Happy Birthday Hannah!

Hannah turned 6 on the 20th and chose to go to Red Robin for her birthday dinner. Mom was really glad to be off the hook and Hannah was in heaven. She enjoyed her free kid's meal, birthday sundae, and a lively version of "Happy Birthday" from the staff accompanied by hearty applause from the onlookers.

The next day was our family party for Hannah and Nana! The prize guest was Hannah's 1st grade teacher! She took time away from her out-of-town parents just to have cake with Hannah. It made her day! Teachers are angels!













The birthday girls...



Happy Birthday Hannah! We love you!

Hummingbirds

Anybody curious about Hummingbirds? We've had a family return to our backyard Maple tree for the past two years. This year I was careful to document the stages. They grow and develop so quickly!

This is Mommy-to -be hummingbird in mid-June...














These are her two jellybean eggs at the same time...














These are her two babies July 9th...














This is them on July 23rd...














They flew away on their own a couple days later! The girls checked on "our" hummingbirds every morning after their breakfast and we took pictures almost as often at their request. It was so amazing to all of us to watch them grow so quickly. Momma hummingbird was perfectly patient with our onlooking, though she did get slightly annoyed when we'd stick our noses into her nest to see the babies. She'd buzz around our heads to scare us off. But all in all we cohabited the backyard together well!

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!