals

 The smell of roasting green chile is in the air, and even though it's still 100 degrees out, it signals the start of Fall around here.

This year, we thought it would be fun to go to Hatch and get our green chile from the source, and eat some really good Mexican food. The Pepper Pot (where Anthony Bourdain apparently had the best enchilada of his life) did not disappoint.  I had the best stuffed sopapilla of my life. So there.

Then we stopped here for our forty pounds of roasted goodness. Half medium and half hot.

Nicky didn't enjoy the roasting part as much as we did, but finding a giant Spiderman piñata for his birthday party pretty much made his day. He'll be five in less than a month!

Both littles passed out on the drive home, so we put them in their beds, covered the table with a trash bag and spent the next three hours peeling and bagging chiles while watching Friday Night Lights on Netflix.

Now with the freezer full, it's on to September. We're planning a camping trip with our church, a visit to Pie Town for Ricky's birthday, and the Spectacular Spiderman party Nicky's been waiting for. The mornings and evenings are a little cooler, school is in full swing, and even though this summer felt oddly short, I'm ready for more of the sights and smells of Fall.