Best of Summer 2013

Summer is quickly coming to an end, but we sure did have fun as a family. We did a lot of yard work, but also took advantage of the many fun summer activities Colorado has to offer. Here are just a few of the highlights of our fun when we stayed in town:

Going to a couple Rockies games.

 

These two are a complete nutcase. They crack me up.

 

Enjoying many yummy fruit smoothies and batches of delicious cookies with two fantastic chefs and whole lot of clean up for mom.

 

 

Numerous days of fishing. I swear these guys cast better than I do! The best part is there is no hook on the pole, just a rubber fish. This means that Jamie and I don't have to deal with un-hooking the poor fish and I'm pretty sure Mark and Belle prefer to watch a rubber fish being dragged in.

 

 

My all time favorite picture. Nudity was a preference this summer. Sorry neighbors, we live on a lake and we're potty training.

Our biggest surprise....Mr. Big Boy Mark! Mark decided he was ready to use the potty without any support from us! I give all credit to Isabelle for teaching him how it is done! He is still working on it, but we are so proud of him! He picked out his superhero undies and, of course, Belle had to get hers too.

LOTS of swimming. This is how Isabelle gets to the pool. No wasted time once you arrive.

 We enjoyed seeing George and Gus a whole lot at swim lessons!

 A Rapids soccer game. Mark was still slightly frightened of the mascot. This is about as close as he would get.

Holding up the sign they made. We actually made it through the entire game. Way more action than baseball. Soccer is totally the way to go with kids, especially when you have a singing fan club sitting behind you.

A trip to the Aquarium. Mark's new favorite thing is scuba divers. Isabelle's highlight was the mermaid show.

 

 

Our evening activity: meeting up with our neighbor friend, Jake, and fishing in our lake.

Daily walks, races, and bike rides around the lake. Can you tell who enjoys it the most in this picture??

 

 

Boat rides, with Sierra of course. She does it all with us.

 

Well, that's just a few of the highlights. Along with a couple getaways, some sleepovers for Belle and Mark with Nana (yeehaw because Jamie and I got to go see a few movies!), Papa helping out with the yard, concerts, a couple firework shows, and parties, I'd say we are having a pretty good summer. But, truly, the best part of summer is just hanging with my favorite people, no matter what we do! They sure make me smile.

 

20th High School Reunion (Yikes)

Let's face it. I'm getting old. I had my 20th high school reunion a couple weeks ago. The best part of the whole thing was a bunch of my good friends, whom I still hang out with, went to Breckenridge and rented out some cabins. We all brought our families.....I think it was something like 18 adults and 24+ children. It was so much fun and a memory I know we will always hold on to. We are going to try to do it every year now. We all have kids around the same age and they had so much fun swimming, biking, playing in the sand, swinging, dancing. I think the husbands had a good time too....mostly watching the kids so all us girls could catch up :)

Here are all of us girls. We're missing a couple friends who had last minute emergencies and couldn't make it.....one of whom is on the phone there doing Facetime with us. I feel so lucky to have grown up with such great friends and even more lucky that we still hang out together!

And our quality attempt at getting all the kids in a photo, at least those who aren't napping or nursing....

 

 

 

 

Father's Day

Not only is he the best father out there, but the most patient, hard working, and loving husband. Thanks for being such a great daddy to Isabelle and Mark! We sure do love you Jamie!

And to a great loving Papa who always takes such good care of Mark and Isabelle and helps us out all the time. Happy Father's Day Dad!

We had our neighborhood party and then Father's Day bbq at our house. We live in such a great place!
Heading to the party....

 

 Our neighbor owns this train that takes the kids around the lake. 

The fire trucks came for the kids. Unfortunately within 1 minute of them arriving they got a call and had to leave. Major disappointment for Belle and Mark. Luckily the train went for trip 5 around the lake to overcome the disappointment.

 

Summer Camping

We kicked off summer break with a trip to Buena Vista to camp with my sister and her family. I didn't get many photos and definitely not great photos since they were all taken with my phone, but the kids had a blast, as always, with each other. Here are the few snapshots I did get of the trip.

 

 

 

My sister did an adventure race (and got second overall even though she has retired from the racing) and the next day we did an orienteering race. They had a kids course which was a blast for them. They followed a map, a string, and searched for checkpoint prizes. Such a great idea! My mom and I did the adult version and were so incredibly good at using a compass and map!! Yes, we got lost at the 4th checkpoint out of 9 (and BC helped us with the first two) and had to call my sister to come find us. We 100% failed. I guess we needed a string to lead us. I'll leave the racing for my sister even though our weak attempt was fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day

There is nothing better than being a mother. Even on those tough days when I want to scream my loudest, I can't imagine my life without these two (and Jamie there to calm everything down). They make me feel so incredibly loved with all their hugs, kisses, snuggles, and tickles. They make me laugh, smile, and be a kid again. Mark and Belle, you are a dream come true!

And thanks to my mom for a wonderful trip to Glenwood Springs! We had so much fun!! Without your love and support I wouldn't be the mother I am today. You bring joy and happiness to my life and to Isabelle and Mark! Happy Mother's Day!

 

Montview Carnival

We are sad that Isabelle won't be going to Montview Preschool next year. It was such a wonderful place for her and she made so many great friends. We have moved her to a school closer to our new house. Montview ended the year with their annual carnival which is so amazing! The kids had a blast and it was a good farewell for Isabelle.

First face painting for Belle. I'm sure it is totally clear to you that her face is painted as a butterfly. I was thinking more along the lines of some Avatar creature.

 And all the other fun events we did......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Siblings

Even though these pictures show a sweet brother and sweet sister laughing, smiling, interacting, and having fun together, don't be fooled! It does not always look this. Depending on the day, you will either find them being the most lovable siblings on the face of the earth or you will find them chasing, screaming, or hitting one another or testing my patience to its last limit by pulling out every single item in our kitchen or bathroom onto the floor with no intentions of ever putting them back.

I imagine we are not the only family who deals with this, so I'm taking a moment to ooh and aah at how sweet they are together and pretending it's like this everyday.....