Numbers 5 & 6

Last evening around 6:45 pm I went to put the rabbit back in her cage. After finally catching her, I turned around and there was #5 rattlesnake. I hollered for the girls to get me a shovel since I did not want to step over it or take my eyes off it and lose it. Finally the girls heard me, and brave Alison brought the shovel so I could take care of #5.
Tonight, about the exact same time, I tried to get the rabbit, but couldn't. I came in and asked Dan if he would try. I suggested that maybe if he went out he might find a rattlesnake. (He has been a little envious that I have had all the action.) So, out he goes. To my shock, he comes running back by the slider and gets the shovel. I couldn't believe it!! He killed #6 in Ruby's pen, not too far from her. I had just spent 2 hours today putting up rattlesnake fencing in part of her pen. I will get the rest up before she can get back out!!

How 'bout dem apples?

We went to Apple Hill last Saturday with my parents, my sister and her family. It was raining, so these are the only two pictures I got. We stopped at High Hill Ranch and had apple fritters and donuts. Then we went on to Goyette's Apple Farm to pick our own apples. Alia picked a whopper! Her cousin Isabelle shows a tiny one. Since it was so muddy and wet, those were our only two stops this year.

Watch out!

The one by the wheel referred to in previous post.

Rattlers!

Amy is collecting rattlesnakes. We have found 4 babies in our yard so far in the past two weeks. You have to look carefully before going out to play. Note the one next to the wheel of the BBQ. We are thinking of installing a rattlesnake fence. What do you think?

Las Vegas

On the way home from UT, we stopped at the Las Vegas strip. The girls were a little scared. I don't blame them. We stayed at Circus Circus for the night.

More Zion National Park

Alia is "sworn in" as a Junior Ranger.

Lily & Jill are tired after a hike to a small waterfall.

Zion Ponderosa & Zion National Park

Lily

Alison & Cousin Christian

Visiting the Crooks

After Yellowstone, we stayed with Grandpa & Grandma Crook for a few weeks (thanks!!). We had so much fun with reunions and cousins, Aunts & Uncles.

Yellowstone

We next stopped in Yellowstone National Park. We saw all the famous landmarks like Old Faithful. The girls especially liked getting caught in the middle of a herd of buffalo crossing the road!

Sabbatical

Dan was lucky enough to get an 8 week sabbatical from Intel. So, we decided to spend a month traveling about, mostly in UT. First stop was at Unkie Andrew & Aunt Celeste's house. My parents and sister and 3 of her kids caravaned out with us. We had several days of cousin fun. One of the days we went up to Salt Lake and Temple Square. We toured the Beehive house. Here we are at the Fountains. We are thankful to Andrew & Celeste for putting up with a houseful!