Halloween - The Year Of The Lion

Today has been a busy day. We went to Redding this morning and ran errands. For lunch, we went to Hometown Buffet. Hayden matched Shane and I mouthful for mouthful. He ate carrots, peas, watermelon, cantalope, croutons, cottage cheese, sausage, chicken and green jello. It was quite a sight. He promptly fell asleep on the way home and continued to sleep for two more hours when we got home...a three hour nap!

Once he woke up, Hayden helped Shane carve this year's pumpkin...a free hand creation from the depths of Shane's imagination! Hayden had more fun scooping out the insides with the spatula and eating some of it. He did wear his costume for a little while...but when the batteries died on the camera, we took it off so he could enjoy the hot sunshine.

At this point in time, Shane is handing out candy to the little kids that are roaming the streets and Hayden (although he does not know what candy is) is begrudgingly watching candy leave the house. In between visiting kids, there is a variety of play: hide'n'seek, trucks, tickles and more. It is hoped (although not expected!) that Hayden will sleep in to a decent time tomorrow regardless of the time change...we shall see!

Playing In The Leaves

Fall / Autumn is officially here. We have had a couple of evenings of raking leaves and taking them to the compost pile in the back garden. Here you will see the REAL reason we rake leaves...for the enjoyment of Hayden - Hayden is, incidentally, not very helpful during the process of raking leaves; but, he is cute!

A Day In Susanville

On Saturday, after a crepe breakfast, Hayden and I went over to Susanville to visit with Diane. Hayden and Boone slept pretty much the whole way there...and, now come to think of it, the whole way back! Anyway, Hayden played hard while we were there. He got to feed the horses, watch the cats and herd the dogs. He pushed around a lounge whip for most of the time and then spent a while relocating rocks. He was a very busy little bumblebee.

It was a nice afternoon. I haven't seen Diane for a long time, and I miss her. Her husband, Al, prepared a great lunch for us and Hayden demonstrated his amazing powers of eating. I hope we can go back for another visit soon!

It's Been Said Before...

...and it will be said again..."Poor Boone."

Is a Friendship Possible?

...it is all about meeting each other half way. I think Hayden may have just found what he can do for Boone.

Boone's New Bed...

...and you never know, if he's lucky, Boone might be able to use it one day.

Playing With The Hose

It was too cold to have the water running; but, that did not seem to hamper Hayden's fun. You can really get a sense of how well our lawn has done in the back garden with these pictures...good job, Shane!!

Boone, The Mountain

Mountains come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall with a high peak above timberline, some are covered in clouds and snow, some are green from trees and some are...well, white, red and hairy with floppy ears, no tail and a permanent pout. Poor Boone.

A Family That Reads Together...

...stays together!! - Although, I think that Boone would be OK with no-so-together idea too.

Mowing The Lawn

Over a week ago, Hayden and I were in the local Ben Franklin store when Hayden came across solid gold...a plastic lawn mower. It has been part of his 'pride and joy' collection ever since. There has not been a lawn, or carpet, that has not been attended to! It goes to the babysitters, it goes to my work and it spends a lot of time out in our back garden! Hayden LOVES it! Not bad for less than $10!

These pictures were taken earlier this week. Hayden is modelling the latest installment of clothes sent to him by his Nana and Grandpa in Colorado. It's a good thing he is wearing camo...this way the grass cannot see him sneaking up on it. Thanks for the clothes, Mike and Shirley!

Fun At The Boat Docks

After the park, and due to feeling so sad for poor Boone, Hayden and I went down to the lake area where Boone was able to run. Hayden wanted to follow Boone into the shallows of the lake and he was not impressed when I did not let him. But, Hayden was able to have fun walking on, and collecting, rocks of all sizes as well as crawling on the boat launch. He refused to walk up the concrete path...his poor knees!!

It was cold out by the lake and, needless to say, we did not have to stay for long before Hayden was asking to go home to take his nap. Boone, however, could have stayed for longer. I am learning that I can never make both kids happy at the same time...

Playing At The Park

This morning, while the others were fishing, Hayden and I walked to the park that was close to the house we were staying in. It was cold! Hayden did a great job of keeping his hat and gloves on and liked playing in the big, metal climbing frame.

Boone was not as impressed with the park. I had to leave him outside...tied to the sign that said no pets. Poor Boone.

Our Weekend Away

This weekend, Shane, Hayden and I went away for the weekend. We took Daryl and Gayla with us to stay at a house at Lake Almanor. The house belongs to some friends of ours and they let us use it for the weekend after Shane did some tree work for them.

Daryl, Gayla and Shane spent a good portion of the weekend fishing using Daryl and Gayla's boat. There were stories of high winds, high waves and fish with herpes. Fishermen and their stories...! Hayden and I spent the weekend doing a whole lot of nothing in particular. We both managed to take naps yesterday (Saturday) which meant that we spent the whole day inside! I got to read...something I have not had the time, and/or energy, for lately!

I had cooked a couple of dinner dishes before we left to go...so we had lasagna for Friday and Shepherd's Pie last night....good, warm, home-made food - yummy!