Stylish

Paloma has been really enjoying dressing herself in the morning. Sometimes we help choose, sometimes Imogen helps choose, and sometimes she does it all on her own.
This morning, she went to school with her shirt on backwards and her pants on backwards. She claims it makes it much easier to put things in the pockets. I suggested that she should walk backwards, but she didn't go for that.
Last weekend, we went to Charlotte's birthday party so Paloma grabbed the opportunity to really dress up.

You may notice that she is wearing not one, but two skirts. They were both so pretty and she couldn't resist combining them.

You may also notice that she is wearing not one, but two pairs of pants. She put on her black leggings with stars then decided that they needed to sparkle more, so put on her sparkly tights over the top. Gorgeous.
The next week, I pulled out some clothes for her to wear to school and then she finished off the look.

Skirt, leggings, black boots and a chunky jumper (= sweater). Howard and Paloma were giggling when I came out to see her all dressed, and then Paloma gleefully said, "I look like Mama!!"

What a clever little girl.

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Jumping castle

Last weekend, we went to ABQ Jump to celebrate Mia's fifth birthday. Happy birthday Mia! I can't believe our little friend is such a big girl already.

Anyways.... While we were there, our girls had a great time.

They were totally transfixed by the games (they probably have never seen anything like this before).





With a little help from Papa, they came home with AMAZING new necklaces and clip-on earrings. Paloma was joyous.

We also played on the slides. And when I say "we," i really mean all of us. Howard and I were the only grown-ups that went on the slides. Several times. Many times.

And here is Paloma (climbing in the pink pants).



And down she goes!!!



At the end of all the excitement, there was cake! And hats!



Imogen took it all in....




I'm happy to report that we all slept well that night.

How many fish?

Paloma and Imogen were in the bath tonight, and Paloma was singing about playing with the fish. Howard asked her if all the fish were the same species. After a pause, she replied that, yes, they were all the sames species.

"Good," said Howard. "Because then you can say fish. If there were lots of different species, you would have to call them fishes."

Snowman

Paloma brought home some new art tonight. Howard and I both admired her snowman, then commented on the big lips.



According to Paloma, the snowman has some of "that stuff, you know the stuff that makes your lips big."

I was a little confused, but Howard figured it out: Botox.

Yep, that's exactly what she meant.....



(For some reason, we had discussed cosmetic surgery a couple of weeks ago. I guess it stuck,)

A weekend detour

Semilla has been escaping from the yard a lot lately. This has given us a great opportunity to get to know a lot of our neighbors, which may or may not be a good thing. So, last weekend, we planned a mission to figure out exactly how she was escaping. How does a dog jump over a six foot wall?!??

The plan was for all of us to leave the house so that she would think that she was home alone. Then Howard could sneak back and watch her...

But I had to find something to do with the girls.... Paloma didn't like the idea of the art museum and voted for the aquarium instead.


Paloma was happy to introduce Imogen to the rays.


And the fish! Lots of fish kisses xxxxx


And then it was off to Lowes to pick up supplies to reinforce the yard wall. Howard had outwitted Semilla and figured out her escape point.

Paloma doesn't look very pleased about driving, but she did really love it.

And Semilla has safely stayed in the yard and we all live happily ever after....







***** update: Howard has reported that Semilla has escaped the yard again. I think this dog may have superhuman powers (super dog powers?).

Hello 2014!

Here are some of my favorite moments from the post-Christmas break...

Imogen is ready to take on the new year with GUSTO!

Paloma thought that Semilla should put a hat on before going out in the cold.

Santa surprised us with face paints for the girls. Paloma surprised us with a request to be a butterfly princess. And then made squinty eyes for the photo.

Peace at last....

May all of your Christmases be bright

It's been a busy year and it's hard to believe that 2013 is coming to a close. Howard and I sat down and looked through our photos. Here are some of the highlights. 

JANUARY

Howard went deer-hunting in the Capitan Mountains. The girls and I traveled down to meet him. Paloma had a great time in the Smokey Bear Hotel and Imogen enjoyed finding Papa in the wilds. 

