Happy Nevada Day!

We arrived just in time to celebrate Nevada's statehood, which is an official holiday, which meant that Erik got a day off of work and we got to play!
The celebration started with a 20+ hot air balloon send-off from the main street in Carson City.

It was followed by a fun parade that went on for so long that we didn't last to the end.

Kokanee Salmon spawning

After several exhausting days of moving in, Grammy and Pop-Pop took off for a trip to Yosemite, and we spent an afternoon up at Tahoe to see the salmon spawning.  A short, beautiful hike led us to Taylor's Creek, where the bright red salmon had taken over.  The pictures don't do it justice - the salmon were there by the thousands, laying their eggs.  The ducks were enjoying a nice meal, but we didn't see any bears this time (though they usually make daily fishing trips to this area).

 We got to take a peek under the water...

And had fun on our nature walk.

 

Welcome to Nevada!

And, yes, the proper way to say it (if you don't want to sound like a tourist) is with the "a" sounding like it does in the word "ad."
Home Sweet Home!
Gunnar wanted to be the first to ring the doorbell...

I never thought I'd have to move to the desert to have the best lawn I've ever owned.

 Our first visitors...

The best sandbox ever (playset to be added later)...

Our view of the mountains (also pictured is the back of our house)...

We were so thankful to have Grammy and Pop-Pop here to help as we moved in.  We celebrated with a gourmet meal (BYO furniture).

Welcome Frank, Mark, and Charma!  The were happy to see that we were moving in to a ranch!  (And I still think it's a little funny to see all of our belongings on a truck.)

Bring on the boxes!!

Our last week in Virginia

We've successfully packed in as many fun adventures as possible during our stay.  In the past week, we have...

Visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens... arts & crafts, a treehouse, and a huge sandbox!

Been in pit stop training with Rooty.

Gotten into trouble with Connor and Bradey (they are now on the watch list at the Chesterfield Towne Center playland).

Celebrated an early Halloween with Patty's awesome decorations and sweaters.

Celebrated Rooty's birthday with his favorite pie.

Got to finally meet Maribeth and Remi's adorable kids!  We had a blast with Finn and Crusoe!  (we'll have to get pictures next time - not enough hands to hold the camera!)

And we have read lots of books!

Patty and Rooty, thank you for the wonderful hospitality, the ever-bearing banana tree, and the bottomless glass of wine.  We will miss you but see you again very soon!

Levi "The Boxer"

Apparently, the tumble down the stairs a couple of weeks ago was nothing.  Since then, Levi has been accosted by his brother with an umbrella, stumbled onto the arm of the sofa, and been attacked by mosquitoes.  ER, please stand by.

The latest Gunnarisms

1.  Patty's neighbor, Ann, came over to visit.  Gunnar picked up Levi and carried him to Ann saying, "This is my baby brother.  You can pet him."

2.  Right after I tuck Gunnar into bed at night, he usually blurts out some random thoughts that are racing through his mind as he tries to settle in.  For instance last night, he said, "Mom, we need to buy more Honey Sunshine."  Ok.  But that one didn't catch me off guard as much as his comment from a couple of nights ago...
Gunnar: "Mom, you don't have a penis."
Me: "No, I don't."
G: "You can't stand up to pee."
Me:  "No, I don't.  Good night."
G:  "Good night."

3.  Me: "Gunnar, when we move to Nevada, we'll be living near a lake called Lake Tahoe."
Gunnar:  "I want to name it Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse."

4.  This morning, Gunnar was forgetting to say his pleases and thank yous.
Me: "Gunnar, where are your manners?"
Gunnar:  "In my mouth."

Fun at Patty and Rooty's house

We got to visit Nan and bring her to Richmond with us!  I still don't believe she's really turning 96 next month!

Playing in the toy cabinet.  Peek-a-boo!

The boys' first visit to Krispy Kreme.  Gunnar had so much fun watching them make donuts that he was too tired to eat the one he had so carefully picked out.  Levi slept through the whole visit.

Patty and Rooty's beautiful new front door.

Who is that in there???