...a few of our favorite things...

...in the flesh!

What a treat to peak in the fridge after Glenn left and find a box of Enstrom's Almond Toffee (those don't last long around here)!  He and Natalie also gave us a terrific bottle of Ravenswood Zinfandel (we're saving that for a special occasion!!!).  We were also the beneficiaries of "partials" ~ bottles of wine that were opened for the festival but not emptied ~ we've had fun sampling different varieties this week!  Come again soon, Glenn, and bring Natalie and the kiddos, too!!! 

Camping at Beaver Meadows II

We headed for the hills as soon as school got out on Friday ~ destination: Beaver Meadows! The campsites are beautiful and private - bliss! We had a great weekend!!!

Gary came up Saturday and brought TONS of wood - he and Joshua had a blast splitting it!

   

Lots of wood = a great fire for smores!!!

...ice cream at the Hilltop General Store...

Growing Up!

Wow! So proud of our kiddos! 

Today is the 1st day of 6th and 3rd grade for Joshua and Hannah ~ can't believe how fast they are growing up...  I still remember Joshua's 1st day of kindergarten and being so nervous but excited as we set foot on the path through Bethlehem Lutheran School ~ what a great ride it's been!!!  Joshua is excited for Outdoor Lab, Blood Day (pricking their own fingers and checking their blood types), literature with Mrs. H, and so much more!  Hannah is excited for Poetry Day, Native American Culture Day, and so much more! ...and probably the most exciting news is that they get to be each other's chapel partner for the year!!!

This year’s school verse:

From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.
Psalm 113:3

Back To School Magic Confetti

Hannah received this from her teacher at Back-To-School Night - so cute!

The night before school is exciting and fun;

there are always so many things to be done.

Your clothes are ready, your backpack is too,

your classroom is full of fun things you will do.

There are so many questions that go through your mind,

all types of thoughts of every kind.

But sometimes we all get the jitters down deep,

and that makes it hard to fall fast asleep.

So I've made you some magic confetti, it really is cool ~

it will help you be rested and ready for school!

Just place the confetti next to your bed,

on the night before school starts where you lay down your head.

The confetti will help you sleep through the night,

and you will wake up in the morning fresh and bright.

I'll place the confetti near my bed, too,

and remember, I just can't wait for school so I can see you!

...just got home from having Back-To-School DQ treats with Dad and Mom!!!

...the end of summer vacation...

...feeling a bit nostalgic today ~ it's been a great summer full of bike rides, Snow Mountain Ranch, sprinkler fun, camping trips, ice cream, Moab, hiking, Rockies' games, tennis, reading, walks, movies, and so much more! School starts tomorrow ~ 6th grade and 3rd grade ~ here they come!!!

Horse Camp

On Tuesday Kate and I went to Horse Camp.  We went on a trail ride.  Kate rode Roma and I rode Biddear.  It was awesome. 

~ Hannah

My Own Personal Spiderman

hehe ~ Greg is in California for work and I had to kill three spiders in the basement yesterday - one in the morning and two huge giganto ones last night - ugh. Never fear though - Operation Spider Removal (via Super Dad) is underway! He's spraying the window wells and fogging the basement. Thanks Dad ~ you ARE the best!!!

It's Official!

So she's a little bit of a late bloomer, but Hannah is now officially riding without training wheels! In celebration, we hit the greenbelt this morning for an hour long ride :-) Awesome!!! We got to see a giant turtle sunning himself near the stone house ~ very cool!

Girl Scout Camp!

So fun! 

I was able to tag along for three days at Hannah's girl scout troop camp...

...arrival at Sky High Ranch...

...silly fun at the main lodge...

...bedtime giggles...

...heading out for the day's adventures...

...at the stables for pony care...

...practicing their lasso skills...

...arts and crafts - they made cute geckos...

...nature hike to the quartz mine...

...ready to swim in the pond...

...with their counselors, Cali and Snoopy...

...preparing their closing skit...

...back home ~ had a great time but Hannah really missed the boys!!!