We're Home!!!

Safe and sound.

Baby Jack

Here is Dustan and Wendy's baby, Jack. I was posting so many pics trying to catch up, I forgot these. He's so sweet and cuddly!

Of course Luke had to get a picture with the baby.

Last Night in Colorado

After we finished with the peak, Erin and Noah dropped the rest of us off at the Franklund's house and they went to Cave of the Winds. Noah just couldn't get over my not being able to do the Rushmore Caves, so it was a fun thing for him and his daddy to do. When they were done, they came back and Dustan and Wendy made us a delicious dinner. We had a blast and realized we really do need to get up there more. The area is beautiful and they are awesome to hang out with. Our kids were so in love with Maggie and Jack and had such a great time running around their backyard. Thank you Franklunds for a great couple of days!

So psyched he's actually going to go in!

He's really on a thumbs-up kick!

All three of them played in that little sandbox for so long!

Dustan and Maggie. She sure loves her daddy!

Luke did not want to get out of Maggie's swing. Toward the end of the night he looked like he was going to fall asleep in it. I was so jealous when Maggie went over to Erin and wanted him to pick her up to let her help push.

Day Two in Colorado

We went all the way up Pikes Peak to the summit yesterday. It's a really pretty drive and a bit anxious as you go up so high.

As we got close to the top, Erin started feeling really sick. We think it was altitude sickness, so we had to get him some oxygen and get a bunch of water in him.

Caleb fell right before we took this picture and refused to look up for the picture, so this was the best we could do for our family shot.

Our Last Stop

We got in to Colorado Springs on Wednesday afternoon to see our friends Dustan, Wendy, their little girl Maggie, and their sweet new one, Jack. We were able to visit a little that night, but the next day they took us all fishing at a lake on Pikes Peak. Caleb and Noah probably drove Dustan a little crazy with all of the questions, but he was very patient with them. Even as they were sword fighting with his fishing poles!

Dustan helping Erin and Caleb get set up.

Noah thought he was a pro after fishing in Minnesota with Uncle Ed.

Luke even tried for a little while.

I hadn't been fishing in so long! It was fun helping Caleb.

Maggie had to strip down after getting wet. She's such a little nature girl. This is the only picture I have of Wendy! I guess we'll have to go back sometime to get more. :)

Not even 2 yet and her dad has her fishing like a pro!

Caleb's first time fishing and he gives it a thumbs up!

Noah was a little bummed he didn't get anything that day, but he had so much fun he didn't want to leave. And he loves Dustan!

On Our Way to Colorado

The boys love our pool time at the hotels we've been staying at. Even though Erin is on vacation, he's been working via computer and has had homework too. I get the boys out for a little while to give him some quiet time to get stuff done. As a bonus, they sleep a little better too!

Look at the size of this dragonfly Noah found in Missouri!

Saying Goodbye

After everyone left Sunday night and the boys had their bath, Robbie read to them before bed. She did it almost everynight with them. I think it was one of Caleb's favorite things about Ohio.
All packed up and ready to go. One last shot.

Family Gathering Last Night in Ohio

This week has been crazy busy, so I'm sorry no new posts for a while. It's time to play catch-up again! These pics are all from Sunday, June 22nd. The extended family all came over to Kim and Robbie's house the night before we left. It's always so nice to see everyone and we're so happy they make the time to come and spend time with us. We miss you all already!

Erin's cousin Ramona with her husband Shane and their new baby Lydia. She's a little doll!
Grandma Spivey with all of her great-grandchildren.
Grandma with some of her grandchildren.
Erin and his Great-Aunt Janet.
Darian and Little Noah.
Ramona really wanted to get a karate pose picture with Grandma Spivey, but there was no way that was going to happen. Erin finally gave in.
I always have such a great time visiting with Hope and Heather. I always wish we had more time together!
Erin and his Grandma.
Saying goodbye to Josiah.
Darian loves her Aunt Hopi!

Luke LOVES babies! He wanted to hold Lydia so bad. She was fussing a little and he kept saying, "It's okay, baby." So sweet.
I guess Luke gets it from me, I love holding babies, too!
Poor Lydia was passed around all night. Everyone wanted time with her!
Erin's cousin Adam, who at the beginning of the evening, mentioned he wasn't crazy about kids, was a hit with the boys. He got quite a workout that night!
Noah and Cousin Tim.

A Couple From Last Week

Erin was back in AZ for work last week. I think Robbie sensed that I needed a break and offered to watch the kids while I had a girls night with Heather and Hope, Erin's cousins. Not only did she watch them, she took them up to the library to read books and go on the walking trails around it. Do you see why I love her so much?! The kids said they had such a great time and took lots of pictures for me to see when I got home. And I had 3 fabulously quiet hours!

At least Robbie got to get a little close to Luke while I wasn't there.

We can never get over how green it is here!

Erin Is Back!

Erin flew back into Ohio Friday night to be with us for the last leg of our trip. On Saturday we drove up to Medina, OH to visit with Dave and Shari. Dave is Erin's Dad's cousin. They weren't going to be able to join us for the family gathering Sunday night, so they invited us up for lunch. We love them both and enjoy getting to see them so much, we had to go! We had a great time. Their house is beautiful and the boys loved running around and feeding their dog, Buddy. Thanks for making the time for us, Dave and Shari!

Of course Caleb, my little lovey-boy, was on Shari's lap a lot of the time, especially since Buddy was right next to her.
We all got on one couch!
Just a shot of the boys.

Noah the Nature Man

At the end of the school year, Noah's class studied insects. He has become infatuated with not only insects, but anything in nature. Ohio has been a great place for him to get out and see things he would never see in AZ.

He found a lot of these fuzzy caterpillars at the park and loved playing with them. Mr. Tough Guy wouldn't hold it in his bare hands though.
We found a toad right out front of Aunt Robbie's house. He caught it and brought it in to "study" it for a few minutes then took it out to the neighbor's pond to release it.