Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

We has a wonderful visit with Grandma and Grandpa and celebrated Grandma's birthday a few days early.  Happy Birthday to Grandpa Chuck, too!  The kiddos are NOT looking forward to going back to school...at least then they will be going to bed earlier!  We hope everyone is staying healthy and enjoying the gorgeous weather!!!

A visit to Tinker Falls (Ayson's requested walking area).

Looking for jewel wee seeds to pop.

Ayson exploring the creek.

Addie showing the grandparents a little crayfish.  Addie was disappointed that we did not spend longer at the creek.  Amy promised Addie that we could come back soon and she could spend as much time as she wanted!

Labrador boardwalk

Silly Addie spraying the dogs.

On Wednesday morning, we went to Green Lakes State Park - first visit for Grandma and Grandpa!  It was so pretty and there were lots of people walking the paths.

Addie and Amy noticed at least 4 ducks sitting on a log in the water - look for the duck shadows on the water :)

We celebrated Grandma's 79th birthday and Auntie Holly and family joined us in singing Happy Birthday to Grandma.  We did not have a "9" candle...so 78 plus 1 :)  Grandma and Grandpa left Thursday morning and made it back home by Friday.

Jet wanting to play with Ayson

While Ayson was working at the lavendar/native plant farm, Amy and Addie went back to Tinker Creek/Falls and ADdie spent an 1 1/2 hours dinking around the creek looking for frogs, crayfish, and salamanders.  We had a fabulous time! 

A frog hiding (from Addie) under the rock ledge

Two rocks creating a waterfall

The largest salamander we saw on 8/30.  

Which made us remember the huge salamander we saw years ago (2019) - and it was the same time of year!

Now that is a huge frog!

Ferns and moss on a stump

A milkweed tussock moth caterpillar.  We currently have two (at least 2) monarch chrysalis outside and 4 chrysalis inside (the fish tank).

Sun behind a sunny :)

Grandma and Grandpa Arrived for a Visit!

The week flew by with us trying to get work and the house situated before Grandma Pat and Grandpa Roger arrived for a visit.  We hope everyone is enjoying August and having fun outside!

Cuddles with Stormy

Addie looking at the toad - not realizing there was a snake against the back wall (we like snakes too :)

Finding a new home for the toad in the back garden - to protect the many many monarch caterpillars in the front garden.

 

Addie went with Adam to Adam's message and Addie got to cuddle with the cute little dog Taco :)

Saturday was a gorgeous day!

And Grandma and Grandpa arrived for a visit!

After breakfast at the Milk House, we took the dogs for a walk in the orchard.

Ayson showing Grandma how to take timed photos.

TaDa!

Addie enjoying a cap full of sweetened creamer from the restaurant.

Grandma and Grandpa helped select the flowers for the vase this week!

Flowers from the week

How is it mid August?!

Hard to believe that it is already mid August!! We have been enjoying time outside before the kiddos go back to school.  We hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy!!

Ayson getting quality time with Thunder after working on Tuesday.  Can you tell that Ayson was painting? :)

After Addie's cross country practice on Tuesday, Emelia, Kate, AND Mrs Oliver stopped by for a visit.

Puppy scritches

We have a couple super tall sunnies!!

 Saturday night we were watching for meteors and looking at the stars and numerous satellites.

Ayson wanted to ensure that he made time to play his video games - so he woke up early (he was playing by 8 am!)

During our Sunday morning garden walk, Adam pulled many of the new milkweed plants in the front garden.  On closer inspection, there were monarch caterpillars on them!  

SO, we saved them.  So far we have counted 7 babies and 2 teenage caterpillars in the aquarium.  There are also 5 fat caterpillars still on milkweed plants out front.  Amy promised to keep the milkweed that is growing out front trimmed so that it does not get tall and weedy looking.  Fingers crossed that all the caterpillars continue to grow (and don't get eaten)!

Pretty flowers

Check out the fuzzy bee on the right edge of the picture :)

Spotted beebalm - a new plant Amy picked up (at the lavender and native plant farm, Faverolles Garden)