One of our favorite hiking spots: The Crags

We found this great little spot to hang out, snack and play in an icy mountain stream while Richard did a trail run.

This was the first stream spot and then we did the little hike up to the nex one. (previous picturs)

Ethan is making a sad face because he had lost the rock that was tied on to his stick fishing pole.

my little trooper . These days she even wants to go hiking in her skirts and dresses.

Daddy and E goofing off.

My warrior son... or as he calls himself : a saver

Ethan and Ellie love it when our K9 friend, Kiko comes to stay. I don't know that their love is reciprocated. (as you can see)

My Jedi knight in training.

Some pics from Ellie's trip to TX

Nanny turns 88! Ellie LOVED flying and said that she wanted to move into the airport.

Ellie and Samuel

Ellie and her cuz, Kaden at his neighborhood splash pad. One way to stay cool in the Texas heat.

Grandma came to visit.

Ellie showing off her new stick on earrings. She looks so grown up.

More from Moab

Moab

These are some hiking pictures from our camping trip to Moab.

The kids loved it. Especially Ethan.

Fun outside

Picnic at Black Forest Regional park. Fun with our friend, Jack.

Ethan checking out the river along the Santa Fe Trail at the AFA.

Strollin along with a nice stick.

just two... soon to be three...

May Fun

My first attempt at Granola bars. They turned out YUMMY! Thanks to our dear friends Dana and Josh, R and I were able to go to the great Italian Restaurant, Biaggi's, to celebrate our 9th Anniversary. The kids had fun playing with their buddies, Jack and Henry. And even got to attend their first book Club.

Bike riding

Ellie taking her new bike around the neighborhood.

Surprises forthe kids

Surprise #1: I had a very successful garage sale shopping trip yesterday. I found Ellie this cut pink and purple bike for $10 with helmet. She loves it. Surprise #2 for the kids was this great bunk bed. Couldn't beat the fab deal on this one. Ethan and Ellie are so excited to get to sleep in what Ethan likes to call " bomp beds". The last few days they have loved wearing their cousin, John Sheptock Tshirts. They like to pretend they are twins.

Kid's Program 2010 "Away We Go"

The picture below was taken before we left for this evening's School Program of "Away we Go" I've done my best to bribe the kids to do their best tonight. All smiles so far... And then, Its Ellie's first time up on stage to sing. As you can see , much like her brother before her she wanted nothing to do with it.

But this year Ethan decided to turn a new leaf. He was all smiles and songs.

And waves. Yes, they are dressed up as Cowboys/girls.

Birthday Memories with friends

We went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Manitou Springs: Adam's Mountain Cafe. They have yummy Organic, local food prepared in artful ways that satiate even the most particular of tongues.

An evening with friends. It was so fun to enjoy.

The Garden box project

The Big Garden Project. Thanks to Richard and the kids. I now have four big beautiful Boxes to plant my veggies in this year. Hopefully the result will be a nice weed-free , flourishing garden. SO far I've just planted a few Lettuce seeds. But soon will get the rest of the veggies growing. Now to keep Sasha out!

Ta Daaaa!