A Few Outtakes from the Dogs' Photoshoot

JR helped me photograph Vali & Ryder so we could make some prints for Patrick's office.  

He was a big helper with the dog treats! Here are a few outtakes ;)

Gardens Past & Color in the Future

The past few days I have been scrolling through old photos looking at our garden and backyard.  These are from our old house, but I'm finalizing and planning the garden at our new home and needed some ideas.  I have a seed planting party this weekend (looking like it might be moved indoors- darn!) and these photos have me excited to add some color to the yard soon!  This rainy day makes me want all the spring colors!

and here's to hoping for some bunny friends in the garden again!

Snow Day with the Boys

 (my firewood delivery man!)

 (first snow for these 2 boys!)

New Furball in the Garcia Yard

So I realized our newest pet had not been formally introduced here on the blog...
Meet "Cheer" our new kitten!

I almost made the title of this post "I hate cats." Haha! I am horribly allergic (really, everyone but Vera is allergic) and, to be honest, cats kinda freak me out. But when we moved into our new house, Patrick and JR convinced me that an outdoor cat would be great for catching mice :) I told them if I didn't have to do a thing with her then I would consider it, but it had to be a kitten or else I would never like it. (that sounds so mean!) Of course they found a 14 week old kitten and the kids fell in love... so I was peer pressured and we are now cat owners.  JR and Vera came up with the name "Cheer" together and I have no idea how they decided on that name.

We have a potting shed off of our detached garage and that is where she stays.  She puts up with Vera trying to carry her awkwardly everywhere and is super cute playing with Vali.  I like her because she keeps her distance, she is outdoors so no sneezing & no litter box, and Patrick and the kids really do love her :)

Pretty sure I thought we would have chickens before a kitten! 
Cheer, welcome to the Garcia Farm. Don't be offended that I can't hold you. I think you're cute & I'm thankful for the entertainment you provide JR and Vera ;)

Vali- proud sister

The other night I was testing the light in our backyard for a photoshoot and had the sweetest little models :)  I love how Vali poses like a proud big sister.  I don't give her much attention (except maybe when she is in the way or stinky!!) but she is never jealous, just a chill observer of our chaos.  Thankfully the kids and Patrick spoil her & love on her plenty!

and maybe the spilled food and extra snacks helps too ;)

Lake Days

Vali returns to the Lake

 Our sweet Vali sure has enjoyed being back at the lake!

It had been almost 5 years, but I think she remembered it :)

 I have so many lake memories with just me, Patrick and two goldens...

can't believe we are bringing 3 kiddos to the lake with us now!

 

 Blog post introducing puppy Vali from 2009 {here} 

(We took Vali straight to the lake after we picked her up from a breeder in Kentucky.

She was swimming with all of our friends before she turned 6 weeks old!)

Lake post from 2010 {here}

My favorite photo of me & Vali:

Last Spring

 I just came across these two blog posts from last spring {here} and {here}.  Vera has grown so much :) and we are all hoping mama bunny picks our yard again for her new babies.  John Ryman asks about our baby bunnies more than he does his baby brother's arrival!

Baby Bunnies in the Garden!

Last week, I heard some squeaking outside & saw Vali laying in the grass.  I thought she had found a baby bird, but I found a little baby bunny instead.  Thankfully Vali was gentle with it and kept him safe, but until we figured out what to do I put it in a rubbermaid.  Patrick got home shortly after and we found 4 more baby bunnies hopping in the garden!

We snuggled all the bunnies up in the rubbermaid and laid it on its side next to their nest.  The nest was actually hidden under a daybed and quilt in the yard- pretty smart spot!  We hoped the rubbermaid might protect them but keep the bunnies close if their mama came back to them.  They were alert & at least a few weeks old so we weren't sure if she would come back to them.

 

 The sweet mama has come to visit every evening and morning- actually cuddling them back into their own nest.  Vali guards them during the day :) Pretty sure they are ready to be on their own and leave our yard, but they're welcome back anytime as long as they don't nibble too much lettuce!

End of Summer