More Paradise

Great Granny Nette, Matt and Lucy. Happy 90th Birthday, Jeannette!

Gus found a beautiful Monarch butterfly

Cousin Rose and Lucy, admiring the roses in front of the house. Look at the gorgeous view- this is looking out to the right when you step out the front door.

Contents of the kitchen cupboards in Paradise - sort of an antique lover's paradise.

1741 miles later.......

What a wonderful road trip we had. From Oroville to Winnemucca and back. We made a big loop around 4 beautiful states. I have so many photos, I'll be blogging in installments for weeks, it seems.

Here is a view on the drive from Winnemucca out to Paradise Valley.

PV is where Matt's great grandparents homesteaded and the home is still in the family. We spent Father's day out there and had a great time. The best thing about PV is all the Basque people. You definitely feel at home with all the Gavikas, Echeverrias, Monteberris, Ochoas, and Eigeruns running around. Picons (the Basque cocktail that will knock you on your socks- ask Uncle Ben) are flowing at the Paradise Valley Salloon.

Matt hob nobbing with the Bascoes and Cousin Tim after his first Seven and Seven.
Below, Katy and Ben enjoying a Picon.

Babies are welcome in the Paradise Valley Salloon. It's a one of a kind place that has its own set of rules. Lucy took a nap under a large Elk head.

......more to come.

4 Years Old!

Happy Birthday to Gus! Here are some fun photos of him on past birthdays (or very close). I can't believe how much he has grown and changed in four short years. In some ways, it has been a whirlwind and gone quickly, in others, well we have done so much it has been a long journey. From trains and trucks to tractors and now: insects! We can't wait to see what adventure is around the next bend.

Gus at two weeks old, yes he was a darling (large) blond baby boy.

Here is Gus playing in the sprinkler the week of his 1st birthday. Not walking yet, but loves to crawl around and explore the backyard.

Gus at two (with a darling kitten). This was the day of or before his b-day. We celebrated in Winnemucca Nevada, and had a blast.

Gus at three. He had a very new baby sister and was adjusting well.

And our big kid 4 year old! (looking for bugs in this photo, as usual).

Entomologist in the making

Gus loves insects and Grandpa Dick and Grandma Connie got him the perfect bug related gift. It was a hunk of rock that came with some tools, and as you excavate and dig away at it, little creepy crawlies were discovered. And check out the safety goggles, a very important detail.

Birthday Celebration

Gus' 4th birthday party was a blast. We spent a very beautiful (and hot) afternoon in our backyard enjoying a pinata, sandbox, cake, presents, and the sprinkler.

My caterpillar cake turned out pretty good.

Kaylee, Kaycee, Jake, Alex, Gus, and Leo line up for a turn with the pinata.

Presents!

"Doggy!"

Lucy is using her new word a ton lately. She pointed to a penguin, cat, bird, and said "Doggy!" each time enthusiastically.

Last Night

Lulu eating some dinner.

Gus got his hair cut- here he is hunting bugs. Pardon the messy face.

Matt thinks he looks like a young Grandpa Dick with his new 'do- I am not sure but I know for sure he looks like a big kid.

Swimsuit Ensembles

Every kid needs at least two swimsuits for the summer. One is always dirty, wet, or in the process of drying out, and the other is ready to go. It's only June 5th, but we've been playing in the sprinkler a ton lately.

Here is Lucy modeling what is hot for summer: (How can a baby in a swimsuit be so irresistibly cute!?)

Thanks to Aunt Janie for this darling purple polka dot swimsuit.

And Aunt Molly gave Lucy this cute strawberry stripes suit.