Annual appearance of Matter Creek

For the second year in a row we have water flowing above ground on our upper property.  On March 25th our little pool was bone dry.  But one week later we had water flowing at about 10 gallons a minute.  (Of course that might have something to do with the record rainfall we got during that time)
Here is the water springing out of the hillside

 The water flows into an 8 foot long pool that Kurt dug out with the excavator last year...

 And then the pool overflows down the hill. 

We had hoped that by digging out the area we might encourage a year round spring-- But last year it dried up so we expect the same this year.  Though it is still fun while it lasts.

Amy has a vacation

Amy, Mark and Lilly came for a Spring Break visit.  Amy brought along work to do and of course watching the kids is full time work--- but she also had some relaxing times...
On the ONLY day the sun was shining- they all got to go in the hot tub

There were also trips to find fossils, throwing rocks in the river and visits with old friends---none of which I have pictures to show.

Mark Helps

Amy, Mark and Lilly came for a Spring Break visit.  Mark quickly figured out that bringing in the firewood was an important daily job----and he claimed it!  

Some pieces were pretty big- but he didn't mind...

 Of course, bringing in the firewood requires wearing Grandpa's gloves...

 And you have to wear a baseball cap, like Grandpa, when you are working...

And, like the good big brother that he is, Mark lets Lilly help too..... with the smaller pieces of wood... 

Lilly Helps

Amy, Mark and Lilly came for a visit over their Spring Break.  They left sunny Denver and came to rainy and cold Kettle Falls.  The wet weather required us to think of inside projects.  The kids were more than happy to "work" with Grandpa.  One big ptoject was to make a spice shelf to go under Grandma's new kitchen cabinet.  Lilly helped with the staining and painting the sealer.  Then it was time to install the shelf.

Here is Lilly Helping Grandpa with the final measurements.

 OH, then it was time to re-check the plans...

 And then Lilly was all smiles when it was time for power tools- which she DID get to operate- but all adult hands were busy so we don't have a picture

And here is the finished product....