More fun in the water

We have been enjoying the outdoors, even in the heat, with some more water fun. It has been hot for Colorado these past several weeks... it gets up to about 90 degrees these days.

So, the other day the kids asked if they could run through the sprinkler. Sure thing! Though, I didn't know if they would like it or not, as last time we set it up they didn't. This time around they ran back and forth through it for the afternoon. It was impressive!

We have also been enjoying the pool in our neighborhood. The kids are like fish! They love to dive, hold their breath and swim under water. We gotta get 'em into some more swimming lessons!

Husband of the Year award, again!

On March 29, 2010 I "presented" Chris with the Husband of the Year award. He had enouraged me to attend a weekend retreat in Estes Park and upon my return he had the entire house cleaned! Not only was I able to relax and get some time away, when I returned I didn't have to clean a thing! But, he deserves yet another award, as he outdid himself again...

A few weeks ago Chris presented me with an envelope. Upon opening it I found plane tickets, car rental reservations and money towards a spa... in Mesquite, Nevada. If that wasn't enough it was planned with a dear friend of mine, Nicole! Chris and Adam, Nicole's husband, planned an entire weekend for the two of us to getaway and relax!! How awesome was that??!! So, this past weekend was the big getaway trip.

Adam's parents graciously opened their vacation home, which is an hour outside of Vegas, for for us to hangout in. Nicole and I throughly enjoyed ourselves. We spent our time shopping, relaxing at the spa, finishing conversations (which doesn't happen often as we are usually surrounded by our kiddos needing us), watching Food Network (our favorite channel) and eating sugar. This trip was pretty close to being in heaven!Nicole and I

This was the view of the golf course and mountains from the patio of the home

And, upon my return home I found our tv hung up downstairs in the basement... something we have been talking about doing for a few months. YEAH!!

So the Husband of the Year Award goes to 2 men this year: Adam and Chris! Thank you for the wonderful getaway!!

Catherine is 3 years old!

It's hard to believe that Catherine turned 3, it just seems like yesterday she was born. I took her in for her well-child check up this week and over the course of the year she gained 4 pounds, which brings her up to 29 pounds keeping her in the 25th percentile. And she measured 38.5 inches tall, also keeping her in the 75th percentile. Tall, thin and blonde- might be a deadly combo in the future. :-)

Catherine was able to have 2 birthday celebrations. The first, and the biggest one, was in Illinois during our visit. She was showered with many wonderful gifts, fun decorations hung around the house and mini-cupcakes decorated by Aunt Amy. We had a great time celebrating her!

On Cathereine's actual birthday, we were in the car driving home to Colorado. So, a day or two later we had some gifts and she was able to choose what she wanted to do to celebrate, which was go to the pet store (of which, I completely forgot my camera... but the kids had a great time)

Proudly displaying some of her new gifts: pink socks, a new blankie and some diving sticks for the pool.

Illinois!

Yes, we did arrive in Chamapign, IL eventually! :-) The time there was nice and the kids had fun with family they are not able to see on a regular basis.

Of course, Grandma Mary is always stellar at reading books to the kids. She has an entire library in her basement of kids books!
Aunt Vicki and cousins, Cole, Sloan and Hayden came down for a day to play. Chris and I were unable to see them due to another commitment but the kids did! And, boy did they have a blast! One of the things Aunt Vicki bought for Jonathan was legos, and Jonathan LOVES legos. So, he and Chris were able to put some of them together.

Aunt Amy, Chris's sister, was awesome to the kids! She likewise read many books and played with them. One day, she painted Catherine's finger and toenails brigh pink:

On 4th of July there was a "parade" in their neighborhood. So, here we are waiting for the parade to pass by their house:

And, here it comes! Most of the neighbor kids riding on their bikes or scooters or being pulled in wagons by their parents:

It was cute! (and perfect!- no crowds to fight and we didn't have to sit in the heat for an extended period of time) The kids loved it!

Water fun....

We arrived in Champaign, IL after our other stops, and visited with Chris's family for about a week. Jonathan and Catherine were overjoyed to spend quality time with Grandma Mary, Grandpa Dave, Aunt Amy and some cousins! They were able to do all of those things!

