A trip to "War-not"

The Omak Walmart 

(Indistinguishable from every other Walmart on the planet)

But to a country girl named Nova, yesterday was a rare trip into this wonderland of commercialism. Baby Maya slept on and on, plunked down in a Walmart shopping cart like millions of other American newborns before her, while mom and nana picked out a new car seat and other sundries, including a goldfish in a bag for Nova because she was "good."   Well-- pretty good overall, in that monstrous temple of temptation. 

The 50 cent horse ride by the front door was broken, but it didn't matter. He had a real leather saddle and reins. On the way out of the store, Nova made it very clear she wanted to go back to "War-not" soon.

Everyone was hungry by then, so we had a big lunch at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Omak.

On a side note, you may have heard of Omak, because the town is notorious for a horrible equestrian event called the "suicide race." I don't always agree with  PAWS, but they're right on this one.

Then we buckled up in the car again for the 35 mile trip back to Twisp.  It was a bit tight in Little Beep, our Honda.  Was it the Mexican food? Nova had lots to say along the way.  Lots.

John drove carefully up the pass and sweet Maya slept on until we reached the summit of the Loup Loup.  It was finally her time to be hungry, so we took a short break at the ski area and walked with Nova for a few minutes in the chilly woods.

The larch trees were turning golden, a pretty sight here in the fall.  Although a conifer, they lose their needles and are bare in the winter. The sun was shining but there was a nip of winter.  We may be driving through snow on the way home tomorrow. It's been raining for days now in Seattle.

The goldfish looked a bit sluggish after the long trip home, but as Amanda says, you have to be tough to live in the Methow Valley.

Small town life

The week is passing by quickly, and it's been nice having a long enough visit to actually get into a quiet routine here.  We've been taking some walks in town, and nearly everyone we meet is a friend wanting to stop and chat and give their good wishes to Amanda and Tom. How different from Seattle, where I spend entire days out and about and never run into an acquaintance.   On the other hand, it can take quite a while to do an errand here, with all the socialization going on.

Amanda is getting her strength back, but after an hour she's ready to be home again with Maya.  We haven't been out in the car yet, but if everyone is up to it, we're planning a shopping excursion in Omak tomorrow.

Nova goes to her Montessori school three days a week in Winthrop.  Tom drops her off in the morning, and John and I pick her up in the afternoon. It's a pleasant winding drive on the back road.

We've met some other grandmas and grandpas there, along with Nova's little friends. It's fun seeing them change and grow from visit to visit.  Nova and Adelina are best friends. They share everything.

Once she's in her car seat she usually sleeps on the way home.  It's the most beautiful season in the Methow Valley with photo opportunities at every turn in the road.

And then, the late afternoon view from our room just at wine time...

Giant ponderosa trees at Twisp City park...

And quiet, lovely scenes everywhere.  But winter is around the corner, and this week the North Cascades mountains have the first dusting of new snow.

Sisters

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

~Author unknown, 
attributed to a 4-year-old named Lauren

Busy days

We have a beautiful view of the Twisp River from our balcony on the second floor of the motel.  The mornings are dark and chilly and the weather yesterday was damp, but the fall colors are still pretty.  There were a few passing showers, but nothing like the outdoor-plan ruining weather we're used to in Western Washington.

   While Amanda and Maya took a nap yesterday, we walked to the city park and had fun with Nova.

We built pine needle "houses."

And got some exercise.

Of course a new baby in the family is an adjustment for everyone, but Nova took it in stride and adores her baby sister.  

Sweet little Maya has stolen our hearts...

We've all been impressed with how gentle and loving Nova is with the baby.  But of course, she's still only three years old.  And constant entertainment!


In her big girl bed, showing off the wonderful quilt made by Great-grandma Wilda.

East of the mountains

The news this morning is all good.  After a rainy trip over the mountains yesterday, we're settled in for a visit here in the Methow Valley.  Maya is an adorable, chubby little baby. She's already surpassed her birth weight, and on Friday topped in at over 9 pounds.  According to local Midwife Blue, this is way above the curve for weight gain in the first week. John says we'll soon be pulling up another chair at the table for a pasta dinner.

Maya Serina is a sweet and easy baby to care for, and Nova is a proud big sister.  The cameras are clicking and we'll have more family pictures to share soon. 

News flash

My name is Maya Serina.