Punta Cana 2023

 Jordan planned a surprised vacation for my 40th and besides knowing that it would be quite warm and tropical, I didn't know where until we got to the gate at the airport!  Turns out he booked us at an all-inclusive at Punta Cana!  

Our first excursion was to a turtle conservation area, then to a private beach, and ended with starfish snorkeling.  The starfish were as big as dinner plates but we forgot the underwater camera at home!

The next day we took an ATV excursion to a cenote, farm (tasted mangos, green tea, and coffee), and beach.

It was a quick trip so the last morning was spent on the beach.  What a fabulous way to kick off my 40s!

Spring 2023

 Ash doesn't like to have other pets lay with her but she took an exception to Remi on this day with Colin's bedding and stuffed animals on the ground.

Easter egg decorating got a little crazy with these kiddos. Took awhile to get a decent photo.

Colin & Jett.  She usually sleeps with him at night.

Colin tried out track last spring and did great!  Usually finished right in the middle of the pack.

Not sure how many more recent pictures I have of Dandelion but our favorite chicken died a couple of months ago.  She lived a long life for her breed (2.5 years) and laid the largest of all our eggs.  Brown and speckly!  She will be greatly missed, especially for all her cuddles.

Sillys

Colin's trying out his friend's mini dirt bike.

Massasauga rattlesnake anyone?

Happy 40th birthday to me!  We celebrated with Coldstone ice cream. 

Then it was Colin's 12th birthday!  Colin of course wanted hibachi for dinner. And what's this?  Auntie Dana is here!  Jordan took me on a surprise trip for my birthday and Dana flew in to watch the kids.

Kayla had a big spring.  She took private violin lessons and had a year end concert with a couple of solos.  It went so well and it was great watching her improve.

Then it was 8th grade graduation!  On to high school for this freshie!

Winter 2023

During Florida, we were discussing the possibility of getting another cat since we lost Smudge.  I just happened to look online and an adorable kitten with the most expressive eyes was the first cat I saw.  His name was Steve, Master of Fishies.  Within two weeks of coming home, we were the new owner of baby Remi.  Prepare to be inundated with kitten pics.

Jett is not amused with her new baby brother.  To this day, she still barely tolerates him but enjoys a good wrestling match.  Ash is mostly indifferent except when she wants to play, then they have fun.

One of many of Kayla's art shows last window.  This one was a felting project.

Mama, Ash took my lap spot!

Colin made spaghetti for dinner all on his own!

Remi loves to watch electronics

Had a fun day at work learning how to handle venomous snakes!  My best one was with an albino eastern diamondback rattlesnake named Bubblegum.

Ashy needed some Kayla snuggles

Colin tried basketball out last winter.  Really enjoyed playing and hoping for more game opportunities this winter.

I can't stop, Remi is such a snuggler!

Snowman time.  We also have a video of Colin tackling this poor snowman.

Another beautiful piece of work at the art show

She even had one of her pieces qualify for a state show!

Ok, two more!