Apple Hill 2012

Every year on "Nevada Day" we head to Apple Hill, which is about 2 1/2 hours from us with some friends and have a wonderful time. This year we were a little nervous because we had our first snow storm earlier that week and we worried the roads would be yucky. Thankfully, the weather and roads cleared up and we had an amazing day. 

 

As I mentioned before, we had just had a snowfall 3 days prior to our trip over the mountain. I love when you come down the mountain, you get such an amazing view of Tahoe.

 

Once we arrived we hit our first ranch where we get some of our favorite apples, pumpkins and our annual pictures.  We miss the apple picking season by about two weeks each year, but we are fine with that. :-)

 

 

 

Out to go grab their pumpkins. (I didn't take any pictures of the kids up in the pumpkin patch, you'll just have to picture it in your head.)

 

 Let the annual picture posing begin! We have our specific shots each year to show just how big the kids have become.

 The Neauhusens have added a new little one since our last trip. :-)

 

What an awesome family!

 What a great family

 

 Afterwards, we head off to our favorite place for lunch. (They also have animals, shops, games, etc)

 

Cai Lynn HAD to told baby Brooke. 

 Brooke is trying to figure Michael out. I love this picture.

 

Off to get some dessert at the next place. They also had clay pot making classes and demonstrations.

 

So the kids (the boys especially) have their favorite little vendor with his "rubber band guns". Each and every year the boys talk about getting one, but never do. This year they did it! They bought the guns. Let's hope their sister stays safe, or the guns will turn up missing. :-/

 

Now just to let the kids run around.... Michael was doing push-ups on the bar. LOL

 

I LOVE this picture of Jared and Eli!!!!!

 

This hill kept them occupied for about 45 minutes. (It was a very quiet ride home in all 3 cars. :-) )

The big kids had just about as much fun as the little ones in "toddler land". Fortunately nothing got broken.

 

Little Eli was just so thrilled!

 

Michael, Cai Lynn and Jared of course have to be posed on the giant pumpkins. (Thank goodness they don't squawk about it too much.)

 

I love his little face, happy with his little chocolate car.

 

Once again a fun-filled day at Apple Hill, dinner in Carson City, and home to crawl into bed.

Pet Moments

Our pets play such an important role in our lives I decided to show what they have been up to these past couple of weeks.

Ahhhhh the many faces of Duchess. Perched in her usual spot at the top of the couch on her ever-changing blue towel. (one of four we rotate onto the couch) 

 In this picture one of our missionaries (while over for dinner) was annoying her, and she made no bones about letting him know with her scowl.

 

 While trying to get ready for work one morning in particular (this happens more often than not) she wanted to make sure I stayed home with her instead of going to work. Her plan didn't work.

 

Apparently, once again she wanted my attention.

 

Duncan prefers his blankets to be on the OUTSIDE of his dog house. Several times a day the kids try to put them back inside and he makes it WELL known he wants them right where he put them!

 

 While on my way to bed (I work two graveyard shifts a week and after sending the kids off to school I was heading to bed.) I told Duncan, "Ok, get in bed!" (assuming he'd get into his kennel) I went to go wash my face and when I came back, this is what I was greeted with. I guess his wishes were made pretty clear what bed he prefers.

 

Sweet Duncan always has to find a warm body to cuddle up to, especially while we watch movies.

 

 

Ruby goes to work with me several days a week. On this particular day, we took the residents to the near by bowling alley. She sure makes everybody happy.

 

Watching everyone bowl sure takes a lot out of her. :-)

 

I suppose after a hard day at work, She needs a little ride through the store. :-/ (She literally puts on her breaks and refuses to move until you put her in the cart... I guess she knows who the boss is. :-/ )

  

Ready to go to work the next day! (And yes, that IS Cai Lynn's car seat)

  

 So..... Ummmmmm.... The sheets now need to be re-washed.

Annie was backed into her little hole by a big furry pointy-eared monster. She wasn't all to happy about it either.

 

This is Annie's "Get out of my spot" look at Duncan because SHE wants to lay next to the kids.

 

Now, I know there are no visible pets in this picture, but when the kids and I arrived from school/work Annie needed to let us know that she was unhappy about the placement of the lit pumpkin.

 

While decorating for Autumn this last week, she was laying in front of some of the decorations and looked super cute.... HAD to snap a picture.

SOMEBODY hates having her nails clipped. But it is a necessary evil. Michael tried to hold her, but she is not all too fond of him so I just held her and did it. Thank goodness for Hadhi, it is only done once every few months. 

 

She is pitching a fit here, snuffling and snorting...

 

NOT happy

 

We did Michael's little hedgehog right after, he is SUPER easy and the process is not picture worthy. LOL

I love that 4 of the pets are in this one. Duncan is never too sure of the hedgehogs, especially when they snuffle and snort. Annie is more concerned with Duncan's reaction. (This is Hatari, Michael's hedgehog)

 

I hope you enjoyed a little peek of our animals in the past couple of weeks. They sure make our lives better.

Court of Honor and Random pictures

 A couple of weeks ago Michael and Jared had their Court of Honor. This happened to be Jared's first and his troop led the flag ceremony. He was so excited!

 

 Jared is officially a BOY scout! No longer a cub! I just can't believe it! (Of course I forgot my "Mother's Pride" so he pinned it on my shirt.

 

Now for Michael's turn. He received his "Star" and is now working on his "Life". 

 

We have the missionaries over to dinner at least once a month. They are so much fun and the kids just love them!

 

Hair cut night! Every few weeks, out come the scissors and the boys get their hair cut. This one was cut a little short by the sprinklers! :-/

 

On "Family Movie Nights" the pets quickly find a warm body to snuggle with.

 

An annoyed Annie because she is not necessarily a true fan of Duncan and REALLY doesn't like sharing her human with him.

 

 

Sometimes, there are no movies, just sleepiness.

 

This was taken just a few minutes ago. Here I sit, the kids just got home from school, I worked graveyard last night, (which is something I do 2 nights a week for the past 6 months) and apparently Duncan needed a little nap.

 

Just a random cute Annie picture. :-)