Big Commitment

My little fantasy garden looked so pretty this morning. We actually had some Santa Barbara weather for a change and it was beautiful!

The stock tank gardens are doing fine. The tomatoes are starting to turn red - yea!

Take a last look at the gray back patio. Today we made the commitment to stain the patio - pretty scary stuff!

Pat started with a 'Cheyenne Red' color - the color card looked a bit more Sedona than the red you're seeing

Can you say tomato soup? Off to Lowe's for some Tuscany yellow to tone things down. The first coat showed some promise . . .

by the third coat things were looking great! About time since the sun was going down.
Below is an up close and personal shot of our 'new' patio. Just the right foundation for the coming arbor.
Just for fun: one day we were sitting on the front patio and this tiny little bird (Carolina wren we think) landed on the brick and just gave us &%$$. We had no idea why until later I was straightening things up on the plant stand by the door. Notice the decorative terra cotta bird house????

Guess who liked the look of the neighborhood?

Now we try not to upset the little mamma - at least she has good taste.

Bathing beauty Katie Beth

Summer + kids = fun!!

Just a little chilly . . .

time to lay on a warm patio with your girlfriends!
Caleb is a very early reader!
One more time around the patch on the golf cart then
a nap - a fellow can only handle so much fun in one day!

Summer Fun

Remember Slip 'n Slides? Well they come with racing lanes now - much fancier than I remember 100 years ago. Sunday warmed up enough for the kids to get in both fishing and sliding. Looks like the same fun I remember!

New skills

One of Joy's gifts was a new sewing machine. We went in with Ryan on this gift. Ryan did his research and found her a very nice Singer machine.

Joy's birthday

Well our favorite daughter-in-law named Joy turned 30 last week. Ryan, Joy, Katie & Caleb joined us and Jeff, Steph, Audrey, Seth & Noah last weekend to celebrate.

Unfortunately you are not able to fully appreciate the neon blinking lights on this tasteful headpiece.

Katie, however, thought it was stunning!

Sometimes you get to help Mom do fun things.Joy wants to learn to sew - that was the theme of this birthday.

As usual Steph worked her magic on Joy's birthday cake. She had plenty of eager helpers.

Joy requested chocolate on chocolate and that is what she got!

Pictures from Shane

Shane e-mailed us a bunch of the pictures he took over graduation weekend several of which I've used in the blog. He had so many good ones tho (no surprise) I've put together a group for you to enjoy. We'll start with the pre-graduation dinner and proceed from there.

This shot was taken from the second floor of our office while Pat, Lindsey & I were at the airport waiting (& waiting) for Ty & Jerilyn. In the shot below Gino's is the green building with the sign board out front.

After our long quarter block treck to dinner we enjoy fresh made pizza.

A very happy family after graduation.

Pat & I are very, very proud of both Ryan & Joy. It was definately a team effort.

Relaxed finally!!

Family shot with cousin Tiffany and her son Eli. We were so glad they could make it to celebrate with us.
Tyler & Jackson just chillin (literally - it was pretty cool on Sunday)

The canine crew of Felix, Chief, Packer and Dexter.

Pat had a chance to take Shane, Ryan, Joy & Katie flying on Sunday. Above Pat & Shane in the Pilot's for Christ Mooney aircraft.

Here we document Katie's very first flight with Papa. She was very calm.Seth & Noah checking out the basement at the Anderson House. As many times as I've toured the house this was a first for me too.
Pat's motorcycle a Victory Kingpin. He and Shane were able to take a ride and check out the flood waters coming up on either side of 65 Highway. We are used to this but it is pretty amazing. The earthen dikes are progressively lower going away from the road so the water doesn't cover the road but it gets pretty close!

Well - that's it. The last of the photos from our weekend. Thanks for all your comments. It's fun to know friends and family all over can enjoy this time with us. See Alex - I told you I'd try to get this all posted for you!!

The party's over . . . . . . . (but there will always be another)