Thick smoke and Momma love

This is smoke from the West Fork Fire. We were on house arrest for 5 days, as afternoon winds brought the smoke right to us. While there was no threat the fire would reach us, the smoke was a strong reminder of how fast things can change. 

And to how much we hang outside!

Mornings were clear though. And we are getting a lot of use out of the dress Aunt Berta and Uncle Al sent from Alaska. Light weight and long sleeved. Perfect! Piper has sensitive skin and the ability to get dirtier than any other kids at school. The dirt and sun screen can really do a number on her, but she can't not be outside (and under a tree somewhere) so we're on the constant look out for light and long sleeved. 

So while I battled a nasty flu, I managed to sneak some outdoors indoors on those long smoke filled afternoons.

A Shumei/ School friend gave Piper a Hello Kitty and she instantly started acting like it was her baby. Did it need a diaper change? She sang, "You are my sunshine" to it... Overnight her play changed.

Speaking of that...

We got a little stir crazy at day 3 of operation, "save our lungs."

But we had fun

Smoke free morning found us at our land

Reading to Saint Oscar, as I like to call him. 

We even brought out the "pod" 

Then we couldn't take it anymore, so we joined Daddy on a quick work jaunt to Crested Butte.

We hung at the park while Dad met with a client.

Did some flying...

And then off to Gothic. Josh and I have tried to come up here every summer. The wild flowers are amazing and with Piper's flower obsession we thought it would be a perfect match. 

And it was...

Bapa's new name, a blossoming conversationalist and Father's Day

We've been spending a bit of time at the land we'll be building on. If you ask Piper where the new house will be she say, " by the trees"

Bapa has been called Poppy as of late. We had Poppy and Mimi over for his birthday last weekend for a lovely dinner on the back deck.

What is it about the birthday song that is so scary for a toddler? 

Grandma Sally sent a box of goodies. 

And Piper found the hidden stickers. 

Park time is important these days...

We made the mistake of giving her ice cream last night.

First she thought she could fly, then she crashed into a sobbing mess. The sugar crash is so not worth it.

Piper is talking and relaying information, so be very careful what you tell her! The other day she saw a musician pick up a guitar and she says," me Uncle Michael plays guitar too!" She hasn't seen Michael since Mother's Day. But she had a lot to tell me about his visit. Stories from school, announcing that Mimi peels her apples, monsters in her room...

We went on a hike this morning for Father's Day. Unfortunaly having Josh all to ourselves is a rare treat. But lucky for all of us it was a stunning and spectacular day. Relaxing giggles are the best. Out of the smoke from nearby fires, no bugs... Perfection.

Piper is an incredible hiker. 

We had a picnic and Piper just ran in circles squealing.

Skunk cabbage is AWESOME!

I said, " I love you Piper, so much!" 

And she said, "I love Daddy!!!!!"

I do too sweetie, I do too.