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.....

Easter 2013

Easter started off with an egg hunt on Saturday at a church near our house.

 Counting each others eggs to see that they had 12!

Then home to decorate the real eggs!

 

 Ta da! Both their hands were dyed various colors for a few days.

 Easter Morning! Running full speed to see what the Easter Bunny brought....

After a big breakfast we took a family walk around the lake and stopped at the playground to play for awhile.

 

Sister-brother love. We love to see these moments and rarely do we catch them on camera.

Easter egg hunt in our backyard with the grandparents after a yummy early dinner. We hid and they gathered at least 8 times and the excitement never disappeared.

Such a wonderful Easter full of fun and laughter! Nothing beats watching these two smile and grow together. Holidays make you really see how much they enjoy all that life has to offer.