September 22nd, 2014: Celebrating Tyler and Jacob's birthdays!

Jacob and Tyler have birthdays just a day apart (September 25th and 24th). We met up a Chili's on the west side to celebrate, and it was a fun evening--especially for this little birthday boy!

Almost 3-year old Tyler at Chili's with his family and Grandma & Grandpa H

Jacob enjoying his appetizer and getting ready to open his gift bag

I love the excitement and joy on Jacob's face

Too bad he only got socks this year...

He's still happy to get socks! I love this kid ;-)

My not so great beef short rib enchiladas with black beans and rice

Tyler's birthday sundae--he loved this ice cream dessert

Jacob's chocolate lava dessert 

Tyler didn't want anyone sharing his sundae!

Happy Birthday Tyler and Jacob! We love you!!!

September 2014: So much love, and so little time!

The month of September begins my favorite time of year--AUTUMN, with holidays approaching and chances for snow! I love it!! Our tomatoes did great this year, but the zucchini were attacked by squash bugs, and the peppers never grew very big. I like to dice up these fresh tomatoes and freeze them for later--yum!

September 2nd: Better tomatoes than last year's harvest

September 3rd: Joey is so focused on that helicopter!

He plays well by himself and likes to line up his cars

Joey is also loves cute and funny story books

September 6th: Grandma time with baby Elise and Tyler

Elise started playing with my hair and face
She also fell asleep in my arms a few times ;-)

Sucking on toys--the life of a baby

Tyler and Elise hanging out at Grandma's house

September 7th: Lots of tiny grapes and apples that we juiced

September 9th: Fresh lettuces, spinach, peppers, herbs, and tomatoes that I picked and preserved

September 20th: Struve--Hobbs date night!

Scott and Rebecca Struve ready to party without their boys! 

Green salad and "Superbowl" potatoes with cheese, BBQ beef brisket,
and bacon, and topped with green onion, sour cream, and fresh-made salsa

Greens from our garden have been plentiful this year!

Going, going, and almost gone!

September 21st: Grandpa reads to Joey!

Look at those sweet smiles ;-)

Grandpa plays with Joey in the living room

He never gets tired of cars, trucks, and trains

Joey's funny face!

We took Joey around the neighborhood park in a stroller when he got sleepy

He was laughing hard on the "baby swing" and enjoyed the slides too

September 1st, 2014: Labor Day hike to Wheeler Peak!

Mike always wanted to take me to Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico, and this year we summited the top with Sam! The altitude, plus my extra weight and bad knees made it difficult for me, but I'm so glad I had this fun experience with Mike and Sam :-).

At the Taos Ski Valley parking lot

The Wheeler summit trail marker

Sam taking care of his mom

On the way to the top of New Mexico!

Great views on the way up!

Sam on the top of New Mexico!

The wind on top was fierce

Williams Lake in the Taos Ski Valley

Sam's victory pose!