But, one of the things Mary, Chris's mom, lined up for us to do during our visit was "Water Fun." It consisted of two baby pools with slides, sprinkler and bubbles for a couple of hours outside the gym she goes to. The kids LOVED it!

Father Steven

On our way from Kentucky to Illinois we stopped for a couple of hours to see our dear friend, Father Steven. Chris and I worked with Father Steven (Steven at the time) as missionaries in Nebraska. He had just graduated college in Decemeber and was discerning whether to become a FOCUS missionary. So, he worked on campus with us as an intern for a semester. Towards the end of the semester he felt called to the seminary... so off he went! He was ordained 3 years ago for the Diocese of Belleville, IL. He is now at his second assignment in the very most southern tip of Illinois. He treated us to some lunch, showed us around his house and one of the 4 churches he runs. It was GREAT reminicing about old times and catching up on current ones. We are so greatful for his friendship, love and prayers!

We tried to get a good group shot, but it was tough with the kiddos:

Father Steven is also a true outdoors man, cowboy and fisherman. He had this great hat on his couch and Catherine thought it was fun:

Kentucky

A couple of weeks ago we traveled to the "south east?" What exactly do you call Kentucky and Illinois?? But, anyway that's where we went for about 10 days. Our first stint of the drive consisted of stopping in Saint Louis for two nights to hang out with my sister and brother-in-law- who at the time were expecting Baby #1 anytime. They have since had a beautiful baby boy, Jack. I can't wait to meet him!

After our time with them we headed to Kentucky for about 24 hours to see my grandmother, great aunt, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc., etc... We had a great time talking, eating yummy food and introducing Abby to everyone. Southern hospitality was most definitely extended! It was awesome!

We were able to spend sometime with Nana. She is now in an assisted living center that treats her grandly. She was also able to hold Abby for a short time!
My aunt who opened her home and fed us scumptious food, with Abby:

We were also able to see my great aunt, Nana's sister, A.B. She, likewise, enjoyed meeting Abby!

Though, I wasn't able to get great pics of the kiddos all playing but Blaine was the biggest hit on the trip! He is my cousin's son. ADORABLE! Catherine, Jonathan and he all played so well together. It was great!

We were also able to introduce Abby to Suzy, who is also another one of my great aunt's. She thought Abby was the best thing since sliced bread.

Thank you for your incredible hospitality, Ginny, Rick and Nancy! We had a wonderful time visiting with you and look forward to our next trip out there. We love you!

otter pops

Remember when you were a kid and you used to enjoy Otter Pops on hot summer days? I didn't, until my sister reminded me of them. She helped me remember our hot and humid summer days in Kentucky, while visiting family every summer while growing up. Nana (my grandmother) would stock her deep freeze with Otter Pops, ice cream and ready to eat parfaits before our arrival! Otter Pops were always a huge hit with us on a daily basis! S

o, my sister encouraged me to purchase some for the kids... and I'm glad I did. They have been a huge hit here in Colorado as well- not only with the kids but also with the adults in the house.

Abby and I hanging out with the kids while they enjoyed them for the first time

Ms. Coolio

The kids thought it would be funny to put Jonthan's sunglasses on Abby... admittedly, it was cute!Catherine giving Abby a hug and kiss for the picture

A couple of weeks ago, Chris was out of town for work for the entire week. My mom, having the incredible serving heart that she does, offered to come up at the end of the week for about 24 hours! It was awesome! I was able to go do errands by myself AND she even let me go out to dinner to Chipotle all by myself. YEAH! Her presence and assistance really made the time that Chris was absent so much better.

Another great thing that she and I did together was take the kids to the zoo. Since having Abby, I have found it a bit difficult doing "big" outings like this by myself... so, it was refreshing to take the kids to do something really fun and to have wonderful company while doing it! We got to the gorilla house- the animals that the kids wanted to see first- just as they were feeding them
The black and brown bears were out and active

The rhino was even out and awake- he's usually sleeping in a corner somewhere

Abby lived up to her easy-going nature this trip! She was awesome... just hung out in the stroller the entire time (with the exception of this picture, of course. he he)

And, we always enjoy seeing the elephants

A tremendous thank you goes out to my mom!! She was truly an assistance and joy to have around. I'm grateful for your love, Mom. Thank you!