Backpacking

Last weekend Tim and Emma finally took the backpacking trip they have been planning since Christmas! They hiked from our house to Blodgett Peak, set up camp, made a campfire, had s'mores, made shadow puppets and stayed up late.

I asked Emma what her favorite part was and she said, "Hiking with Daddy and sleeping in the tent." When I asked Tim the same question he said, "When Emma came and sat by me on a log and said 'This was a really good idea!'"

My Little Climber

Nate LOVES to climb. I find him standing on the window sills, in the fridge, on the dishwasher door, on Emma's desk. Anywhere that is high...that is where you will find Nate. The good thing is that Tim taught him how to go down the stairs backwards, so Nate usually can get down safely by going backwards.





This is a busy little guy! He is constantly on the move, which means Mom is too.

We made it!

Today was the first day that Emma was gone to school all day. As soon as she left this morning (Tim takes her to school), Nate crawled to the garage door and yelled for her. This went on for some time till I could get him distracted! It was a long day without Emma but Nate and I got lots of play time, a nap and some shopping done. Emma was especially pleased that they got three recesses at school today!

First day of 1st grade!

Well....the day I have been dreading and Emma has been excitedly anticipating is here ~ the first day of first grade!

Emma is excited about having lunch at school and two recesses ~ the perks of being there all day. I have been dreading her being gone for 7 hours every day. And if Nate knew what this day was all about, I am sure he wouldn't be happy either. He is already looking around for her saying, "Memememememmememememe." (Me too buddy!)

Regardless of my misgivings, I tried to hide my sadness and make this an exciting day for Emma. Looking at these pictures from our morning, one question comes to mind: "When did she get so big?"





And as the tradition goes that I started last year, I gave Emma her "Schultute" last night. I love to see her excitement when she receives this back-to-school gift! (Click here to see last year's schultute and find out what it means, and click here to see what was inside.)

Weekend Recap a.k.a "I LOVE SUMMER!"

What a busy weekend we had! We spent Friday at the lake with my family doing what we love most ~ waterskiing, tubing, surfing and swimming!

Tim and the girls about to go for a tube ride.


My mom and sister jumping in from my Dad's boat.


Tim getting some surf time.


And me getting some ski time.


Tim & my BIL Jeff.


My mom and Nate hanging out.


My mom and the girls getting a ride.


My Dad and Mom and my sister and Nate on the fishing boat.


On Saturday we spent the day in the mountains with my parents and my Aunt Denise, Uncle Terry and cousin Brian who were visiting from Texas.

Emma with the first catch of the day.


Me and my Aunt Denise.


Emma and Kalie (my niece) fishing.


Everyone hanging out on the shore.


My Dad, Uncle Terry and cousin Brian trying to get in on the action.


Nate trying to find something to get into.


And of course Nate wants to fish too!


After fishing we went to Bishop's Castle. One man has spent his life building this castle...it is so interesting!




On Sunday the guys went fishing again so the girls (and Nate) went to church, had brunch at the Sunbird and visited the Zoo!

At the Sunbird.



Fun at the zoo!



Emma got to pet an albino wallaby!


It was a super fun weekend but we were pretty tired come Monday!

Their Back

Every year these fellas make themselves at home on our lawn. At times there are as many as 8 or 10 of them. I always think they look so full of themselves. Its like the good ole' boy club!

Vacation in Glenwood Springs!

We spent a wonderful week of vacation in Glenwood Springs ~ biking the trail along the Colorado River ~ picking wild apricots ~ swimming in the world's largest hot springs pool ~ touring the Glenwood Cave ~ rides and games at the Adventure Park (including a human maze and the world's first alpine slide) ~ fishing ~ playing at the park ~ picnics ~ dinner on our deck overlooking the river ~ lunch in Aspen at Boogies (where Tim and I went on our honeymoon. It was a wonderful vacation! Here are some highlights in pictures.