Labor Day at Smith Creek Ranch

On Labor Day our church family enjoyed a fun picnic outing at 

Smith Creek Ranch, hosted by sweet friends.

Of course I was on baby duty and didn't get photos of 

Ryder and Daddy on the hike, at the reservoir, or shooting on the range - 

but, I did get some other fun shots of the littles.

This sweet little kitty was oh so curious.

Silly...

...sweet...

...and sleepy.

There is such beauty in this desert!

Then on our way home we saw the famous 'shoe tree.'

You can read about the legend here.

Labor Day at Smith Creek Ranch

On Labor Day our church family enjoyed a fun picnic outing at 

Smith Creek Ranch, hosted by sweet friends.

Of course I was on baby duty and didn't get photos of 

Ryder and Daddy on the hike, at the reservoir, or shooting on the range - 

but, I did get some other fun shots of the littles.

This sweet little kitty was oh so curious.

Silly...

...sweet...

...and sleepy.

There is such beauty in this desert!

Then on our way home we saw the famous 'shoe tree.'

You can read about the legend here.

The Cantaloupe Festival

Did you just do a double take?

There's no mistake. 

On Saturday we headed out to the local 

Cantaloupe Festival for a fun day with the boys.

Thankfully, there were a few things besides cantaloupe.

Like antique tractors. 

This one was just Ryder's size.

And this big beautiful Holstein.

Ryder finally got to pet a bunny.

The wild ones in our neighbourhood are rather elusive.

And balloons for everyone.

Of course, our day wouldn't have been complete without 

cantaloupe ice cream in a cantaloupe bowl.

It tasted better than expected.

And hey, "When in Rome..."

Or Fallon, in this case. 

There's nothing quite like enjoying the small town community events. 

Loving days like these with my boys. <3

Enjoy your long weekend!

Peach Freezer Jam

Well, week 38 came and is just about gone. 

Tomorrow I'll be into my last week 

- give or take - 

since my 2 big boys both showed up late.

On Sunday we crashed some friends' date and met up with them for a 

matinee of the new Bourne movie. 

I think it's been years since we went to a movie together. 

Haha!

Then yesterday, our sweet neighbours brought over a big box of peaches from their tree.

There's nothing quite like being 39 weeks pregnant to motivate you to get 

some of those can't wait projects done - just in case.

So this morning I watched Olympic Gymnastics while 

peeling, slicing, and cooking up a big batch of freezer jam. 

Here's the recipe:

No-Pectin Peach Jam

We ended up with well over 10 lbs of jam!

All for a just few hours work. 

And now I'm just waiting ever so impatiently for it to cool off so 

I can slice and butter up a thick piece of fresh bread to douse in jam. 

Happy Saturday!

Week 37 and a Freezer Meal Party

This week was #37!

It won't be long now. 

These two cutie pies were on their best big-brotherly behaviour at my check-up this week.

Of course they were well rewarded afterwards.

Their drink of choice is a sample cup of whipped cream.

And for me?

Just a Grande Starbucks Double Shot on Ice.

Ahhhh....

Being pregnant in this weather is no joke. 

We get out to water the garden and play in the mornings 

and then after dinner we're usually out the door for a family walk or bike ride.

But during the day, we're usually tucked away inside with the AC running.

 I tried a new banana bread recipe this week.

The boys were only too happy to partake.

We attended our 6th baby shower celebration of the summer!

And speaking of baby showers...

In lie of a shower, a few dear ladies from our Bible Study group at church came over this morning and spent hours working in the kitchen, stocking my freezer with all kinds of meals and goodies to enjoy after Baby #3 makes his debut.

A am so blessed to have had these sweet ladies spoiling me!

And if any of you are looking for some freezer meal inspiration that is more than just a cream of chicken soup casserole, here's what my freezer now holds:

Sausage Balls 

(for dear husband)

We omit the onion.

The Pioneer Woman's Breakfast Burritos

Blueberry Muffins

Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Quinoa and Black Bean Enchilada Bake

Three Bean and Beef Chili

White Chicken Chili

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Quiche

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Splash Park Fun

When a friend invited us to join her and a few others at a local splash park on Monday I didn't have a good excuse to say no - other than needing to wash my floors. 

So, off we went and discovered a fun new summer time hangout.

This little fella would have a lot more fun if he would ever learn to walk.

We're getting there...

Definitely not a bad way to beat this desert heat!

Especially since all 5 of us Mamas who were there happened to be pregnant. 

And it just so happened that we found ourselves within a mile of 7-11 on 7-11.

So, on our way home, Ryder experienced his very first 

(and possibly last, considering the sugar high it put him on) Slurpee!

As for today, I don't think I can put off washing my floors any longer.

Especially not after Lynden spilled Daddy's full cup of sweet tea at dinner last night.

 Happy Hump Day from our gang. <3

This Is How We Do The 4th

We're so happy to have Pop & Mimi visiting for our 4th of July weekend.

These boys are spoiled with the best of the best. <3

Off to church on Sunday in our patriotic colours.

Then looking forward to our small group and some church friends coming over for smoked BBQ.

And of course, a few games of Mafia.

Our Monday began with red, white, and blue breakfast scones.

Thank you, Pioneer Woman!

After an early morning wake up to catch todays Tour de France stage.

 Then off to the Fallon 4th of July Parade.

Happy Independence  Day!