Cherry Days

On Saturday, we took an adventurous family trip which included one flat tire, one herd of sheep, 40 lbs of fresh cherries, and the biggest bull any of us had ever seen. We drove over to the great little town of Paonia, CO to pick some cherries. While taking the short-cut (of course), we drove by this herd of sheep guarded only by this faithful dog. 

Shortly thereafter, we busted a tire. After a relatively quick fix, we continued on and had a near perfect day of picnicking and cherry picking (and grocery shopping and new tire purchasing). 

Silas found this great old truck (you know I'm a sucker for old trucks). He said, "Momma sit in back and I'll give you a ride."

Christian and I both thought how we'd like to live somewhere closer to orchards and green things. Lake City is soooo green, uh, for about three months. 

OK, you win

Even us tall girls couldn't compete with this guy.

July 4th 10am, the parade

Each year, the town chooses a theme for the Fourth of July parade. This years' theme was "Go Green," quite possibly the stupidest theme for a parade ever! Think about it, huge diesel trucks pulling huge trailers and going five mph hours down the highway. Just how environmentally friendly is that? Our friends Becky and Katie rode white horses that had been painted head to hoof green and wore signs saying "organic fertilizer." (Sorry, I didn't catch that on the camera.) Despite the oxymoronic nature of the parade, a grand time was had by all. Priya liked waving to everyone. Silas was partial to the free bubble gum. 

July 4th 9am: Hazzah, OOOyea

I don't know if hazzah is an authentic exclamation of joy from the 1770s or not, but our town crier came around at 9am on the 4th yelling Hazzah! and ringing a bell. He read the Declaration of Independence on the Museum steps across from our home. Joining him, our resident German, Pamela, read the document in German, which was apparently the first language in which it was printed. We townsfolk shouted, "down with the king" and other appropriate things. This was a new and welcome addition to the Lake City festivities.  

Iris, 2008

Last year when the iris were blooming, I gave birth to Priya Iris. I thought I would take her picture with the flower after which she was named. This is what she thought of the idea. 

Rolling with my homies

Priya loves her birthday wagon. Thanks to everyone who chipped in and to Silas and Christian who assembled this beauty while I was running one day! I promise some photos of adults and more thought provoking blogs are to follow. (The Alabama crowd has and insatiable appetite for photos of the growing kiddos.) 

Life is good...

When your grandparents own an ice cream store! The cousins took a break from their hectic schedule the other day for some R and R in front of the soda fountain. To check out the store visit www.sanjuansodacompany.com. Or, come visit us in Lake City!!