Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Welcome to Emmaline's Haunted House

Some real live ghosts walking through her haunted house. No, not really, just me and my great camera skills. These are our horrified neighbors who are walking through the wood shop that Em has converted into a very scary haunted house.
This dead bat was donated by Grammy. She found it in her house and now it is Sarah's best friend. I have since hidden the bat from Sarah so Em can use it next year. I just couldn't handle Sarah taking this thing everywhere she went. For one, its in a glass jar that she could drop and break. For two, its a dead bat.

The sign says "try if you dare" Emma told the customers that they were werewolf toe nails. They were candies almonds.


Emmaline and Lily making some disgusting witches brew.



the finished product.




Perfect Zoo Day

We went to the Zoo with Grammy and Sister in law Ali and her 5 kids and Sister in law Melissa and her 2 youngest girls. It was very fun.
This baby orangutan was about the cutest most entertaining little creature. We stood there for a long time watching him swing and jump and throw straw, while his sibling and mommy napped.

I'm pretty sure this giraffe liked me. I made eye contact with her and she bent her long neck down and licked my hand. Then 10 minutes later I was standing there again and looked at her and she bent down and sniffed ME. There was a line up of people but she only sniffed me. I'm taking that as a giraffe compliment.


How could I say no to a train ride when they are sooooo cute? Naughty, but cute.




I have so many nieces and nephews. 20 on Nate's side and 9 on mine. My kids will never lack in the cousin fun department.



Monday, November 9, 2009

The Little Camry That Could

This is the story of why a successful attorney is driving a 1987 Camry. Why would this handsome professional drive a 23 year old car? I'll tell you why. About 3 and 1/2 years ago we decided it was time to get Nate a nice car. We finally had the money, the family minivan was paid off. We were soon surprised to find out that I was expecting twins. We were glad to know our minivan could seat 5 children. On the day that we were going to go buy Nate a car, Nate realized that all 5 of our kids still had to be in car seats. He tried to fit all 5 car seats in the van. That was when his dreams of a new car were crushed. Instead of Nate getting the new car I got a bigger van. I felt so bad for him.
That was 3 and 1/2 years ago. He is still driving this ancient car because by the time we had enough saved to get him a new car.........we bought a bigger house. Once again his dreams of a nice car were put on hold.

The time is coming close that we will have enough saved and the van paid off. We will be able to buy Nate a new car.....He is getting a little antsy in his pantsy. The other morning his car wouldn't start. We had to have it towed to the mechanic. Did the car finally die of old age? No. It was bone dry. Nate had "forgotten" to get the oil changed. It was 2000 miles past. I asked him if subconsciously he was trying to kill the car so he could get a new one instead of wait a few more months. He admitted that maybe subconsciously he was trying to kill the car. Can you blame him?


The mechanic told him the engine was shot. Were Nate's dreams of a new car finally going to come true? Nate told the mechanic to put oil in the car just to see what would happen. By this time he was feeling guilty for the attempted murder of the Camry. What do you know! It started! It has been running great! It even passed emissions and inspection! My prayers were answered!
Poor Nate. He will just have to wait a few more months. The fact that Nate drives this car is one of the many reasons I love him. How did I get so lucky to be married to such a selfless, humble, hotty? I'll never know.


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Un-Answered Questions

Why does my pear tree have these blossoms on it? Its the end of October.


Golly, why do you want to live at the Browning's? We are the one's that feed you.


Why does Gwenyth get out of bed and wander the house at night?


Why does AnnaKate act more like a pre-teen than Emmaline?

Stay tuned for answers to these, and other burning questions.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Skyline Drive

You know those moments in life when everything is pretty much perfect.
The whole family is having fun at the same time, doing the same thing.

We had just driven up this most glorious mountain road listening to "the sounds of Sunday" I'm feeling the love for my husband and children.


It was a lovely break from being the drill sergeant mom I usually have to be.



The view was spectacular, breathtaking, awe inspiring. (couldn't decide which adjective to use so I used them all). Sarah, Luke and Kate make me laugh in this picture.




Thursday, October 22, 2009

random cute pictures

A miracle occurred at our house. I made cookies. They were even good. I would know, I ate 5 in a row.
Lukey, could you be any sweeter?









I love your hair AnnaKate

musings on meditaion

I didn't learn to meditate till I was in my 30's.  I think I had meditated by accident throughout my life and had experi...