THE Backyard

We tried our very best to soak up every. last. second. of our California vacation.  So, on our last afternoon--the kids jumped in the hot tub and Tadd played life guard.  I sat up on the hill and snapped pictures of the beauty all around me.

 Let's go down into the yard and check a few things out closer up.  Here we have Tebow and Marble--the resident Guinea Pigs.  They are noisy.  I had no idea.  I can't tell you if they are soft--because I'm just now realizing that I never did pet or hold them.  Hmmm...that must be where my kids get their "love" of animals. 

 This guy is soft though : ) 

 There were beautiful succulents all around.  I sure wish I could grow them in my yard! 

 The apple tree was pushing out pretty new blossoms.  And the lemons hung lovely on the branches. 

 The kids turned the slide into a water slide with water and dish soap.  Wheeeee....

 Ezra joined the Polar Bear Club a few days before and had so much fun he decided to do it once more before heading for home.

 He didn't stay in very long, though. 

 Lucas declined swimming this particular afternoon.

 My little monkey.

 

This is not in the backyard--but I'm tacking it onto the end of this post.  The day after we arrived was Nora's third birthday.  Aunt Megan was ready for it.  She had a Birthday Banner hanging in the dining room and a delicious cake all ready.

 We celebrated with cake and singing. 

 Nora loved it!  Nora says " I didn't sing, I chose to just eat cake". 

 Aunt Megan even invited birthday company.  Nora's friend Ember came for dinner and the party.  She was IN LOVE with the Guinea Pigs.  Here she is saying "He's just so cute!"  We had fun watching and listening to Ember.  I wish I could see her more often,  because let me tell you--"personality" does not even describe this little Darling! 

And that's the end of our California Dreamin'.  We had a blast.  Thanks, thanks, thanks Uncle Nathan, Aunt Megan, Lucas, Jill and Mia for all you did for us.  You know how to do up hospitality right!