Mountain Sheep!

Since moving to AZ, we've taken a number of roadtrips. Most take us across Hoover Dam, where we spend much of the time looking for "Mountain Sheep" (our pet name for Mountain Goats).

The latest trip seemed no different as we passed through the dam without a sheep in sight. As usual, we kept moving and told ourselves we'd spot some another day...

Who knew that day would come so soon!

We were driving out of Hawthorne, NV (the town I called home during 6th grade), making our way around Walker Lake, when Granny K spotted something moving. It seemed fate was on our side as a turnabout appeared out of nowhere so I could whip the van around and take a closer look. Below is what we saw first...

Nothing.

And then -- they started coming down the hill.

Not two.

Not three.

Not four.

SEVEN! Seven mountain sheep!

We went crazy! I was able to capture five in one photo and as you can see, unless you have the opportunity to sit still and watch for movement, you'd easily miss them.

We stayed and watched for a long time -- amazed at the marvelous creatures and their agility. The baby, who barely had horns, was our favorite. Had he not been surrounded by his herd, I think he would've come closer to say hello (thanks to our box of Cheez-its).

As much as I wanted to pat his little head and hug him, I knew it was best that I not encourage any bonding with humans. *SIGH*

What's really funny is that my mom has been in Reno for over 15 years and this is the first time she finally saw mountain goats in person. The girls and I consider ourselves lucky for having to wait only two. It's a moment we'll treasure and talk about on every future roadtrip!

Happy Birthday, America!

As I've said in previous posts -- my girls think every birthday requires a celebration. The 4th of July was no different and they were decked out from head to toe in glitter, glasses and glam.

We spent the day on the road to Reno (be sure to check out my next post about "Mountain Sheep"), having a BBQ with Granny, Papa and Aunt P, watching the girls watch fireworks for the first time, and then drifting off to sleep.


It was an exciting day and a great way to celebrate the birth of the country we call home. We're grateful for the freedom we enjoy and the men and women who protect it at all costs.

Happy Birthday, America!

Binky and Bonzo - Fraternal Twins?

Crista and I have known each other for over twenty years -- and we've been "Binky and Bonzo" for the past 15.

With similar heights and hair color, parents who resemble the other's, a partnership in almost all VA church callings, and a few of the same ex-boyfriends, it's easy to see why we're great friends and often refered to as the other. At least we used to be...sniff!

Bink recently came out to AZ for a visit and we had a great time As you can see from the pix, we still ROCK. Make that, SHE rocks. (Note to self: try make-up and less squinting!)

The visit definitely wasn't long enough, but it's nice to know that despite the distance or time in-between visits, we always pick up right where we left off -- Monkey BFFs!

Love ya, Bink! Please come see us again soon -- my little monkeys miss you too.