Back in Albuquerque, we headed for the (foot)hills - up into the Sandia Mountains with Mason (and Aaron and Lauren) on a cold, wintery morning...

FEBRUARY

Ayesha headed down south for a day - a quick tour of Ted Turner's Ladder Ranch near Hillsboro.  

MARCH

The biggest highlight for March was heading to Australia. 

Paloma really enjoyed getting to know Rachel (and all of her awesome toys!). 

Paloma also enjoyed looking for fish in the Hopkins River - one gudgeon and one Gambusia to report. 

Getting our feet wet at Port Macdonnell. 

Paloma loves exploring with Grandpa. 

Traveling down the Glenelg River...

Look what we found!

The amazing beach at Nelson. Miles and miles, all to ourselves. 

More exploring of the marine world - the sea was too rough to venture in beyond our ankles. 

Ayesha showing Paloma River Bend. 

Paloma wanted to explore every nook and cranny of the farm. (She was trying to see if the sheep could get through the fence.)

Farm girl. 

Rouseabout. In training. 

A view of River Bend. 

Back home, it was still cold and we set to work again. 

Planting Imogen's nectarine tree, right next to Paloma's plum. 

APRIL

Happy first birthday, Imogen!

Los Pinos River, close to the Colorado Border. We were on a mission for our Lateral Lines posters. 

It was so cold in the morning that it hurt. (Look at that face.)

MAY

Imogen enjoys baking almost as much as she enjoys eating. 

Rio Grande del Rancho (outside of Taos) - with the world's fanciest camping/dining table (with many thanks to Mike and Stevia!). 

Paloma likes the concept of fishing, and Howard loves teaching her all of the fine points. 

Heaven. 

Paloma's first dance performance - she was wonderful!

JUNE

There's nothing better than sleeping in on a Saturday morning... 

.... and roughhousing on Saturday afternoon. 

Harvest time!

Such a happy girl. 

JULY

Welcome to the world, Baby Rainbow. Paloma is a wonderful mama. 

Howard's San Juan trip - he has a tough job...

Another fishing lesson.

The Rio Brazos was murky this year, so there wasn't much fishing success. 

The Brazos Cliffs looked spectacular in the cool morning air. 

Success! Trout from the fish pond at Corkin's Lodge. 

Uh oh. This is what happens when Howard is out of town and Ayesha is busy putting Imogen to sleep. Paloma rummaged through the bathroom cabinet and found the Halloween face paint. Awesome. 

AUGUST

A hike on top of the Sandia's to celebrate Ayesha's birthday. 

A muddy San Juan - the Brandenburdett boat (aka Corbicula) on the lower San Juan. 

Our garden at it's peak. 

SEPTEMBER

Paloma's art started to blossom when she moved into her new classroom - people! Her drawings continue to become more elaborate every day. 

Bear Wallow Ridge (near Taos), in search of grouse....

.... and firewood. Imogen and Paloma were very helpful, carrying BIG logs back to the truck. 

Heading out of Taos....

Imogen exploring the Denver Museum of Science and Nature (after a quick trip to Fort Collins). 

OCTOBER

Paloma is very focused on her homework (a new assignment every month). 

Imogen is just so silly and happy. 

GRAND CANYON! (The rapid that flipped Howard's boat.)

Rafting on calmer waters...

The Brandenburdetts headed to the San Juan for another rafting adventure in the good ship Corbicula. 

A team of champions, and a champion team. 

San Juan landscape (near Bluff, Utah). 

Paloma relished the task of decorating her own birthday cake. 

Howdee.

NOVEMBER

Howard and Aaron climbed in the Sandias.

Hooray! Paloma and Imogen happily reading together.

Stylish....

... and curious.

The beginning of the pecan harvest.

DECEMBER

Elk hunting in the Gila.

Success! It took two days for Howard and Mike to pack it out.

Imogen models this season's fashionable knit jumper (sweater) - thanks Aussie Grandma.

Paloma was very excited to decorate the Christmas tree (the tree was a surprise gift from our lovely neighbour Josh!).