Our Little Panda

It is hard to believe our little panda is almost 11 months old! I remember last year at this time, I had to dress up for school and the only thing that would fit me were Dusty's scrubs...so I went as a pregnant Doc!

Fall

Ayla trying out some of the indian corn that Grandpa grew this year. She is sitting in front of a few of the pumpkins that Grandma grew.

Fire Academy Graduation

Dusty had his fire academy graduation and is officially a firefighter now. He and the 8 other recruits were sworn in and got their station assignments and duty shifts.

Ayla in her pretty new dress for daddy's graduation ceremony. She was quite the chatty cathy and talked the entire ceremony, even talking over the chief!

Family of firefighters: Randy (Dusty's brother), Chuck (Dusty's dad) & Dusty.

Fair Entries

Here are the two pics of Ayla that I entered into the Tulelake fair this year. The other one I entered is of a bluejay stealing dogfood. Dusty entered turnips from our garden and a bottle of his homebrew.

Crater Lake

It's been awhile since we've been to Crater Lake, so we took a day trip today and went for my birthday. We had a nice picnic lunch and enjoyed the views. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect.

Summer fun

some misc. summer pics.

Dusty's new job

Congratulations to Dusty on accepting a position as a Firefighter, right here in Klamath Falls!

It has been a long time coming and we are so proud of him! It was never a matter of skill, as he demonstrated by ranking 3rd out of 60 applicants (even beating out Medford and Grants Pass experienced firefighters) just a matter of timing. Dusty also ranked in the top 10 for the Grants Pass fire dist. twice, being offered a job there last year and turning it down since our ultimate goal was to be here in Klamath...and patience paid off!

Like myself with my mom and teaching, he never wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps and be a firefighter so he went into Engineering. Sometimes, however, it is like there is something pulling you towards a career and deep down you know you are perfect for it and should be in that field. The same thing happened to me with teaching.

I think there is something very rewarding and fulfilling about having done and experienced different careers before settling in on one though. Your eyes are open and you are much more well rounded then if you just started out in the one career and it's all you've ever known. I think you also get your priorities straight and see what really matters in life, yes a career is an important part of your life, but it isn't everything. We are also both very fortunate to have experienced college life and graduated with Bachelor and Master's Degrees as well. These are something we will always have to fall back on and give us options if we choose.

Here's to Dusty! Cheers!

Cousin Ryder Turns 1!

Dusty, Ayla & I (and the scotties) went to Bend to join the family for Ryder's very first birthday party. I can't believe my sister has a one year old already! Time flies...it seems like just yesterday that mom and I were jumping in the car and driving up to Bend when Sary was in labor with him. I kept having to tell my mom to slow down or we would get a ticket, we were both so excited to get there for his birth! We had a great day, the kids played and Richard cooked us all up some of his favorite dishes while we were there (his chef training sure comes in handy, we all get to enjoy the benefits!). Sarah made Ryder's birthday cakes and they were yummy (of course he got his very own)! How fun, I can't wait for Ayla's first birthday in Nov!

Aqua Baby & 1st Tooth!

Boy we've had a busy summer already! We started swimming lessons with Ayla this month and she loves them (so do we)! She turned 8 months old, and got her first tooth on the exact day! We are really enjoying our summer with our little one. She is crawling like crazy and pulling herself up on the furniture...won't be long before she's walking.

American Girl

100% American cutie!
Happy 4th!

What a Wonderful World

I hear babies cryin' , I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, then I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world!
-Louis Armstrong

Ayla 6 1/2 months, Ryder 10 months

First Family Trip

We headed up the Oregon coast, starting in Gold Beach and working our way to Newport. In Gold Beach we splurged and stayed in a hotel right on the beach and had our own private balcony with a spa tub overlooking the ocean! I also had my first full glass of wine in 16 months! In Gold Beach we stopped by and visited my late grandpa's sister, Madge. She was thrilled to have the company and meet Ayla. We also ate in Evan's fresh seafood resturant called Barnacle Bistro, it was delicious! We worked our way up to Newport and stayed in our time share there. Then we headed to Portland to visit my brother, Jason. On the way we stopped by our favorite winery between Lincoln City and Salem. Ayla liked the sound of the ocean and kept looking at it. She sure clung on when we got close to it though. :) We didn't get to meet up with all our friends in Portland & Vancouver since it was a short trip...next time though!