Thys's First 1st Birthday Party

Thysie-Thys turned 1 today--unbelievable! Most of the folks we would have a party with are having a party in Yellowstone without us, so we held our own private festivities with just the four of us. We'll do the big hoopla when everyone gets back in town--maybe. It was actually kind of nice this way. . .
After the cake and ice cream, which, I must say, he ate quite daintily.
Too much of a party for these two!

Here's What's Keeping Me Up at Night

Our table was in bad shape, so I decided to refinish it. Some wise guy suggested I use oil-based paint so it would be harder and less likely to chip. Take my advice--NEVER use oil based paint! It's a little shinier than I would like, but at this point, there is NO way I'm starting over! The bad news is I still have four chairs to go! I'm not patient with things like this. I want it DONE!

A Fall. . .Winter. . .Fall Day in the Canyon

We drove up the canyon today to see the leaves, but we got a bonus and got to play in the snow!! Of course Anna was delighted, and Thys too, actually. We live in a beautiful place. From our house, it only took us about 20 minutes to get up the canyon.

The Kids

So, I obviously haven't figured out how to do this exactly. These pictures were supposed to come underneath the others. I don't know how to move them, so read on to see where we are.

So, here's Thys having a popsicle. He loves them, and obviously the camera. How does an almost-one-year know to cheese it for the camera? He gets it all, though. Makes one wonder what goes on in those little heads!

And Anna. . . .she is not really into napping anymore, but here is the result. After three hours of crying and tantrum throwing for any reason fathomable (is that how you spell that word, the English teacher asks?), she finally gave up. No worries, though, she woke up about a half hour later and started again. . . .not napping hasn't been an option since. She is really into Halloween. She is going to be a fairy, a princess, a dragon, and pumpkin, and today, a witch. Probably because we went to Gardner Village to see the witches and Halloween decor with some friends (see pics above).

The Fruits of Mel's Labors

This is a picture of our porch. These are some of Mel's home-grown pumpkins. The have a lot of. . . personality?!?!? Anna is thrilled with them, as is Mel, so as long as everyone is happy. . . .Oh, me? I think they should be arranged in a more aesthetically pleasing way, but I just haven't got around to it yet. Maybe after Halloween? Really, though, Mel has had a very successful gardening year for a first try. He's currently clearing more space for next year's growing season. . .we can only wait to see what pops up!

All New to Me

My sister and sister-in-law are doing this blog thing, and suggested we do this for our far-away family. I don't really get it, but here I am trying it when I should be cleaning up, doing laundry, sorting piles of papers, etc. Oh, well. It will still all be there in a little bit. I guess all of you are supposed to comment or something? I'm sure someone will fill me in, right?