Afternoons with papa

"Papa does things differently than mama!" I often find myself saying this, either as an explanation as to why things are the way they are, or why Papa did something that he did! Here is a perfect example- Papa does things a wee bit different... I swear that this little girl was completely dressed when I left the house...But somehow they end up with a lack of complete outfits- running around outside---for pictures none-the-less! Not that I am complaining...I adore the cute photos that come out of these afternoons when I am away from home. And I don't care that my children run around our mountain top half dressed... it is just different. That is all I'm saying! And well, I guess I probably don't push them as hard as he does...all for the sake of a "good" shot!

Molly's First day at School

What a difference a year makes? look at the confidence in her face- well, is it confidence, or sass? Im not quite sure, it is a fine line of a difference! ; ) After much deliberation on my part, we decided to switch Molly to the other Elementary school in our district, and this year, she is starting at Georgetown Community School. I have been excited for the potential, the opportunity, and the community that is all part of this school. This year, she is in a Pre-K classroom, separate from her younger peers, and goes from 8am-3:30pm, which is QUITE a long day for such a wee lass!While none of us are quite ready to admit that summer is over, and that another school year has begun, it will be nice to enter some semblance of a routine again. I know that Molly benefits from pre-school, and that Maya benefits from some alone time with mama, without big sis always dominating the show. Time will tell as to how the transition will go to new school, new friends, and full day! Go Molly go!!!!!!!!

Beaches...

We camped the second night at Blackrocks, and fell in love immediately. It is an amazing family friendly site. It is gently sloped, with a great pool of water that we all enjoyed playing at. Not sure if this photo is before or after Rio was attacked by a gang of killer cactus. Sassy and naked....what else can you ask from a good river trip? Great afternoon snuggle time with maya belle and her sweet papa... And no spot is complete without a great groover spot! It always makes me giggle that the girls seem to get a kick out of using the groover, OR doing a woodsy! We woke up to find that our tent had been surrounded on all sides by a phenomenal highway of various tracks and footprints. Little lizard trails were matched by spiders and even a coyote or something large of the sort. Not surprising the the beach we enjoyed spending so much time at is also a place where other critters like to visit! It was a great trip. Great weather, great food, great beach time, warm sand, warm water...ahhhh, a great way to put the summer to rest. I love time with my family on the river. I love time with my family...

Rollin, rollin, Rolling down the river....

The girls were both great about resting when and where they needed to...sometimes just relaxing with silly Rio boy, other times, sleeping underneath an umbrella. They were both great about wearing hats, and no one got burnt! And as always, they were both brave about riding down the river... There is so much amazing adventure to be had in this wide wonderful world! I'm thankful to have four (Rio too!) such wonderful family members with which to explore it!

Ruby- Smores!!!!!

And puppy snugs!

Sisters....

These three shots are a bit funny. I chose them because they were three shots of them, being together...cute sister shots. They happen to go in order of days on the trip. The first one was the first night...okay papa, we will give you a hug, sweet sister time, excited faces, etc etc etc. The second shot, look at maya's face...that would be day two. Then the third shot, they wont even sit touching each other! No naps, and a bit too much time together might do that to even the greatest of sisters! ; )

Ruby Horestheif- 2012

Last year's Ruby trip was a far shake from tranquil....it basically fell under the category that if it could go wrong, it did! Girls melted down frequently, they weren't into doing much of anything, they needed naps, and were awful if they didn't get them- scorpions, YUCK! Need I say more? This year, couldn't have been more different. While I was hesitant, because we went only us four, it was perfect family time. I thought that we NEEDED other people, to help with the girls, to juggle camp etc. Again, it couldn't have been a better trip. The girls had a blast! They played on the beaches, ate great meals, tried swimming, and would float with us down the river in any of the various modes of transportation we brought! Rio was a year older, and did great himself- well, except he still doesn't really like to swim, and that one particular battle he lost with a cactus, but I digress! It was great...I can't stress enough how proud of the girls I am. They camped well, slept well, ate well, and really just held up to life not quite as we know it. We read books in the sunny pools of camp, the girls played on the shore, they enjoyed the new experiences and adventures....Yeah for camping, yeah for our girls being amazing!