Estes Park Awesomeness

 I love Estes Park.  This was our second year at "Trail's End" cabin at YMCA of the Rockies.  We took off right after school on the boys' last day & spent three nights getting up-close-and-personal with nature. (With indoor plumbing, my favorite combo!)  There is just so much beauty there and it's very peaceful, even though the camp itself is huge.  We like the cabin because of the amazing views, wildlife sightings and marshmallow roasting ability in the fireplace, among other things.

 Mimi & Grampy shucking corn for dinner.

 Carter scoping out the scenery from our front deck.

 Firing up the marshmallows for S'mores!

 Sister & Davis getting in on the S'mores action. 

 Breakfast at the big table.

 Carter & Davis climbing the BIG rock.

 The tire swing was a huge hit.

 On our daily hike from our cabin to the Craft Center.

 The boys did some classes & got to dig for "fossils".  Anything involving dirt is usually a hit with these two!

 Heading to the Craft Center with Grampy. (You should see the mug he painted this year--wow!)

 This deer trio got really friendly with us after dinner one night.

 Sister has a special touch with the wildlife.

 I think the deer could smell the blood on Grampy's hands from his many years of hunting, because they backed up instantly when he came outside.

 The boys were amazed to be this close.

We're heading back up to the park at the end of July with Grandad & Grandma Nancy.  Can't wait!!!

Memorial Day Hail Storm BBQ

We had Mimi & Grampy visiting over Memorial Day, so a BBQ was in order!  Unfortunately, the weather did not get the memo that this was supposed to be the unofficial start to Summer.  It poured, then hailed on our plans.  But, we went right on ahead anyway!  Mimi & Davis were snuggled up under the blanket while Carter was interested in the hail storm.  

 Aww, hail!

 Sister brought some yummy meats for us to grill.  (Davis is hiding under the blankets.)

 Pea-sized hail modeled by Carter. 

 Davis came out of the blanket fort to investigate the hail.

Our grill master.

Two Birthdays Are Better Than One

We celebrated Sister's & Grampy's birthdays when Mimi & Grampy were in town recently.  Any excuse for cake & margaritas around here!  

 The Birthday Mibes.

 The boys didn't want to be too far away from that cake!

 Davis & Grampy doing a puzzle that Sister brought back from Spain.  Fun!

 No birthday (of Grampy's) would be complete without a visit to Black-eyed Pea.

  We tried to celebrate at a cool new restaurant, Schoolhouse Kitchen, but were told we could not be seated until 10PM.  We decided to pass on that because we figured we need to put the boys to bed at some point.  We had a great time sampling beers at the 2nd choice place & were happy to be home before 9PM.

 Three cheers for beers!  Or, in Grampy's case, Cherry Cider.

Sad Sister, with Eric showing off his artistic skills with chalk.

We had a yummy breakfast in Olde Town & learned a new use for oranges. Good times were had by all!

New Year's Celebrations, etc.

The boys had lots of fun assembling things with Grampy and playing video games like they were going out of style.  

 We did throw in a little educational reading, just to keep things lively. 

In the midst of all that fun, Sean and I got out for a night away downtown to celebrate our nine-year anniversary.  Yippee!!!  Thanks Mimi & Grampy!

 NYE at home with seafood.  Yummy!

 ...dancing

 ...more Twister

 AND hats & horns!  Can you even stand it!?

 Happy (belated) New Year!  I'm thinking 2015 is going to be totally awesome!!!

Did I Mention We Had FUN?!

When we go on a 2-week road trip we are not messing around, people!  We pack in as much fun and excitement as we possibly can!  Josh & Natalie were awesome with the kids' activities and took us to a great splash pool.  

 The boys chillin' on the "beach" before we went to the pool.

 Josh & Brinley checking out the slides.

 Beckett staying cool in the shade.  Is he adorable or what?!

(The following are two random fun pics in no particular order...)

 Davis helping Grampy set the squirrel trap.  (Never thought I'd be saying that...)

 Eating at the kids' table at Josh & Natalie's house.

 And then, it was family photo time!  We had a patriotic theme.

 Instant classic.

 Happier times.

 Love this one!

 Enough pics already.  Let's eat!

So in love with this little guy!

 Cute!

After a long day, Mimi knows just how to get these guys how to settle down for bed.