This year we decided to take a trip to Colorado to visit my brother and his family. With 3 kids, plane tickets are out of the question so we decided to drive the 20+ hours… how bad can it be right? Plus we have good friends in Omaha we can visit on the way. Needless to say 4 days in the car is a bit more challenging than me, the optimist one, realized. Not so bad on the way out… long but doable. But on the way home, with 3 very exhausted kids and 2 worn out parents, it was rough to say the least. Despite the crazy car trip, we had lots of fun visiting with family and enjoying beautiful Colorado! And the boys LOVED being with their cousin, Noah. I love how they are best friends with their cousin even if they only see him 2 times a year! Hope it stays that way.

Gram and Gramp and the kids at Bear Lake in Estes Park

Ethan had a blast exploring and climbing all over the rocks and find new trails off the main trail

Alayna had lots of fun hiking too

Couldn’t miss the Wyoming Frontier Days Rodeo

Lucas was so tired he almost fell asleep on Kevin’s shoulders (the child didn’t take a nap the whole time we were gone!… I think he’s still trying to catch up)

On the boat with Uncle Ryan… they had a blast!

Oh Captain, my captain

My mom has more pictures that I still need to get from her… I’ll post more later.

Categories: Uncategorized, Vacation
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We’ve had a fun summer… hard to believe it’s pretty much over. And I can’t believe I haven’t posted since Ethan’s “graduation”… well, I guess it’s not that hard to believe that. Here are some pics of our summer.

The Smith side girl cousins… so cute

Took a trip to Kalahari when Ryan and fam were in town. Lots of fun!!

We hit the beach at Maumee Bay… the kids LOVED it!!!

Back yard campfire with jumbo marshmallows

Ethan went to Safety Town this summer for 2 weeks. He had a great time!

Ethan got to do safety town with his good friend and neighbor, Bryce. And they both loved Officer Robin.

Alayna spent her first 4th of July sleeping on Papa

Our family on the 4th of July 2010

Categories: General
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Back to “catching up”…

Ethan finished his 2nd year of preschool this year. He was a “Tiger” at Rainbow Preschool. It was so fun watching him grow and learn, as he was prepped for Kindergarten. Mrs. K is an amazing teacher and we are so grateful for her love and dedication to our kiddos. She gave Ethan a great head start for the love of learning which will make my job of homeschooling Ethan next year a bit easier!

Here are some pics of Ethan’s last day at school.

End of the year picture in front of the “sign”

One on his way “out”, and one on his way “in” (Lucas will be a Rainbow Bear next year)

Categories: Ethan
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What’s small but can be heard for miles? What’s described as “bouncing,” but not made of rubber? What brings difficulty that produces enjoyment? What turns some women into insects, and yet makes others great? What is simple, but not understood? What starts smooth but ends rough?

If you can guess this riddle, then you will know why we are so excited!

Categories: General
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Ethan took a Karate class this spring. He had a great time and did very well. Not sure if we’ll keep up the classes but it was a fun little adventure. I think he wants to take art classes next!

Categories: Ethan
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Trying to catch up a bit… Here is our sweet girl at 9 months (May).

Such a happy girl

Interested in the grass

Categories: Alayna Grace
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We have been incredibly blessed with some pretty awesome spring weather this year. So we decided to take advantage of it by heading to the zoo in April and it was close to 80 degrees! Such Fun!

Enjoying a little picnic lunch

My sweet little bees

Ice Cream on the way home

Categories: General, Zoo
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