Adventures with Dusty

Ok. We are back in the archives. But some of them are really cute. Like Amelia's first chance to groom and ride her cousin's pony Dusty. Dusty is a pretty big, but fairly mellow pony. Bea had never been for a ride on her either, so the two girls were on a little adventure together. Bea was pretty at ease around the horses while Amelia showed some hesitation.


First they brushed her. The girls had to crawl up on a step stool to reach her. Amelia seemed to like this part. She was eager to pick her tool and climb the stool. I held her hand for reassurance for the actual brushing. Then the girls tried sitting on Dusty while she was tied up. Bea was pretty happy. So we added Amelia with her. They seemed pretty happy, but Amelia was too crazy about being up there alone when we took Bea off.


So we saddled Dusty up and gave Bea a spin. She loved it. Just what Michelle has been waiting for- a child that is enthusiastic about riding horses! Amelia wasn't sure if she wanted to go. But I am pretty sure she is happy that we were patient. She seemed to like it quite a lot.

Sadly our camera ran out of batteries (or memory) while we were trying to film. But we did get a cute little clip of Bea riding Dusty that we will post shortly!

Sunday: Baking bread and chatting with daddy

We got to see daddy on Sunday. What a treat! He even got all dressed up. We can't do video chats while he is on the boat. But he sent us this still shot and I told Amelia that he sent her love via smileys (which she could see!).


We picked our first zucchini from the garden today. It is beautiful nice, long and skinny. Amelia tried to take a bite out of it- she was so excited. Then we baked some zuchhini bread (with some old CSA zucs). Of course, when I grabbed the camera to take a shot of her helping me bake, she ran off. But the idea is there. She loves to pull up a stool and help us bake.


And a recent shot of Amelia running around eating raw oats for Luc. I am not sure when it became her favorite, but I can't complain.

Way back in JUNE: We drove to Montana for a birthday party!

We had a busy, busy summer and now Luc is gone on a boat. So I can update the blog. Then summer will continue. So, let's go back to June....

It was Zora's second birthday. An event not to be missed. Amelia desperately wanted to go, so we relented. It is only 10 hours in the car. It should be fun. After all, there will be cake. Turns out, it was fun! Setting out on the road in the stylin' glasses. We stopped in cute town, MT and Amelia gave us a tour around town.



There is a great water park not far from their house. We rode over in Z's need red wagon. The girls came well prepared. Zora plunged head-long into the water fully clothed, while Amelia took the more prudent route of stripping down naked before running in.




Party time!


Then back in the car for another 10 hours. Did I mention that Amelia only slept for an hour in the car? She was too excited to sing, puzzle, read, and chat. We went to the library and got 5 CDs for the car ride. I think that helped. So did the train stop complete with 4 crazy kayakers launching into the overflowing MT rivers. They were really friendly and offered for Amelia to sit in their boats (before they launched). She was skeptical.

Lion on the loose

It is true. Amelia is two. And I haven't posted the pictures from her party. It was fun, but I am slow. We have had a busy summer filled with visits and visitors. But this one is fun, too. You'll be glad you watched it.

Amelia just got the cutest little lion costume from her friend Cara. She found it lying on the bed in the guest room, brought it to us and wanted to put it on. So we took a few pictures. Have we mentioned that Amelia likes to watch "movies"? To her that means home videos, mostly of her and her family, but our friends videos too. Oh and the Weeping camel. (She makes an awesome camel noise if you ask!) Well, this was the first time we asked her if she wanted to make a movie. She was so excited. Here is a still to get the flavor of the fun and her first movies.

Take One. Lion Action

Take Two. Wild Lion

Another fine day at the beach...

..even if Paseo is closed. We still had a great time at the beach. Amelia doesn't seem to notice that the water is cold. She just wants to jump in the waves all day long. Luckily she likes to dig in the sand too!

What happens when she picks her own clothes...

The purple Avenger! eating her purple cereal.

Happy Father's Day!

Hope that all the dads had wonderful days and know how much they are loved. We had a busy Father's Day Weekend. Trekking to the zoo in the rain, going to the Farmer's Market to revel at the amazing musician that could play the accordion, trumpet, and drum all at the same time, entertaining a visiting friend, and eating cake. Yum. We saved a piece for you- so come by to get a taste!

Sending kisses and love to all the dads out there that make the world a better place. We couldn't do it without you! And a heartfelt thank you for all the work you do.