Camping In Colorado

So.....we went camping a few weeks ago. This I could say was our first family camping trip. I really cannot believe it was the first one but....it was! Anyway... we headed to Sedalia (45 minutes from home which took us out of the plains of Kansas deep into the forest of Colorado) on Friday early evening. When we pulled into the campground Blake asked, "Is anyone going to be here that we know?" I assured him that it was just us :). Just then he looked over and noticed one of his friends. We drive closer and sure enough it was two families from our ward. They invited us to hang with them for the night. Mike of course liked that we only had to pay $5.00 for the site. So we went for it. I am so glad we did. We liked the two families and they had kids very much our children's ages. You could say each there was someone for everyone. We shared food, fire wood (which happened to be great that we had brought firewood-even though Mike thought I was silly for purchasing it), and good stories. The next morning we chilled for most of the morning (took time to smell the flowers-see the picture) and then drove 30 minutes up the mountain to Hike Devils Head. It was a great hike of 1 1/2 miles (straight up hill). Once at the top you could climb a billion (okay maybe not that many-but it sure was straight up a long ways) to lookout all over the Denver area. the point of the tower is a fire watch. A 75 year old man lives in a small cabin at the bottom of the stairs for the summer. His job is to stand in the lookout tower and watch for forest fires. I think this was his 20th year (or there abouts) of doing this. It was a beautiful sight and a fun adventure for our family.

Sydney on her first day of preschool

Sydney started real preschool. If you recall last year we did a mother goose preschool with other ward members. This year Sydney is going to Mrs. Julie's preschool on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She is really enjoying herself! She especially loves having her "boy that is a friend" Jake Morris and her good friend Grace McConkie in class with her.

Syney and Courtney

We are having lots of girl time while the boys are at school. We do hair and nails daily and strike various poses continually. They are the best of friends and the closest of sisters. I am so blessed to be thier mom and spend my days with them.

Tanner is playing baseball again this fall. He is playing kid pitch for the first season and is the only 6 year old on the team. He has suffered a few strike outs which has been an adjustment for him. But, he has had the opportunity to pitch, play first base, second base, catcher, and center field. He has done an amazing job at each of the positions. He really is a gifted athlete and is mature beyond his age. It is such a pleasure to watch him play and especially fun to see his enthusiasm for sports.

This was taken on the first day of school. In front of Pine Grove Elementary. Blake was excited to be back at school with his buddies and new Teacher, Mrs. Lucus. He seemed so mature as he headed into the fourth grade. Tanner was all smiles as he was thinking mostly about how fun recess would be and a little concerned about what first grade would be like.
I cried like a baby as my Tanner began his first full day at school. It just seemed like yesterday I was sending Blake to school for his first full day. Man how time flies..........when you are having fun (of course)

Too Smart!

My dear sweet Courtney is too smart. The other day she came into the kitchen and said, "C'mon." She then motioned for me to follow her into the bathroom. Once in the bathroom she stood in front of the toilet (fully clothed) and leaned her bottom up against the front of the toilet. After she finished her business in her diaper, she put two pieces of toilet paper in the toilet, flushed the toilet and said "All done." She then said "hands" so I could help her wash her hands. It was so funny and cute. I really think that in her mind she had done it just like it is suppose to be done.

Getting Started

Well.... I better just start writing and see where it takes me. My dear friend Mendy Hunter helped me set up my blog a few months ago and until now I have yet to post anything. Not any longer the case.

Here is an update on my family: Blake is playing competitive soccer. He plays either goalie or defender (I believe that is the name of the position) Anyway, he is playing mostly defense these days. He takes on each game with a NOT ON MY WATCH attitude and it shows. He gives it his all in both body and spirit. I also love to watch him encourage his teammates both in failure and triumph. He is a natural leader and athlete.

Blake is loving 4th grade. He has an especially wonderful teacher. After attending Back to school night I could see why he respects her so much. She genuinely loves to teach and truly believes in her students abilities and reaching their goals. I think he is going to have a great year and I expect him to learn much. Of course Pine Grove (his elementary school) is top notch. It is an amazingly wonderful institution.

When Blake is not at school, doing his homework, or at soccer practice he loves to hang out with friends. He has lots of friends and together they enjoy skateboarding, biking, and playing any and every sport. He also loves to count his stash of money. He presently has $200.00 in 1 dollar bills that he keeps in the pocket of his robe. It kills Mike that he does not have it in the bank earning interest. It kills me that he loans it to me all the time willingly but constantly reminds me to pay him back. He does not like to spend his money. Hopefully this will serve him well throughout life.


Tanner is loving First grade. He also has a wonderful teacher. He is doing fantastic in every way. His reading is improving rapidly as well as his confidence. He especially loves to have two real recesses where he can play kickball, four square, basketball, and soccer. All the girls seem to think he is cute and of course he has his list of cute girls he likes to talk about. He has lots and lots of buddies in his class and on the other tracks. When he is not at school he is playing fall baseball and flag football. He is a natural athlete and is good at whatever he plays. This season in baseball he is being introduced to kid pitch. He has pitched one inning and has played some first, second, third , and catcher positions. He doesn't seem to have a favorite position as he loves all of them. He loves all sports!!!

Tanner is also starting to get the hang of skateboarding. He has decided that his board is too slow and would like a new board for his birthday or Christmas. So for now Blake lets him use his nice element board.

Sydney had her first day of preschool this past Tuesday. She was unsure for about 1 minute and then loved every other minute of it. She has a very fun teacher names Mrs. Julie. Sydney will go for 2 1/2 hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The rest of the time she gets to hang out with her little sister and mom. She is the sweetest big sister and totally tries to mother her. She is always available with open arms when Courtney gets hurt or discouraged over something. They are the best of friends and it warms my heart.

Sydney has decided she would like to play some basketball and soccer instead of taking dance again. So we will sign her up for some classes through the Parker Recreation Center.
Sydney is all about the accessories. She loves purses, necklaces, bracelets, shoes, stylish clothes, hair clips, etc... She is all girl with a flare of her brothers in her. She is positively confident in herself and shows this through her poise. She is strong spirited and determined. I love spending time with her while Courtney is napping in the afternoons. We often play house or do crafts.

Courtney is oh too sweet and wonderful. She has lots to say and says everything so cute. My heart melts when I hear her say words like chip, towel, Sydney, Tanner, Blake, open, do it, thank you, uh huh, pretty, and many more. She has the blondest hair and will sometimes let me sneak a pretty in it.

Courtney loves to follow her sister around. She loves to swing and slide. She loves to ride in the stroller and bike trailer. She especially loves to take baths which works out to be about 2 a day, because she gets so incredibly messy when she eats.

I am excited to have time with just her while Sydney is at preschool. I am sure I will be tempted to run errands sometimes but, even that is special because of how good natured she is.