catch up

I guess I should jump back on the blog train. It moves way too fast for me most days. But for today, full steam ahead! (Read: Lots of photos.)

Mark and I went to Santa Barbara, CA for a weekend trip he won at work. It was wonderful: great weather, great company, great food. We ate at Jeannine's bakery twice. The glazed banana french toast was so good!

We spent an afternoon in Solvang, just 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. It's a 100 year old town settled by Danes and it has retained it's Danish charm. (Lots of Swedish influence here too). It is very touristy, but pretty fun, and I found more of my favorite Marabou chocolate (for a pretty penny).

We missed the upcoming annual Danish Days celebration by a week. I hear they have a parade and lots of good Danish fun.

 Mmmmmm. Aebleskivers.

We went to church in Santa Barbara and then headed back to the cutest airport ever. Virtually empty. Beautiful Spanish architecture and art. And a darling old painted piano right smack in the middle of the baggage claim area.

Yep. I played, by request of a fellow passenger: "The Rose" and "God Speed the Right." No, he did not request those particular songs, but when I sat down, he did convince me to perform. It didn't take much. Let me be clear, I do not actually play the piano. I just have a few songs tucked away for special occasions.

  Love these tiles.

 And the murals.

A week later, I threw a little 40th surprise party for Mark at The DUCE. He was totally surprised and thrilled! YAY! I can't believe I pulled that off.

for the road

We had a such great time at the family ranch in New Mexico: A few more photos are in order.

 Cousins were everywhere.

 A tooth was lost.

Songs were sung around the campfire.

 New games were learned ("May I").

 George fell asleep on a quad ride.

Newly-turned 12 year-olds drove quads.

The hoedown was a blast.

We put the swing to good use.

 We said goodbye, until next year.

bluewater ranch

Three days in the Land of Enchantment at my in-laws' ranch was just what we needed after two weeks of school. We traded homework and schedules for horses, quads and freedom. Oh, and lots of cousins and delicious food! Did I mention cooler weather and rain? It was wonderful.

Hank wore his pink boots, naturally. These were a neighbor's hand-me-down to Molly when she was four. But Molly didn't have the boot obsession like Hank does. They are his favorite shoes, even at home.

George has an abiding love for Poppy, the dog. Poppy's not sure if she wants to return his affections though.

These boys are all within six months of each other. They played pretty well, with only the occasional brawl.

The cousins put on a talent show that was most entertaining! No lack of stage presence and charm in this family.