Into the Wild

After promising my girls we'd go backpacking for a long time I decided this is the ideal time. I've got the time off work, the kids are off track, and we had some uncharacteristically warm weather.

Here are the girls at the trailhead with Big Cheesy. We went to Golden Gate State Park, which is a beautiful park just outside of Golden, took us somewhere around an hour to an hour and a half to get there.

At the start of the trail. Take a look at the yellow leaves falling off the Aspen trees. It was just gorgeous. Obviously I only took Rachel and Elizabeth. I told them I didn't want to hear any whining but they could take as many breaks as they wanted. They carried their sleeping bags, blankets, some clothes, and headlamps. We hiked in almost 2 miles, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Elizabeth never seemed tired. Rachel had us stop about 6 times but after a few minutes she said, "okay, I'm ready to go." They did great!

After "setting up camp" we took a little walk on a wider trail. I love the evergreens and changing colors of the Aspens mixed together.

I said that I should have brought my hat when we took this photo on a timer (and I should have set the camera on a rock, obviously). When we got home Elizabeth agreed, "dad you would have looked better with a hat." They think it's time for me to let my hair grow out again. We'll see...

The only way I could do this trip without the girls carrying all they needed was because we hiked to a shelter. The thing was awesome. Three walls, nice semi-A shaped roof. Kept us warm and it was huge. They also had a log book in which we could write. Thanks Golden Gate Park!

Before bed we played Uno, read stories, and talked. The girls were perfect the whole trip, which is a miracle unto itself.

Like good little campers we didn't eat where we slept. Here was our eating spot, a nice rock that was probably a little too close to the Bear Pole. Oh yeah, another great feature. They had pre-installed poles with a rope and pulley system and hooks and eyes, which meant I didn't have to carry a bear canister or bear bag.

Another beautiful shot of scenery.

I should have taken a picture of my pack. It wasn't heavy but it was full. The trip back was better when I realized I could strap both of the girls blue foam mats to the outside.

After getting back to town I took them out to eat at Village Inn. We love getting breakfast there. They watched the old Parent Trap movie to and from camping and honestly, didn't seem to like it much.

Look Who's 3!

Can it really be possible that my baby is three years old (plus a week now) already? Time flies when you're having fun with this sweetie of a daughter. Some of the things we love about Evelyn:

--Her bright blue eyes and infectious smile
--How snuggly she can be although Eric's trying to "steal" her from me :)
--How girly she is loving to dress up and be "stylish" with nail polish
--Her continued love for her blankie, a double edged sword really
--Easy going nature, she'll just hang out with me when the other girls are gone
--Great playmate for Elizabeth and Rachel
--How she loves to sit next to me at the piano and "play" her beautiful songs

Taking cupcakes to her friends at school. They had to be pink & purple along with just about everything else on her birthday.

Opening presents from Aunt LisaOur little Princess in her castle tent
The aftermath of the night--look at all that pink and purple, poor Eric!

Field Trip

Evelyn had her very first field trip on Friday to Petsmart. She was a little shy and clingy at first but warmed up to the animals. I was looking through some pictures and found one of Elizabeth's first fieldtrip with her joy school to the grocery store. Was it really only four years ago?

The group picture. We combined our field trip with a four-year-old joy school

Enjoying the rat they brought out. Who knows, maybe we'll have one in our home before the end of the year.

Playing with the catsHere fishy fishy!
These girls are so cute. Looking forward to more fun fieldtrips.

The International Economy we live in

My neighbor went to Uganda this summer to visit family there and brought me back this dress. I looked at the tag and had to laugh that it was made in Thailand. You've got to love the international economy we live in--an African dress made in Thailand and sold in Uganda to an American "tourist".

Talking about fashion or maybe we weren't, I also found this picture on my camera of Rachel.

The Cheater Way

Last Saturday we went up to the mountains again and did a family 14er (14,000 foot peak). We did it the cheater way by driving up Mt. Evans and then "hiking" up 100 feet to the top. There's something to be said about being on top of the world and looking down on everything that puts things in perspective. We love the mountains and being so close to tall ones here in Denver.

The view, a little bit hazy but can't you see our house?

Our fearless mountaineers. Seriously when Rachel was climbing on the rocks at the peak, I about had a heart attack.

Well aren't we just the cutest couple. Maybe next year we'll get out and do another real 14er together again.

Pondering the imponderables (I snuck this picture and now I'm posting it like a good wife)

First Day of Preschool

Well folks, it's official. All of my kiddos are in school now, I never thought this day would come. Evelyn started our two day a week two hour mommy-swap preschool on Monday and is having so much fun with three other cute 3 year-old girls. It's kind of crazy to think she's old enough for school (she will be turning 3 in 3 weeks) but I think it's good for her to socialize since mommy is really boring. Here are some pictures: say cheese or cheesy!

Summer Piano Recital

My good friend Melanie and I swap piano lessons for our daughters since I cannot be Elizabeth's teacher. Here are some pictures and video from that recital.

Elizabeth's Original Composition