Rocky Mountain Adventures...

Can I tell you that .... I LOVE WHITE WATER RAFTING!!!!... We had so much fun! I had to take a little dip. Although it was cold and misty ... the water was so inviting!

I don't have any rapid pics because I was a little busy paddling during those dangerous moments... but I did sneak the plastic wrapped camera out during the calm.
My parents just concluded a 5 week journey through the Rockies. They hiked , camped and enjoyed driving across some of God's most beautiful creation. Cheers to retirement!
One last Olympic picture since we are drawing to a close. i have to say... I enjoyed it more this year than any year in the past. The sports were fantastic. I love seeing athletes compete that I never get the chance to see.... like gymnasts, swimmers, decathletes etc.... I can't wait for '12 to see Phelps collect again. Its been great but finally I will be over my O.S.D (Olympic Sleep Deprivation) Congrats to all the athletes out there and those aspiring to be!

Did I say? : I LOOOOOVE WHITE WATER RAFTING! It was so fun!

Garden of the Gods visit with Grandma

Our little climber.

We had such a wonderful visit with Grandma. Or as Ellie calls her, Pokey. She is already soo missed.

Tribute to the Olympics '08

We went over to the Olympic Training Center today. It is one of three in the Nation. I guess you could say that we were inspired. Like much of America we have been glued to the TV watching Michael Phelps conquer the world. And of course enjoying all of the other events along the way.
On your Mark!
we couldn't beleive how much smaller the gymnastics floor actually was than how it looks on TV. EThan tested the springs out.

Ethan's First day of Pre-School

Ethan getting his first hair cut at the Barber a few days before school starts Last night we went up to Crystal Park (beautiful Mountain community) to visit Aunt Linda and Uncle Johnny. Daddy took us all on an ATV ride. SO fun! Oh did I mention we are having a blast with Grandma visiting? Ellie has decided to call her : "Pokey"
Okay, so this is this morning right before E and I went to school. He loves his new red backpack and and even took an apple to his teach for the first day of school. (His Idea)

Here is Ethan in his class room WIth his teacher Mrs Abbs. He was ready and said to me ..." Mommy, I thought you were leaving!" Over all he did really well, just a little bit of nerves before we went in. I can't beleive my little boy is growing up so fast.

Young Pro tour visit with Natalie

Yahoo! We were finally able to catch up with Natalie, our neice, last night in Fowler , Colorado. Natalie has been touring with Young Pros Rodeo group. They are a part of the Joshua Cowboy Ministries. She has been traveling all over the west. Teaching her roping skills and doing Bible studies with youth around the country.
Ethan preffered to check out thebig truck rather than the horses. He was scared that they would make loud noises.

Camping at Ruby Mountain with Mimi and Papa

My parents bought a Airstream and drove on up for a holiday in the Rockies.We took our pop-up and the Airstream for a little camping trip to Buena Vista. Apparently pronounced "byoona vista" by the locals. We had a great time. We hiked and explored and fished... The kids had fun.. so did Ethan and Ellie.

Breakfast at Ruby Mountain campground. Ellie chasing Chip monks
Mimi and Papa At the top of the Agnes Vaille Falls hike.
Ellie and her love of horses. She was so excited to get to go pet some here at the YOUNG LIFE camp right outside the Mt Princeton trail head. Richard decided we could take the off road trail up the mountain. I got a little vertigo and had to get out and walk down. Mom and I enjoyed the hike down the Mountain- which I prefer by foot rather than vehicle. I just do not like to be in Cars that high up with drop offs. No thank you!
Say cheese!
Feeding the chip monks at St Elmo. Ethan and Ellie loved it!

Mimi too.
Richard, "Getting the fly wet"...
ETHAN getting the "fly wet" .. Aunt Tammy should be so proud!
Agnes Vaille Falls.
Another great hike named after a courageous frontier woman.

More Manitou...

Manitou Springs is a picturesque mountain village at the foot of the Rockies on the southwest side of Colorado Springs. It's nice to walk around visit shops and grab a bite to eat.

Ethan was pretty impressed with this cowboy's gun slinging abilities.

Manitou Springs with Mimi and Papa

Summer fun in the Sun

I had to throw in this pool picture of the kids. Just because they've been spending a lot of time out there. ... and seem to love it. And yes, Ellie does have a bathing suit... I just never quite get it on her before she runs out to get wet. I think she likes feeling "free". Ethan is the opposite , he has to have a shirt and shorts on to swim.

Ellie, Window Shopping while strolling down the streets of Manitou Springs. She is so independent, and has to walk on her own as we shop. Ethan preferred riding in the stroller.

My mom sipping from the "healing waters" of the Manitou Springs

Drum set #3

Okay, so we are suckers for good deals. Rich went to Good Will yesterday searching for something, I'm not quite sure what. But he immediately found this treasure. and as we are avidly trying to encourage a love/talent for music in our kids.... we knew Ethan would love to resume his passion for drumming. He has already pounded his way through two cheap toddler drum sets. So we thought it time to get a "good" set and see if he really embraces this talent. If so we'll eventually get him some lessons. Until then, we have Ethan and the drums quarantined in the guest bedroom with the doors shut. Surprise Ethan!
Ellie, with a somewhat natural smile and ... My roses are turning out quite nice. you can see a few of the bushes along the fence behind Missy. I really love this one in the vase.
He has a pretty good rhythm going.

Josh, Kristin, Kaden and Halle visit us!

We visited Helen Hunt-Jackson Falls. One of our favorite short hikes to a great view. We also went to Garden of the Gods. Where Ethan and Kaden had fun chasing after chickmunks.
Helen Hunt Falls. In 1900ish Named after a poetess, writer, advocate for local native tribes and land.
Garden of the Gods. Caving/rock climbing(sort of)
Awe, baby Halle. Ellie and Ethan are so proud to have a new baby cousin.

Nanny's Birthday weekend in Texas

Ellie and I flew down to Houston for the weekend to celebrate Nanny's 86th Birthday. We had a wonderful time catching up with family. We miss everyone and hope all come to Colorado to visit soon.