Summertime

We've been trying hard to get the yard in shape this summer. It's quite hard with giant Maple trees in the back and front yards dropping spinners and growing everywhere.

Here's a little yard tchatchke that we purchased in Portland. It's a glass piece on top of a piece of rebar. 

A closer look. I think the blue was a good choice to compliment the "somewhat" green lawn.

The newest lawn ornament courtesy of the antique shop in Fremont is Mr. Alligator the trumpeter. I find him hilarious.

Denver Trip

Mom, Steven, and I made a quick trip to Denver to visit cousin Norma. She took us out to a wonderful meal after 7 hot hours on the road. 

This is my amazing dinner. Chicken stuffed with cheese and roasted red peppers on a bed of arugula.  

The next night it was pizza on the porch after a trip to Leadville, CO at 10,200 feet. Norma's husband, Wayne, was inducted into the Mining Hall of Fame last year and it's located in Leadville.

This picture does not do Norma's backyard justice.

One of Steven's great fires. Norma's fire pit is the best!

A wonderful exhibit at DAM (Denver Art Museum). We also saw Madeleine Albright's pin exhibit.

Our wedding gift from Norma made by her friend Ella. She is a talented artist and this picture does not do this mosaic any justice.

Portland Trip

We took a little family trip to see my Aunt and Uncle in Portland, Oregon.

Here's a photo of my delicious Ethiopian food from the Portland Saturday Market. Definitely a staple in every Portland visit.

Martin was little cold watching the Starlight parade so I repurposed a toga and made him this fancy blanket. We all took turns putting the boys on our shoulders for them to have excellent viewing.

A little tire horse on one of our walks. 

This is Martin's shopping style during our trip to the Columbia outlet. I was so happy that they came in my size too. Steven, the voice of reason, was sure we didn't have room to pack these beautiful boots.

Mr. Copley keeping guard.