Predators

The other day I saw a coyote's picture on the game camera and worried about this year's fawn population. Sure enough, Bruce found a torn apart fawn on the hillside. Second year in a row for a fawn killing at our place. Not a big fan of Survival of the Fittest or the old TV show Wild Kingdom.

 Skunk with his laser eyebeams, spooky!

 Coyote lurking around.

 Momma Deer looking upset. This picture was taken in early evening and she didn't care that I was outside.

 Neighbors dog hiding behind the spruce tree.

 Off she flies.

 Gonna get that dog.

 Unusual behavior for our local deer. I expect this was probably the mother of the fawn that was killed by the coyote.

 For a couple of days we only saw a doe on the camera.

 Finally, a fawn showed back up on the game camera.

 A couple of nice bucks.

This is such a pretty time of year for the deer, love that velvet covering on their horns.

Home Again

 As we pulled into Bonners Ferry, Bear got excited to check out his cousin Rebel. (I think he may of needed to go to the bathroom too, he won't go at a rest stop) They played in the backyard while we had a quick supper with Tracy and Wes.  I think Sophie and Ceci were glad to get home and see their folks.

 This morning I introduced Bear to Biscuit.  Bear sniffed his rear and decided the fake dog was not for him.

 Actually, I think Bear thinks that Biscuit is creepy!  He's got his eye on him but won't go near the blanket.

 While we were out of town I received a photo of a moose in our front yard!  Hmm, first an elk and now a moose, each time we aren't home.  But!  Momma Deer stopped by to introduce this years baby.

 What a scamp!

 Which way should we go?

 At the same time a nice buck dropped by.

 Love how Bruce has cleared the area so we can see the wildlife when they venture in.

 Such a handsome fellow.

And he stuck out his tongue as he left me in the dirt!  We did have a coyote on the game cam so I'm glad the deer are sticking together.  Our gun is ready if the coyote shows up in the yard.  The Three S's will be invoked.  Shoot, shovel and shut-up.  Last year's fawn murder by a coyote in our front yard was too much for me.  

MV to BF 376 Miles

 When I travel with the kids I always try and think of something to keep them interested in their surroundings.  On the trip over we all made guesses what time we would arrive.  Sophie was closest!  On the way back we made predictions on the time and also when the rain would stop.

 We traded Gia for Bear for the trip home.  Bear loved being Poppi's co-pilot.  Bear is an awesome traveler.  Not a peep.

I was the winner for the rain forecast!  As soon as we got over Snoqualmie Pass the clouds started disappearing.

 Sven still says "no" on the wildlife crossing.

 Lake Easton looked beautiful.

 I don't notice too many milk trucks in North Idaho so I was glad to see a Drinkamugamilkaday truck.

 The Columbia Gorge wild horses were out.

 I love this sculpture, so perfect for this area.

 Sandpoint Marina.  Almost home.  Sophie got the closest to the time getting home again.  I wonder if it is because she just became a licensed driver?  Go Sophie.  

Elle Dances

 I was able to attend a couple of the stage blocking rehearsals with Kimmie.  Elle is at the end far left.

Don't rain on my parade.

 The recital was held at Tahoma High School just down the road from Kim and Colby's.  The school mascot is a bear.  Absolutely love this center piece at the round-about.  The campus is really natural with lots of wild flowers blooming.  Honor the past, live the present, create the future is the school motto.  Love the Honor the past part!

 After a fabulous performance, we lined up outside to congratulate Elle.

 Miss Elleanor Ann

 Gotta love these shoes! Of course, her ballet shoes were in their travel bag.

 What a beautiful young lady.  Entering the double digits on Saturday.

 The Sheets family

 So proud of all Elle has accomplished this year.

 Saying Good-bye is hard.  Okay Ceci, ride home with us!

 I don't believe Gia and Elle quit holding hands all weekend.

Let's Go!  Such a lovely ending to a special day.  

Grandma Polar Bear turns 87 with a party!

 We headed from Maple Valley to Lacey on Sunday morning with Ceci, Sophie, Gia and Baylor.  Elle has an afternoon dance recital.

 Photo Bomb!  Uncle Mike

 Grami and her brood.

 Getting the party started.  Donnie reserved the garden at RooLan Healthcare where Mom has lived for the past quite a few years.  Mom actually worked a t RooLan before retiring.

 Potluck Wagner style.  Clam chowder, rolls, veggies, fruit, and cake.  Two kind of cake a beautiful chocolate and a Tres Leche cake complete with strawberries and blueberries.  No complaints about the food for sure!

 We were introduced to Donnie's friend Apryl.  She is a nice gal.

Bruce, Joe, Pat, Kenny, Donnie, Apryl, Feather, Tanner, Terry, Brayden, Mike, Mom, Rachael, Apple, Ceci, Sophie, Gia, Baylor and Alex.  

 Of course I set the camera for 10 shots!

 Rabbit ears!

 Rabbit giving his Momma some rabbit ears!

 Brayden and Baylor filled Great Grandma's bird feeder.

 Check it out!

Across the miles, if they lived closer I'm sure there would be some mischief afloat. 

 Kenny with his sweet dog.

 Our family is so modern!

 Just like you see on TV.

 Uncle Mike is checking out the family slides I have scanned.

 Kenny showing Pat his new house.

 Baylor explaining to Sophie about helicopters.

 Watch Sophie!

 Pals.

 Sophie loves spending time with the family.

 Alex and Grandma Apple.  What a cool kid.

 All too soon it was time to leave...... even with the passing of time we always pick up right where we left off.  This year we did miss having John, Charlie and Susan at the gathering.  Every minute counts!