I love these sweeties!

Father's Day Hike 2012

We spent an early Father's Day (Molly and I were in Texas for the real day) at Rock Ledge Ranch, which is part of Garden of the Gods. It's very sobering to look through these pictures of such a perfect day because this historic, beautiful site is now threatened by the Waldo Canyon Wildfire, as are many other treasured places in Colorado Springs. I'm so thankful that we tried to enjoy each of them as often as possible, while they were untouched by the fires.

Wyatt was feeling shy about picture-taking...

 All the kiddos loved exploring the old farm equipment, including Josh.  Molly especially loved this sled-type apparatus.

 The boys were so excited about this bench, running over and shouting "What is this for?"  I think they were hoping that it was some sort of vehicle, instead of your run-of-the-mill log bench.

 We were fortunate to see so much wildlife on this trip.  This deer walked right in front of us to drink from the pond.

We also saw chickens, cows, sheep, huge carp, turtles, ducks and this gorgeous blue heron.  Molly was out of her mind with excitement.  We have a real animal-lover on our hands!

Sand Dunes 2012

We met the Closes, Shep & Linda, Ben & kids, and Jenae (Devin's sister) & family at the Sand Dunes in early June.  We camped at the KOA in Alamosa and spent three days playing at the dunes.  Owen, Wyatt and Molly all had a marvelous time.  It was such a perfect spot for all ages.  If you plan a trip, go in late May/early June, when the creek is still running and it's just like a beach, without the ocean!

Wyatt loved playing around in the water and filling buckets.

Owen discovered how to make his feet sink way, way down in the sand.

 Owen and Logan spent every waking minute playing.  Here are two of the crazy poses they demonstrated for me...I have about 20 more pictures like this!

Josh helped Wyatt make little pools, called "hot tubs" and Wyatt would just hang out in them; talking, playing and jumping for good portions of the day.

 Molly was amazed by the feel of wet sand on her hands.  She spent all of her time walking and running around in huge circles.  She was definitely in her element.

 On the second day, we decided to hike into the dunes to do a little sledding.  The sand was really hot, so Molly and I turned around to head back to the creek, but the older kids and adults gave it a try.  The sledding wasn't very fast, but Owen really wanted to get to the top of some of the dunes.  We think we'll save the big hikes until the kids are quite a bit older.  Walking in sand is tough!

 The three little specks are Owen, Amelia, and Wyatt...

 Our little beach baby!

 On the last day, we built a MASSIVE sand castle system, complete with water that the dads diverted from the creek.  Owen and Logan were completely absorbed in this building project...

...as were the dads.  I guess you never really outgrow building sand castles!

Molly was happy to just get sandy!

Mother's Day Hike 2012

This year, on Mother's Day, Josh and the kids surprised me with a picnic basket full of lunch supplies.  We packed up the picnic basket, the jogging stroller and the kids, and went on a hike at Red Rock Canyon, which is a little version of Garden of the Gods.  Despite the cold temperatures, we had a great time.

 There is a rock staircase cut into the quarried wall ahead.  The boys and I hiked up to the top, and then turned around to meet back up with Josh and Molly.  Owen really wants to do the whole hike, without his  sister, this summer.

A large, natural, sandbox!

Kindergarten Graduation

Owen graduated from Kindergarten on May 24th.  They made cute little caps and sang a couple of adorable songs.  It was a precious ceremony.

This is Owen's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Davis.  She was a wonderful, loving teacher.