september highlights

It's October! I've got mixed emotions about seeing September go. It was a fun month with lots of great activities and a new routine. But I'm also ready for the fresh start of a new month. Here come the highlights!

 Camping over Labor Day weekend! I had heard for years that Golden Gate Canyon was the best place to camp with kids, but it books up super early. We managed to score a camp site a few weeks out and saw what all the fuss was about. It was awesome! Tons of forest to explore, kids at every campsite to play with, beautiful nature, and quite a bit of privacy. The kids did great, and we'll definitely be back next summer. 

 Tessa's favorite activity. Give her a stack of books in her chair and she'll sit still--at least for a little while. 

 Trip to Utah for Finley's blessing. The kids had so much fun with their cousins, and we all loved snuggling sweet Finley. Tessa was obsessed and would just follow her around to whoever was holding her. 

 Fun at the library!

 We ordered a new bedroom set and ended up with a ton of cardboard. Andre constructed a Bat Cave that takes up almost the entire play area in the basement and is full of secret tunnels and spy doors. Rhett loves it!

 Nana and Poppy came to visit! The kids had so much fun with their grandparents and it was great to have them here. We played, went on walks, watched Rhett play soccer, went to the lake, went to the museum, and did lots of projects around the house. 

Tessa is a walking machine! A physical therapist suggested using a push toy to encourage her to walk, so we brought it up from the basement and she loved it. She's still not standing or walking on her own, but she's getting really good at pushing the cart and turning it around to do laps in the family room. 

 We took Nana and Poppy to the science museum to check out the travelling mind bender exhibit. It was super fun, but Tessa's favorite part was the photo op in the winner's circle. 

 Putting Rhett to work...he's gotta earn his keep! 

 Tessa climbed up on the play structure at the library all on her own and was so proud of herself. 

 Tessa's first ride on the King Sooper's penny horse (which Rhett has named Cheese). Rhett was a great big brother to keep her safe. 

Saturday date to Elitches! We finally got to escape from KiddieLand and ride all our favorite rides!

Mountain Weekend

Last weekend we got out of the city for fresh mountain air and beautiful views. The weekend in Fraser/Winter Park was just what we needed. It was far enough away to be separate from home but close enough that it was so easy to get to. We loved spending time just the four of us and making some great memories.

 We hiked the Discovery Trail across from Winter Park Resort--definitely recommend! It was the perfect length for Rhett and absolutely beautiful. Tessa loved the birds and flowers. We took a small arm off the main trail and ended up at a stunning secluded pond. We had to take a picture to remember being in such a beautiful spot together!

 We ate lunch and explored Cooper Creek Square. There was a bounce house and giant connect four, so Rhett was happy. Also, Tessa's face in this picture kills me! She's just the right size for the bottom hole.

 Reading books on the porch of our Airbnb. It was a hike to the top, but we had amazing views of the entire valley.

 High Country Stampede Rodeo! It was lots of fun--Tessa loved the horses, and we all loved the trick riders and the barrel racers.

 We found a park with an awesome playground that told the history of the area.

Andre and Rhett rode the alpine slide. Rhett was scared but he ended up loving it. Next time he gets to go by himself--he can't wait!

july highlights

School starts next week! We are soaking up every last bit of summer and getting outside as much as possible. July was a super fun month--here are some of the best moments

 For Rhett's birthday we decided to put together birthday party kits for a local shelter for homeless shelters. We had a goal to make 5 bags and were blown away by people's generosity. People I had never met left stuff for me to pick up, and countless friends, family members, and neighbors contributed. We ended up with 25 bags that each had way more in them than I had originally thought. It was so great for Rhett to see people support his project and to get him involved. The ladies at the shelter were so appreciative when we dropped off the bags. Such a good reminder to me about the goodness of people, and hopefully we helped cheer up 25 kids' birthdays. 

 This is a common scene at our house--Rhett is passing on his love of books to Tessa!

 Pre-anniversary weekend getaway. Taking a stroll through the park without kids!

 Tessa the Mariners fan

 Baby on the move! I have a picture of Rhett in the same play place when he was 1. 

 We only make it to the first bookshelf at the library before Rhett sits himself down and reads. This kid loves books (if only that would translate into enthusiasm to actually learn to read on his own), but it is fun to see! 

 Track season is done! Rhett got a 2nd place ribbon in the baseball throw at the state meet. 

 Just being Tessa

 The summer of exploring new parks! Rhett had been asking to go to this park for a while, and the tire swing was a big hit. 

 Tessa learns about toilet paper rolls. 

 Rhett has taken it upon himself to teach Tessa to walk. It's so cute when he helps her around the house (and clearly she loves it too)

 Two perfect sized rocking chairs!

Adventuring at Barr Lake. This kid is turning into quite the hiker. 

camping trip

We decided to make this summer a summer of camping. We have a state parks pass that we want to take advantage of fully, and Rhett is obsessed with camping. Our first outing of the season was this weekend. We kept expectations low, especially with a baby, but the kids did awesome. Aside from some bugs and noisy neighbors, we had a great time. 

 Tessa acclimated to camp life quickly. Just give her some food and a comfy chair and she is good to go!

 The view of our campsite at Jackson Lake. We had our own private trail straight to the lake

 Exploring the shore at sunset

 ...and at sunrise. Tessa was up bright and early, so we took in this view from our campsite while the boys slept a little longer. 

Then it was time for a lake day! Rhett loved building his sand castles and was so brave in the water (thanks, swim lessons!) We put Tessa in her baby floaty and all got to swim and play with the beachball together!

Valentine's Day 2018

Each year, my love of Valentine's Day grows. It used to be a nice day for Andre and I, but now it's grown to include our kids. Chocolates, flowers, and hot dates? Sign me up! We keep things pretty simple around here, but I'm learning even simple things can make my kids (and me) so happy.

 Heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast. Turns out Tessa is a pancake fiend--she would have eaten them all day if I hadn't cut her off.

 Rhett's preschool party was chaotic and hilarious. He would hold up every Valentine after he got it and show it to me across the room before yelling "Thank you!" to whoever gave it to him.

 I'm also lumping this in. A few days after Valentine's Rhett had the day off school so we checked out the library pass to get into the Denver Firefighters Museum. It's in the oldest fire station downtown and was super cool. Not too big, but lots of fun things to see.

Rhett was in firefighter heaven!