Random Cuteness

I don't remember what they were doing, except that brother and sister were laughing and having fun. :)

Family Pics 2013

Kindergarten Rhyme Time

Most mornings we drop Jacob off at school and then make our way home shortly after the bell rings. This morning parents and siblings were invited in to Jake's classroom for a rhyme time presentation by the kindergartener's. Jake had memorized Old King Cole (too bad the video function on my camera wasn't working!).

Playtime at the Park

My little monkey loves playtime at the park every morning after we drop her big brother off at school. Run, jump, swing, slide, climb, she does it all!

School Pictures

Kenna's First Haircut

Makenna got her first haircut. (I don't really count cutting off the mullet at 5 months as an official haircut.) Big brother got his cut and she needed one too. She sat in the chair like a big girl, no crying. The promise of a lollipop does wonders for a two year old! Now every time we drive by the salon she points to it and says, "Haircut! Get lollipop!"

Big brother with his styled hair! (He doesn't let me style it!)

Another First: a Lost Tooth

After almost a month of wiggling, twisting, and yanking, Jake's first baby tooth finally fell out! I don't think I've seen a happier face on this boy (at least since school started). He was super excited for it to fall out, to rush and tell Daddy (Makenna & I were there when the final twist happened), to put it under his pillow that night, and to wake up to find four shiny quarters. Yeah for the Tooth Fairy!

"Camping Trip"

A camping trip was a repeated request this summer by none other than my five year old. Jacob had a ball at the Father & Son over-night campout last year. It doesn't get much better than eating a picnic dinner, staying up way too late, and sleeping in a tent. So, we promised we'd go as a family this summer. Like so often happens, it didn't happen. Between Daddy's work schedule, our vacation away from home, people visiting us at our home, and a couple of last minute weekend trips for Brian, we ran out of summer before a camping trip could happen.

So, rather than not fulfill a promise, as best I could anyway, we "camped" at home. We had a bbq dinner, red checkered table cloth and all, made s'mores (in the microwave), and set up a tent in Jake's room for him to sleep in! Both kids thought it was great! :)

 Oooey Gooey Marshmallows!

 

 thumbs up--a good sign (I had no doubts!)

  Sleeping Playing in the tent

 Silly Kids! (Kenna loves to scream right now--our poor ears!)

Good night! I love you!

Balloon Festival & Uncle Frank's Visit

Two weeks after returning from his trip to Utah, Brian again headed to the Beehive State but this time for the funeral of his beloved grandmother. When he came back home, his brother Frank took an extended layover in Colorado to spend the weekend with us.

As luck would have it, the annual Balloon Festival was in full swing. We'd never been (you have to get up before dawn) but decided to wake the kids up super early and head downtown to see the hot air balloons at Memorial Park. 

The public is scattered throughout the park right next to the balloons that are filling up and preparing for lift off. It was a bit noisy and crowded, but we all enjoyed the experience.

It was a spectacular sight to see so many hot air balloons floating up into the clear, blue Colorado sky. 

I think we'll make the Balloon Festival an annual event. Do you think you'll join us again, Uncle Frank? :)

Afterwards, we ventured to Garden of the Gods for a little hiking. Jake and Makenna found a grasshopper that had hopped onto a stick, enabling them to pick it up and hold it!