The Big To-Do

Blessed hour (sometimes two) when my boy is asleep. A shower, some lunch, maybe a "must- do" or two gets done. Today that task is bringing you up to date on the happenings in our little world. I told you we went to Colorado (and Washington) earlier this month. Visiting family while we were there was a wonderful added bonus, but the real reason we spent a week in CO was to check out the area and look at real estate. Yes, you read that correctly. We've been given an opportunity to transfer to Colorado Springs (same job, different location), and after some prayerful consideration have decided to make the move across the country. We don't have a specific timeline, as our house is currently on the market and that's a waiting game.

So...I guess the word is out.

We had a number of wildlife sightings...

some very much alive

others not so much :)

Brian enjoyed a surprise birthday cake (thank you Aunt Francie!)

Jacob found his true love. It was love at first sight for him, not so much for Bella. Her tolerance for Jake's amorous displays quickly turned to annoyance, subsequent hiding from him whenever he entered the room, and finally blatant "Go Away!" (in catspeak of course...translate hissing and swatting at him). Poor Jake. His first broken heart.

We visited Garden of the Gods, a beautiful National Natural Landmark of red rocks in the Pike's Peak region of Colorado. It really was spectacular, especially with the snowfall the day before.

While we focused on the layout and general condition of the homes we were looking at, Jake scoped out the toys available to play on. Some of his favorites are as follows.

toy car

rocking horse

and, of course, the big boy toy...a riding lawn mower!

While in Washington, I managed to get together for a few hours one afternoon with a dear friend of mine from my missionary days. Here's the best shot of our three boys, Bradley, Collin, and Jake. (At least two of the three are looking at the camera) :)

Lindsay and her boys

And though I managed to make it home without taking ANY pictures while at Nana & Papa's house, we did have a great time. It was wonderful to spend a week with my parents, my sister and brother-in-law (yeah for their fun new house!), and to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday. Thanks for a lovely week...we miss you lots!

Good old John Deere

Just got back from a visit with family and friends in Colorado and Washington. We had a good time and I promise to post more pictures and more about the trips, but that will have to wait for another day. But I had to share this picture of Jake on the riding lawn mower. I think he would have taken it out for a spin had we given him enough time to figure out the mechanics of it. :)