Happy Birthday Addie!

Addie turned 2 years old today! She loved hearing everyone sing to her and when asked who's birthday it is she would point to herself and say, "Addie's!" We'll throw her a party this week-end so all local grandparents can join in the festivities. But we had ice-cream sandwiches tonight and she couldn't have been happier!

We love you Addie! Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

BJ and I celebrated our 8th year of wedded bliss on August 12th and were able to get away for 24 hours (Thank you Nana)! We spent some time in Colorado Springs, eating dinner out, staying up late, eating breakfast whenever and wherever...you know all the pre-kid stuff. Because I didn't feel up to a 6-8 hour hike, we decided to catch the Cog Railroad to the summit of Pike's Peak. It's a 3 hour round trip tour on a crowded train specially made for climbing 8-9% grades at a consistent 7 MPH. Our guide was quite anecdotal on the way up telling us all about the trees and animals in the area. Did you know you can rub the white powder from Aspen trees on you to get SPF protection? We learned many useless facts and some interesting ones. The views were stunning at the summit, though BJ and I felt a little odd arriving at the summit of a magnificent mountain without an ATV or our legs doing the work. Even more shocking to me was the fact that they have a parking lot, gift shop, restrooms and restaurant at the top! Most 14'ers are just rubble and a point you have to take turns getting to. But all this didn't take away from the majestic views...

Most true Coloradoans know that Katherine Lee Bates wrote the words to "America the Beautiful" on her way down from the summit of Pike's Peak. But the cool part was being at the summit, reading her words with that view right in front of your eyes! BJ rolled his eyes at my enthusiasm over this point, but I was enthralled and awed.

I was reminded, after spending an entire day with just BJ, how immensely I enjoyed his company. It was nice to just be adults and talk about adult things, minus our three cute little "distrations". It was an amazing day with you, hon. You truly are my best friend and much, much better half. I look forward to 8x8x8x8x8x8x8x8x8x8x8 more years with you, at least! Happy Anniversary!

Vacation At Home

We decided to vacation closer to home this summer. It has been a long time since we've seen the many beautiful sights Coloraod has to offer. So one day we went to Heritage Square and the Apline Slide and the next we packed our young family and hiked Devil's Head. Surprisingly, we all made it; even Tami who thought she needed a ride from BJ like the girls to make it! It was a fun couple of days. Since then, we've been lounging at the pool and taking it easy. Sorry though, no pictures of that. Tami hates the camera when she's pregnant!


BJ was the designated roller-coaster rider and after a full day of it, needed a nap and an aspirin! Tami was glad she got to play the pregnancy card on some of them!











The Devils Head Trail climbs 948 feet in elevation and is 1.34 miles one way. This is near the end of the ascent trip and these girls are still smiling!



This staircase must have at least 1,000 steps on it! Hannah kept saying "my buns are burning!" But at the top the view made it all worth it for BJ and I, but the girls found two ladybug colonies, and that was their reward!








On our way down I took time to capture the view, but Hannah found a chipmunk she thought much more deserving of the camera's attention. She took this picture and about 50 others, so if you've never seen a chipmunk, we have plenty of documentation for you!



A tired pack mule carries a sleepy Addie on his shoulders. At one point she had dozed off, but I wasn't quick enough with the camera. But I think you get the idea!

Alaska

Yes, that is BJ with a "small" Alaskan salmon. He went on a trip there for a week with some friends and they fished the Kenai river and the ocean.



Nice catch! I was happy with all the fresh fish BJ brought home!



The mighty (successful) fishermen.



BJ said while fishing the river, a moose swam by! What a sight! He also saw plenty of bald eagles, whales, and even some Dolphins! I was shocked to see the picture of the icebergs as well. The group was able to fish all day and all night because it stayed light out. It was cold and rainy, but they had a great time. Next time BJ, I think we'll make it a family affair, or at least a couples one!

School Daze

Hannah started 1st grade on July 9th and since adjusting to the long days, is really starting to enjoy it. After the first three days though, she came home and said, "Mom, I wish I could take naps again." It made me laugh because she's been fighting naps since she was 2 years old and I had to instate a "quiet time" for her! She loves her teacher and is learning a lot. We started having homework this week and Hannah likes the extra time and attention this provides. It is so fun to watch her grow and develop.



Janessa went to a pre-k camp the same week Hannah started school and loved getting to have a backpack like her big sister. She loved the week she had and can't wait to start back in August. She asks me every other day or so when she gets to go back. I am glad my girls love school!

Pagosa Springs, CO

Tami's family had a reunion of sorts last week. We all met in Pagosa Springs with our families and made a go of camping for a few days. There were seven adults and five kids (all 5 and under, we add). It was, needless to say, very fun, lively, and exhausting! BJ took all the kids fishing in the kiddie pond several times and they had success a few times. Hannah reeled that fish in by herself...she wasn't at all thrilled! He even reeled in a couple of crawdads with some line and lunch meat. The kids weren't happy to pose with these however (they do have claws, you know)!

On Sunday afternoon, it rained hard. We had soaked firewood and Shawn tried his hand at starting a fire "Eagle Scout Style"--no fire water to help. He fanned the weak flames with Tami's frisbee while Scott helped occasionally and chatted with his friend. After 30 minutes or fanning and carefully placing wood (and Scott squirting a bit of fire water, much to Shawn's chagrin)...Shawn had made: (Drumroll Please) FIRE!!!

We all kept warm by it that night, making Smores and solving the problems of the world. It was a pleasure, no need to thank us! Thanks Shawn (and Scott)!



We took a hike to a beautiful waterfall with the whole clan. Here are proud Nana and Papa with their crew of grandkids (thanks to Ethan we don't have to keep saying granddaughters)!


It was beautiful and fun. We all stayed safe and healthy and obviously the kids were all adorable, especially when Aunt Cami brought out the matching pink bandanas. Annie and Addie tore theirs off right after Tami shot the picture, but Hannah and Janessa remained adorable the entire trip! We are so glad we all got to go on such a fun family vacation during our short 3 week break from school. Let's do it again soon guys!

Good-Bye Kindergarten...

Hannah had her last day of Kindergarten today! It was mixed with emotions, at least for Mom and Dad. As Tami hugged Hannah's teacher and thanked her for all her angelic patience and effort, she couldn't help but get choked up. Teachers are amazing!

Hannah is so excited to start 1st grade in three weeks. We can't believe she's going to be gone all day. We will miss her energy around the house during the day! Congratulations Hannah Banana!