Hell's Bells & Bubbles

On Monday, our friends Matt & Amy Bell, (affectionately known as "hell's Bells") came with their offspring Emerie (9) and Colin(5) to visit us from the freezing, wet state of Washington. They evidently brought the rain with them because our plans of a BBQ at the lake were rained out. So... we enjoyed a day indoors catching up with one another and playing. When there was a break in the rain Dan pulled out his Bubble Wand and made bubbles for entertainment. (It really doesn't take much to keep us occupied.)

Coop Construction- Phase I

Construction has begun on my chicken coop. Here is Phase I. Dan & the kids are mocking me because I put down lenolium on the floor, but I think it will be easier to clean this way. ( Now, I know how Noah felt when he built the Ark.) I have designed and built the coop myself. Dan said he couldn't help without plans, and they were in my head, so I proceeded without him. We will see how it turns out. I will post final pictures.

Ashley turns 9

Ashley celebrated her 9th Birthday today. Unfortunately she had to go to school, but Dan and Ray took her In-n-Out at lunchtime and ate with her at school. She had her little girlfriends over after school and they played until she opened presents and ate cake. Then I took her to Claim Jumper for dinner, where she reminded the waitress (every time she came to the table) that it was her birthday, to ensure she got her free birthday dessert.

San Diego Day Trip

Yesterday we went to San Diego for the day, Dan's friend Ray was in town and so we headed south for the day. We went to Hotel Del Coronado, Embarcadero (Anthony's Sea Food Restraunt Yummmmm.... Swordfish!), and the Cabrillo State Park with Point Loma Lighthouse. This shot is of the stairs, looking down the lighthouse. I couldn't resist the urge to spit.

Lack of Snow

I bought this sled 4 years ago. Its been in the 80's here lately so we have taken matters into our own hands.

Gone Coo Coo?

Dan thinks I have lost my mind. And I may.. or may not have.... ( I ask you...Does someone who goes crazy, actually know they are crazy?) For about a year I have had the urge to live on a farm and have chickens, a horse and maybe a few other miscellaneous animals. I want fresh eggs, and quite frankly, having to vote this last election to give commercial chickens some room away from their cages, disturbed me. So, I thought I would get a few chickens. Since we havn't convinced the German government to let us stay in Deutschland yet, ( where I plan to live the simple life) I am growing impatient and have decided to have a few laying hens here in the OC. I was dead set on breaking the law and doing it anyways, but I found out that I actually can legally have 2 hens on my property... so I will have 4. I will be ordering them next week and they will come as day old chicks. I am moving half of my garden area and building a coop/hen house so the coyotes and racoons (and possibly Ruckus) won't eat them. I am obsessed with the idea and have spent countless hours researching what breeds do well and how to raise them. The kids are excited too. Dan is in dis-belief.

Birthday Pictures

I had Ashley & Heidi's birthday pictures taken last week... Here they are... still growing! (Cant find a few, I will post the rest later.)