Raptorfest 2011

After a week of rain, we had a BEAUTIFUL fall day today. Joined by the Orms Clan (minus Sarah, she was off galavanting at an east cost wedding), and along with all Bozemanites with children under the age of 14, we hiked, watched birds, and imitated them.

....Emma is still grappling on how to successfully interact with a spunky 2.5 year old (Sarah and Kent's daughter Freya), but despite Emma's self-inflicted bouts of frustration, the day was wonderful!

The Spunkster: Freya

Being a Raptor:

The hike:

Emma seemed to take job of flying seriously throughout the day.

Williamson Clan Shot:

Sid and Little Lil':

Emma turns 4!

Here are some pictures from Emma's 4th birthday party. The pinata is becoming a tradition. Last good weather day before Fall set in:

Some pictures of us

Here are two updated pictures of the Bozeman-based Williamson women.

What Lily is up to

And here are some recent pics of Lily. In all her infant/pink/ baby glory. Are those pictures of Emma, you ask? Nope, just a strong family resemblance. I'll post one of her about this time and you'll see there is a big likeness. Except that Lily has hair! Until then, here is a link to pictures of Emma in December 2007, when she was about the same age.

Emma and purple

While Emma claims to still love pink and blue, purple appears to be her new preferred color of choice:

Favorites from Gail and Page's Visit

So, I've gotten a little out of order. But at least it is all within the same month.

Here are some favorites from the visit with Neena and Pops. Note: weather while they were here, was also terrific.

Since the weather was nice, we went on a lot of outings. Some with kids, some without. It was an opportunity for Page to take lots of pics, but unfortunately due to the late summer sun, and senescence of the plants, many of the photo opps were "blown out".

 

We did get a chance to get up a little higher and into the forest, where the plant life wasn't so parched.

And last but not least, here are my two favorite pictures of their trip:

Go Neena and Pops, go!

Fall is doing us good

Our Fall has been great so far. Lots of sunny days and mild temperatures. It's been so nice that I was inspired to update my "Emma and me" biking system. With her new school only 5 blocks away, we've been biking a lot. But, pulling the kid trailer with the cruiser bike I have and uphill was brutal. This new system will take advantage of "Emma Power!" (I hope).

We did our first trail run on an outing with Phoebe and her Dad. Molly watched Willa and Lily at their house.