The new deck

Mark finished our new deck this week. We had a little porch and now we have room for outdoor dining and seating for our family on the deck.I love that Trex stuff - so nice to walk on.

"Boy is completely hidden by giant birthday gift bag!"

Roman turned 3 and it's possible that grandma gave him a gift that was too big to open or even see over. Look at those cute little bare feet! Mom and dad notice dad's painting in the background on the entryway hall in a place of honor.It's the only painting hung in the new house so far.

Goose and her boys looking at the fish

Goose, Roman and Finn are looking at the gold fish in Finn's backyard pond. It is so funny to watch this threesome play together. Goose thinks she is just one of the kids.

Deer Damn-age

Our deer are darling and damnable. The eat the flower right off the top of "deer resistant" plants and for good measure pull out new plants before they can even root. Even my rose bushes get new leaves eaten and that's a trick with all those thorns!

This is what those geraniums should look like - these are their twin sisters safe in my front porch pots.

Workin' on the chain gang

Our Saturday chain gang is getting the rocks off the front yard. Chris and Sean joined us and we got most of the front de-rocked.

Don't worry, when the front is done we still have the side and back on this corner lot. And the view of the lake from their back deck is beautiful!

Even Tyfani pregnant with boy #4 is out there raking.

We celebrated pioneer day

We celebrated Pioneer Day by going to the Mormon Battalion visitors center in San Diego with Jake. We chose Jake (not because he lived in California) but because we needed another strong person to help pull our handcart. We also hoped he could spot gold nuggets when we panned for gold. Dawson turned out to be the best at panning for gold. As the picture was being taken someone (Tyfani)suggested we strike a serious pioneer type pose, but as you can see some people just had to smile!

Yellowstone National Park Balzotti Reunion 2011

Mark and I in our secret agent disguise at Yellowstone Upper Falls. What a great Balzotti family reunion! The best people and the best scenery! We had 60 people there. All four grandparents and spouses, Mike's group total of 16, Mark's total of 12 (we lost!), Donna's group total 16 and Lori's group total of 16 also. The three pregnant moms - Tyfani, Rachel, and Andrea deserve an extra kiss and hug for being such good sports to come on this adventure. Three new babies coming in November, December and January for our family.

Alyssa is wearing a skirt (and a necklace). I am not. I am also saying "Don't take a picture," which always works.

Bear in the tree - Mark finally saw a bear on the last day. We had to restrain him as he attempted to leap from our moving vehicle when the ranger said no parking but he was able to safely jump out and we circled back for him.

Mahea, Pono, and Dawson about to be eaten by the Dragon!

Finn experiencing the Dragon's Breath Cave and modeling the reunion shirts Alyssa made for all the children.

Marie and Finn: "Don't get too close to the wildlife."