First issue with the netbook

We bought an adorable netbook by Dell so I can chase Reid around on webcam while Ben is gone. It is very light weight and has the internet, what more do we need! Unfortunately, the cord to our video camera does not have an input that fits into this computer. Boo. I had to do some improvising until I find another way or capture the following video onto our standard camera. The quality is a little off since it is from our phones, but it gets the point across.

To the real reason I am posting a blog. Reid is destined to become a NASCAR driver. Watch as he runs laps in our living room. Sure he cannot pick himself up once he falls, but once he is up, he is off! At least we are still somewhat safe since he has to have assistance to get up. If I am not in the mood to chase him around I just have to walk away from the whining, watch him scoot around and try to force him to stand up on his own. So here you have it.

I need a hobby - or at least some motivation

One of my friends from junior high, Maggie, with whom I have had the pleasure of reconnecting with thanks to The Facebook (yes, The facebook) has a great blog on which she displays her magnificent crafts and cooking abilities. It pretty much makes me feel like a complete slacker in the talent/creativity department. Check her out, look at her Etsy store and grow increasingly jealous of her talents. :0) Take a looksie at Smashed Peas and Carrots when you have some time!

Silly scarecrows and flutterby's

We love going to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. It seems like it would be an excellent idea to buy a membership during our time without Ben as a fail safe way to entertain the boy. On the particular day we went, Veteran's day, we got in free! It was such a treat to both have a day off in the middle of the week and let alone not have to pay for admission.

.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.

From October to March they have an incredible butterfly enclosure filled with varieties from around the world. Reid was enamoured by them and I chased them around with my camera looking for the "money shot". I got some good ones, but this just solidifies that I need a better camera (a girl can dream). We spent enough time in the tropical conditions of the enclosure that our 80* with no humidity outside seemed cool!

.

We walked the perimeter with Reid walking between us, one hand a piece. He is finally losing his need to be particular about how he holds our hands. Forever it was two hands, of one person, behind him, index fingers only. Talk about a back ache! He is now totally cool with one index finger (he literally drags me along so it is more of a security than a need), but one from each parent is even better. We looked at some silly scarecrows on display and played in the waterfall. All in all a splendid day. If you have come to Tucson and we have not taken you to the Garden, please insist that we do so next visit!

.

.

.

.

.

^And who living in Ariz0na hasn't had one of these while driving down the road!^

Buckelew

Before Halloween, we picked out pumpkins, ate pie and in general sweat our butts off in October (which seems so wrong) out at Buckelew Farms. The people were super friendly, the pie was delicious and the pumpkin/gourd pickins were great! We scored one for carving, 2 sugars for baking and three littles for fun - all for under $15 - all in all a successful day!

Ignore the man behind the curtain!

.

Not so impressed with the ride

Hair blowing in the breeze

.

The Haul

mmmm, dirt

What's the matter - not so impressed?

Who - me?!

I am impressed - really!

See - I love the pumpkins!!

Now check out my best Elvis impersonation

The following weekend when we carved it - he liked playing with the guts but was more impressed with the taste ;0)

The finished look

Halloween part 2! The look came together saturday with lots of burned fingers (hot glue) and lots of compromise. I present, Halloween - Bedrock Style.

It was a bummer that we were missing Barney - Hi Thad!!

Happy Halloween!

A preview of the family costumes:

hey Abby - wanna come play with me?

Why don't you let go and let's lose these grownups?!

Slow down!!!!

I feel like things are spiraling out of control. The laundry is piling up (no big surprise there), work poop is piling up and the blog posts are sitting in my queue waiting to be written. I think after this week work will slow down (now that I have almost 75 kids signed up and tutoring in the span of 3 weeks) and I will have some time to enjoy things around here and possibly fold an article of clothing. So, off we go, to a simple time of being a tourist and frolicking around Oregon. Maybe this post will be like therapy for me. Aaahhh, fun times with my sweet little family doing what we love to do, see new things.
.
After my fun filled outlet shopping trip with Amy, we grabbed a couple coffees and she dropped me back off with Ben and Reid so we could enjoy the pumpkin patch. Reid was not in the best of moods since we were pushing nap time, but we pushed back at the grumpiness and enjoyed at least a few minutes worth considering the $13 admission.

.

Goats

.

What's next!?

.

More goats

.

is your mama a llama

.

ducks

.

and duck butts

.

Not sure - maybe a water buffalo - maybe a longhorn?

.

Our own monster

.

Look out below!

.

Weee!

.

Reid loves a good obstacle course - with help of course!

.

Needless to say the day was anything but.......

Bend

We love Bend. I think we want to move there, now if there were only a job for Ben. Here are a few shots of Ben and Reid in the grass. It was a lovely sight :0)

.

.

The morning after the wedding Ben and I both went to heaven. I went outlet shopping with Amy (during which I bought nothing for myself and lots for Reid) while Ben took Reid to an air museum sponsored by Evergreen. It appears Reid is a natural in the cockpit which made Ben ridiculously happy (I think he may have cried but won't admit it ;0).

.

Ben's greatest thrill was that Reid instinctively started turning the yoke and pushing up the throttle.

Spruce Goose (Ben about died when he saw it was there).

I should add, Ben discovered the museum the night before while driving Reid around so he could get a small nap before the wedding. I was extremely grateful as I sipped my wine and enjoyed the scenery!