Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Trip to Vail
Our kind friends, Rachael and Shawn invited us to stay in their time share condo with them. We stayed for 2 nights. It was such a beautiful time to be in the mountains. We had a really great time exploring the area. We hiked to Hanging Lake (shown above) and also tried to get to an old Tunnel. The crazy lighting storm/snow blizzard prevented us from reaching the final destination. However, we had a great time 4 wheeling up the mountain side and exposing ourselves to every weather element trying.
Even our drive back home was an adventure as we almost ran out of gas going over Vail pass. But, don't worry we safely coasted down the entire mountain pass in neutral and into the gas station which was thankfully located at the bottom of the mountain.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sydney starts Kindergarten
8-08-08. Sydney is now officially a kindergartner. I cannot believe my mixed emotions of joy and sadness. I will miss my afternoons with her. This was our time to paint nails, work together, cook together, read together, watch TV together, and play together. I will miss our one on one time and will have to find moments other times to have them again. That is my sadness!
Now for my joy, I am excited for her to be in school because she is really excited to be going. She is eager to experience some of the things the boys have enjoyed. She loves to learn and will enjoy the social opportunities as well.
She looked so beautiful today. My heart was breaking to see her growing up before My eyes. We had gone shopping at the beginning of the week to pick out "the outfit". It was perfect and she looked so adorable and sweet. We even made sure her toe nails and fingernails were looking beautiful.
The teacher allowed us to come in with her for a few minutes. We read the Kissing Hand together as a class and then I kissed Sydney's hand and she kissed mine and then Courtney's and Daddy's. I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. I think this is why she was sad and unsure. So, as long as I hold it together the rest of the year, I am sure she will do just fine.
Now for my joy, I am excited for her to be in school because she is really excited to be going. She is eager to experience some of the things the boys have enjoyed. She loves to learn and will enjoy the social opportunities as well.
She looked so beautiful today. My heart was breaking to see her growing up before My eyes. We had gone shopping at the beginning of the week to pick out "the outfit". It was perfect and she looked so adorable and sweet. We even made sure her toe nails and fingernails were looking beautiful.
The teacher allowed us to come in with her for a few minutes. We read the Kissing Hand together as a class and then I kissed Sydney's hand and she kissed mine and then Courtney's and Daddy's. I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. I think this is why she was sad and unsure. So, as long as I hold it together the rest of the year, I am sure she will do just fine.
1 day of off work+ 36 hours of reading=$35.00 and a full day of fun
Mike took off work on Friday, the kids each read 12 hours to earn free passes to Elich Gardens, and The day we went worked out to be half price day for Mike and I. So we only spent $35.00 for our whole family to enjoy the park for 12 hours. I am quite literal about the 12 hours. We got to the park right after it opened and then stayed for the Carnival De Feugo show after it closed. We were feeling guilty because it was the night before the kids went back to school. The guilt only lasted a few seconds when we decided they could rest up over the weekend and what do you really learn on the first day anyway....right?
We had a great time together and felt like we got to go on most of the rides. Blake and Tanner took me on the Tower of Doom after they first rode it with Mike. I really loved do it even thought it was so so so scary! I think the going up really slow and really high and then waiting to be dropped was much worse than the actual drop.
Tanner also rode with me on the Edge ride which is a water ride where you are on a double tube and then pushed off the edge of the 90 degree slide that carries you to the top of the other side and then down again and again until you funnel through an opening and into open water. I screamed the whole time but it is okay because I had warned Tanner to be ready for me to scream.
Blake also took me on the twister roller coaster. It included hiking up a million stairs until you were higher than you could imagine and then right way dropping down and into a loop and then straight up to the top again. At the top you wait and then do it all backwards. It was also very scary!
We also went on a big raft ride where I ended up backwards the whole time until the end and finally Tanner could see why backward was so scary. Courtney loved the big raft ride that you go down and then cause a huge wave to come over the top of you. She loved telling us that she was "soaking wet" and then because the line was short she was thumbs up to go again. Mike and the boys hit some more crazy rides including the mind eraser and a huge skateboard that spun you in circles while it went back and forth in a half pipe all while you were standing up. Sydney, Courtney, and I tried out some kiddie rides. One of which was a roller coaster that we found out neither I or Blake could go on it with them (found this out after waiting in a very long hot line) so I made Sydney (much to her sadness) so that Courtney could go. I really cannot believe that I buckled my crying 5 year old and little 2 year old into a very fast roller coaster. I really did think that they would love it and be glad I insisted. Instead Sydney was really upset and Courtney looked at me like I had tricked her. It was a sad mommy moment. :(
We ate our lunch back at the Sequoia and man did those sandwiches, chips, red balls (grapes), apple slices, and rice Krispie treats taste good. We also watched a couple of shows, played in the wave pool, relaxed in the lazy river, and played in the ball house. We had a wonderful day together and really felt as though we had enjoyed every last day of our summer together.
