Happy Halloween!

Sunflower Farm Again

The weather has been gorgeous this fall so far, and the boys and I have been taking full advantage.  We have been getting out and exploring various trails and farms and parks.  My mom and I took the boys back to the Sunflower Farm that we went to in the spring because we all loved it so much.  Once again, it was great fun. I think Austin enjoyed it more.  He really loves the animals.

{The pictures are small thanks to our older computer not working with some new browser color recognition.  Or some technical mumbo jumbo like that that I don't understand.  All I know is that sometimes they turn a sickly greenish color when I make them bigger and that it should work correctly again when we get a new computer one of these days...}

Feeding sheep and alpaca

Horsey tire swing

He looks so tiny!

Roosters and chickens and ducks and turkeys running around loose.

Goats

Zach LOVED the zip line this time.  He went on it so many times!

A cool old stagecoach

Zach is well trained.  He is used to us taking our shoes off at the door when we come inside.  I kept trying to convince him that when he was going into a silo filled with sand, he really could leave his shoes on.

This silo sandbox was a big hit for both the boys.  It made me wish I had a huge somewhat weather protected sandbox in our yard.  Ours is fun but a little on the small side for any serious "workerman work."

Nana

Zach got to do the pony ride this time.  He didn't seem scared at all and seemed to have fun.

Climbing up to the amazing tree houses!

Holding a super fluffy bunny.  Zach thought it was alright, but Austin was so excited!   He kept giggling.  He got to hold it for a second, but we were afraid it was going to run away.  And rightly so apparently, as we saw the other bunny run away from another kid shortly after this while we were having a snack at a nearby picnic table.

In the treehouse

"Just" a baby swing.  It seemed so long between pushes because the chains were SO long.

In the spring Austin was chasing the peacocks.  This time he wanted to get the HUGE turkey.  Silly boy.   He kept saying, "gobble gobble."

Zach on the tractor.

Oink

Evening at Tahoe

We got to spend our last evening up at Tahoe.  Tahoe in the evening is gorgeous and wonderful.  

So many pictures, I know.  If I knew how to make a storyboard I would.  Someday I'll figure that out...

Nothing like eating a cookie in an empty cooler.  We took ribs up for dinner and had warm bricks wrapped in towels in the cooler so it was warm.

Colorful kayaks

Lots of relaxing on the beach...

Pete, Rosie, Zach, Grandma Calli

Grandad Cal and Austin

Cal and Austin

Log rolling, of course!  Zach liked to be the boss and frequently requested "strong men" to help him.

More silly faces

Pete-o

 The boys love when they get "alone" time with us.  Cal and I took Austin on a very short walk and he loved it.

Cal was jumping between rocks and Austin thought it was hilarious.

Jay and Rosie

Pete and Oz

Grandad Cal and Zach taking some pictures.  Zach really loves using cameras.  I wonder why?

A great evening and a great trip!

Zach's First Rock Climbing Experience

After our little lake hike, we got to take Zach rock climbing for the first time.  He was so excited!  It wasn't terribly steep, but was a decent height (especially for a 4 year old!).  Once it was all set up he cruised right up and did a great job.  I was so proud!

Pete belayed him and Grandad Cal waited at the top

I know that he was harnessed in and that he should be safe and everything, but I was certainly relieved when Jay decided to follow him up.  (thanks Jay!)

Almost there

He made it!  Look at that smile.

He got nervous once he was at the top and realized he had to get back down.  It took a little coaxing, but he and Jay were able to repel back down

After the climb, we had to have lessons on safe rock climbing.  I think he felt a little invincible and wanted to climb everything so we had to tell him he had to climb with a buddy, and the right equipment when necessary.  He and Jay just scrambled up the side of this one.

The Smith Family overlooking Lake Donner