rock obama

Just wanted to share a snippet from conversation at lunch at the VanKirk house today....

Alex: "This is Rock Obama" (stated as she picked up a political leaflet off the counter for a candidate running for county commissioner)

Mommy: "What did you say?"

Alex: "This is Rock Obama"

Mommy: "Where did you learn about Barack Obama?"

Alex: "He's on TV"

Mommy: "Well, Mommy's not going to vote for Barack Obama"

Alex: "Can I have more cheesy crackers please"

First, let me just gloat a little....I know all parents think their kids are bright, but she really surprises me with her wit and intelligence every day. The man on the pamphlet looked nothing like Barack Obama, yet she knew it was related to the political happenings. Added to that, aside from telling her that we vote two days after her birthday, we haven't even discussed politics with her....I'm in awe.

But the bigger issue at hand....what do you think it says about the candidate who is appealing to a 3-year-old, even if she is bright? I have my own opinion, but I'll let you make up your own mind. :D

got fish?

We took the girls out to Pyramid Lake on Sunday for a little fishing...I think Brian was secretly hoping they would be his good luck charms. If you're unaware of his (okay, make that our) fishing expertise, let's just say we'd probably starve to death if we had to eat off the land.


From the lack of fish pictures I'm sure you can come to your own conclusion on how his good luck charms worked out for him. Nevertheless, we were glad to get them outside and have them experience something new.

fall harvest

My parents took us to a great little organic orchard in Washoe Valley this past Saturday to pick apples. What a great fall activity to do as a family!


Alex would have picked the entire crop if we would have let her.


And well, Avery would have eaten it!


Brian and the girls have already put some of our apples to good use by making a yummy apple crisp from a recipe handed down by my Great Aunt Hilda (we love and miss her dearly).


And aside from a little extra flying batter the kitchen remained pretty much in tact while the three bakers worked their magic. I am so thankful, and the girls are so lucky, Brian is such a patient and involved Daddy. Not to mention he's a pretty darned good cook too!