We had a great time together and felt like we got to go on most of the rides. Blake and Tanner took me on the Tower of Doom after they first rode it with Mike. I really loved do it even thought it was so so so scary! I think the going up really slow and really high and then waiting to be dropped was much worse than the actual drop.
Tanner also rode with me on the Edge ride which is a water ride where you are on a double tube and then pushed off the edge of the 90 degree slide that carries you to the top of the other side and then down again and again until you funnel through an opening and into open water. I screamed the whole time but it is okay because I had warned Tanner to be ready for me to scream.
Blake also took me on the twister roller coaster. It included hiking up a million stairs until you were higher than you could imagine and then right way dropping down and into a loop and then straight up to the top again. At the top you wait and then do it all backwards. It was also very scary!
We also went on a big raft ride where I ended up backwards the whole time until the end and finally Tanner could see why backward was so scary. Courtney loved the big raft ride that you go down and then cause a huge wave to come over the top of you. She loved telling us that she was "soaking wet" and then because the line was short she was thumbs up to go again. Mike and the boys hit some more crazy rides including the mind eraser and a huge skateboard that spun you in circles while it went back and forth in a half pipe all while you were standing up. Sydney, Courtney, and I tried out some kiddie rides. One of which was a roller coaster that we found out neither I or Blake could go on it with them (found this out after waiting in a very long hot line) so I made Sydney (much to her sadness) so that Courtney could go. I really cannot believe that I buckled my crying 5 year old and little 2 year old into a very fast roller coaster. I really did think that they would love it and be glad I insisted. Instead Sydney was really upset and Courtney looked at me like I had tricked her. It was a sad mommy moment. :(
We ate our lunch back at the Sequoia and man did those sandwiches, chips, red balls (grapes), apple slices, and rice Krispie treats taste good. We also watched a couple of shows, played in the wave pool, relaxed in the lazy river, and played in the ball house. We had a wonderful day together and really felt as though we had enjoyed every last day of our summer together.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS FOR A WHOLE WEEK
This past week we were in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to compete in the world series for Tanner's baseball team. We were lucky enough to enjoy our stay with our friends, Brian and Lisa Mulligan. Lisa's parents own a home in Steamboat and were gracious enough to allow us to stay in it. We so loved spending time with them as they are truly treasured friends. We also loved the gorgeous house and all it's comforts.
While in Steamboat we were able to ride the alpine slide. Sydney road with me and loved it fast and furious, which was okay by me.
Our next enjoyment was tubing down the Yampa river. This was so so much fun. Of course the first time I was a wee bit nervous because I had Syd and Court in my tube. Because I am not a great swimmer, I was really nervous for their safety. Courtney was unsure most of the ride while Sydney only got worried after she fell off the tube. If you ask Courtney about the experience she says "it was scary and then not scary and then scary again" So the second time, my dear sweet friend, Lisa offered to keep the little ones so that I could get the full experience of it. Sydney and Courtney went along with this and this opportunity was a double bonus because Courtney got a great nap. At the end of our ride was a 2 foot rapid which we enjoyed many times before leaving the river. One time we each tried going over it with just our life jackets and no tube. While this was fun, the best was when Blake, Tanner, Mike and I all went down on the tube together. It was a recipe for disaster and I have never laughed so hard. Of course we tipped over and we all went underwater, but it was totally great. It was so completely fun and is a memory I will never forget. I do not think Tanner will forget it either as he was pinned under water for a bit of time. When he resurfaced he looked around and realized that he saw everyone except Blake. He asked in the most loving voice if Blake was okay and was quickly reassured when he finally saw him. Usually, the mom in me would of been scared by the whole thing but I enjoyed it all so much and never believed anyone to be in real danger. It was an exhilarating laugh of complete enjoyment.
We also enjoyed the hot tub in the backyard many times. The first day the kids were in it by 7:00 a.m.
We went on a short hike to Fish Creek Falls and saw a gorgeous waterfall.
oh ya....we also had a great time watching lots of baseball. Tanner had 7 games while we were in town. They were silver bracket champions and showed that they could hang with many teams across the western United States. Tanner had his first triple of the season. He played awesome the entire week and we were very proud of him.
While in Steamboat we were able to ride the alpine slide. Sydney road with me and loved it fast and furious, which was okay by me.
Our next enjoyment was tubing down the Yampa river. This was so so much fun. Of course the first time I was a wee bit nervous because I had Syd and Court in my tube. Because I am not a great swimmer, I was really nervous for their safety. Courtney was unsure most of the ride while Sydney only got worried after she fell off the tube. If you ask Courtney about the experience she says "it was scary and then not scary and then scary again" So the second time, my dear sweet friend, Lisa offered to keep the little ones so that I could get the full experience of it. Sydney and Courtney went along with this and this opportunity was a double bonus because Courtney got a great nap. At the end of our ride was a 2 foot rapid which we enjoyed many times before leaving the river. One time we each tried going over it with just our life jackets and no tube. While this was fun, the best was when Blake, Tanner, Mike and I all went down on the tube together. It was a recipe for disaster and I have never laughed so hard. Of course we tipped over and we all went underwater, but it was totally great. It was so completely fun and is a memory I will never forget. I do not think Tanner will forget it either as he was pinned under water for a bit of time. When he resurfaced he looked around and realized that he saw everyone except Blake. He asked in the most loving voice if Blake was okay and was quickly reassured when he finally saw him. Usually, the mom in me would of been scared by the whole thing but I enjoyed it all so much and never believed anyone to be in real danger. It was an exhilarating laugh of complete enjoyment.
