Friday, November 2, 2012

Babies, Cats, Reno, Oh My...

In spite of rumors to the contrary, I am alive, well and kicking, just catching up on sleep, chores (what are those?) and life back here in LA after my return from Reno.

I thought I'd share some of the pictures I took of the babies, the resident kitties and some of the views I saw from my niece's neighborhood.  This was not an exploration trip, so I saw very little of Reno, but what I saw made me want to take a return trip and see a little more.

My room was decorated appropriately for a UF alum, as are the kids parents.


Everyone wanted to be in that room.


Everyone!


No need for toys.  Sebastian was quite content to play with the handles on the dresser in the guest room.


Whatcha looking at Auntie Ann?


Did I say everyone? Scorpius included.


Sebastian and I headed out for some fresh air my second day and we saw lots of pretty colored leaves...


...and trees with berries - forgot to ask what they were.


And look! The first snow of the season on the mountains, right in their backyard.  Babies' momma is an avid snowboarder and cannot wait to hit the slopes soon.


Mountains on other side of neighborhood don't have the elevation of their snowcapped neighbors. Still beautiful!


Come on, Auntie, keep moving we've got some swinging to do!


A couple more pictures of the landscaping technique used a lot around here. (xeroscape? not sure of the spelling - CG, help me out here)


What do you think of it?  I would miss the grass, but with the arid climate the grass would suffer or your water bill would be sky high.


One more picture of the snow, Sebastian and then we will  get to that park!


At the park, almost to the swings.


Aaaaaah, that's better.


That's what I'm talking about!


Still on my bed.


Veer showing off his girth. 


Sebastian and his momma.


And Theodore with his momma.


Uh oh! first bath at home, umbilical cord finally fell off.


Bath was nice, please don't take me out of the warm water.


Dad lending a hand.


Quick bundle up and...


....I'm still cold! Where's that milk?!


Left out of the action...again.


Mom, Dad and Theodore in their first professional picture taken at the hospital. 
Beautiful.


Thanks to Cristine and Pete for asking me to jump on the plane to Reno to help out with two beautiful little boys.  These parents have their work cut out for them with two so young, but they have their routines in place and "stay calm and carry on" no matter what - being in the military brings that out in you, I think.

So, now that I'm caught up here in real life (are we ever really caught up?) I'm going to explore my new area in the valley by visiting some estate sales and garage sales with The Maven this weekend.
What are your plans?

Happy weekend to everyone
 and my thoughts are with those in the Northeast who may be having a very bad weekend of cleanup, recovery and rebuilding.  We can all give our support by donating to the Red Cross.







14 comments:

Razmataz said...

Welcome back from Reno. What adorable children. So nice for you to be able to go and help. Every mamma needs an extra pair of hands when they first get home.

Have fun with Maven this weekend.

Chatty Crone said...

Welcome home! You sure were kept busy out there. That was so nice of you to help out - gets you ready for grandmahood. And isn't it funny to be on the ground no snow and yet see it snowing in the mountains? sandie

Claudia said...

Looks like you had a great time and I'm sure you were an enormous help to them. I've never been to Reno. Those mountains look beautiful!

xo
Claudia

Olive said...

Beautiful babies Ann. I know they appreciated your help. Those mountains with snow sure look pretty too.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Ooo!
first ...love the view of the mountains. If I didn't live here,I'd choose the mountains for sure.
Xeriscape? I'm all for it. Anything I don't have to mow. wonderful.
I'd like to have more of this type landscape in the front yard. As nothing grows there anyway. Well, except the garden for veggies. I'd like to have that whole area full of vegetable gardens and walk paths (that don't need watering)
Why mow when you can grow? right?

The babies... Well, you know how I feel about babies! They are so sweet and lucky to have you!

Pat

20 North Ora said...

That snow on the mountains is so pretty. What a precious baby. I know that was a pleasant trip.

Judy

Unknown said...

Great pictures of the kids,parents and cats. beautilul pictures of the area,I love to see the snow from where you were. One thing about hausework, its never ending.
My nephiew from Mexico got the Nook going, so I am back on the board. I am gluton for punishment.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
These are lovely pictures. Your grand nephews are beautiful, and their mom and dad were surely grateful to have your help over this time.
I'll bet you had fun with Sebastien.
I do see that the "little" orange cat is not very little after all. He looks more like Herb, in this picture. :)
I hope you'll have a good weekend!
And yes, my thoughts are with the people in the eastern states, too.
Brenda

Mr. Connor said...

Looks like there will be lots of fun to be had during the holidays with the Reno bunch, when I visit. Did not see the park on my last trip but I am sure to hear about it this time.Do hope real progress happens SOON in hte Hurricane area ~ you have to go through one to really appreciate what you have.

centerofgravity said...

Love the pictures of the babies, kitties, and mountains. I had forgotten how the mountains looked out west, easy to forget after 34 years in flat Florida.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say those are crab apples on that tree. (Yes, the pun was intended.)

Pat, is very right it is xeriscaping. I had to look it up to make sure Ihad it right.

Have fun shopping this weekend.

CG

RURAL said...

They are such a beautiful family, and yes the calmness shines through. You must have had a wonderful visit...

I kind of like the idea of the xeriscaping, we have some areas that could use it.

Jen

Anonymous said...

What wonderful pictures! So happy you were able to make the trip and share these photos with us. Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

Val said...

Awww, Scorpy looked so cute. And everyone else looks so happy. :D

Debby@Just Breathe said...

How wonderful to spend time with those two cutie pies and their parents. The kitties too! Love all the pictures. So happy you had such a nice time.