We also enjoyed the hot tub in the backyard many times. The first day the kids were in it by 7:00 a.m.
We went on a short hike to Fish Creek Falls and saw a gorgeous waterfall.
oh ya....we also had a great time watching lots of baseball. Tanner had 7 games while we were in town. They were silver bracket champions and showed that they could hang with many teams across the western United States. Tanner had his first triple of the season. He played awesome the entire week and we were very proud of him.
Camping in Estes Park for the Fourth of July
We had a really really great time camping in Estes Park. We enjoyed the company of many of our friends from our ward. We arrived at our campsite on Wednesday evening and stayed until Saturday morning.
We ventured on a 6 mile hike which included daddy carrying Courtney and Sydney in the backpack for quite a long ways. I was proud of our perseverance and enjoyed the entire hike.
We also road a gondola up to a beautiful lookout. At the top we were greeted by chipmunks whom we fed peanuts right out of our hand. The chipmunk's particularly liked Courtney to feed them and this made the other sweet children of mine a little annoyed. It was so fun to do!
We also played at a family fun center where we road long racing slides, drove go carts, and sprayed each other until we were soaked on the bumber boats.
We watched a great fireworks display over the lake in Estes Park. I have to say it was the best fireworks we have seen since we left Maryland. We were spoiled in the past by the Nations capitol fireworks, Baltimore inner Harbor, and surrounding city competitors. I guess you could say that we are firework snobs and are finally semi satisfied.
We truly had a grand time camping and the best part has been the many many discussions Courtney has had with me about our trip. She loved all of it! She loved that we had to hurry in the tent at night so that the bears would not get us. She reminds us how we would zip up the windows and doors so that the bears would not get in. She loved that we all slept together in sleeping bags and put our jamma's on to do it. Lately she keeps saying that she wants to go shopping again. I finally figured out that she was thinking shopping was camping. So we will have to plan another adventure for her. Maybe we will set up the tent in the backyard and see if she is fooled????
We ventured on a 6 mile hike which included daddy carrying Courtney and Sydney in the backpack for quite a long ways. I was proud of our perseverance and enjoyed the entire hike.
We also road a gondola up to a beautiful lookout. At the top we were greeted by chipmunks whom we fed peanuts right out of our hand. The chipmunk's particularly liked Courtney to feed them and this made the other sweet children of mine a little annoyed. It was so fun to do!
We also played at a family fun center where we road long racing slides, drove go carts, and sprayed each other until we were soaked on the bumber boats.
We watched a great fireworks display over the lake in Estes Park. I have to say it was the best fireworks we have seen since we left Maryland. We were spoiled in the past by the Nations capitol fireworks, Baltimore inner Harbor, and surrounding city competitors. I guess you could say that we are firework snobs and are finally semi satisfied.
We truly had a grand time camping and the best part has been the many many discussions Courtney has had with me about our trip. She loved all of it! She loved that we had to hurry in the tent at night so that the bears would not get us. She reminds us how we would zip up the windows and doors so that the bears would not get in. She loved that we all slept together in sleeping bags and put our jamma's on to do it. Lately she keeps saying that she wants to go shopping again. I finally figured out that she was thinking shopping was camping. So we will have to plan another adventure for her. Maybe we will set up the tent in the backyard and see if she is fooled????
Sunday, June 29, 2008
IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG
This past Saturday I got the wonderful pleasure of visiting with 4 friends from High School. My dear sweet friend, Lori Bell, emailed me to tell me that she, Darvel, Brice, and Luke would be in the Denver area. I also found out at the time that Tim and Robin lived only 20 minutes away from us. Robin hosted a barbecue get together on Saturday so that we could all catch up. It was so exciting and fun to see them and their beautiful children. Robin and Tim have a really fun back yard and because they were such wonderful hosts, we all really enjoyed ourselves. It is so strange to think back to how long ago we were together in school. Everyone seemed the same but just a little wiser. I hope to see Robin and Tim soon, since we are living so close to one another. I also really hope I will be in closer contact with Lori. We had a treasured friendship in high school and it was so easy to feel connected to her again.
On no! I just realized our 20 year reunion is only 3 years away-I am feeling quite old all of a sudden.
On no! I just realized our 20 year reunion is only 3 years away-I am feeling quite old all of a sudden.
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