Dates with Dad

The kids each had dates with Sam this past week. Elly and Sam just had breakfast with Elly in the backyard while the boys and I were gone. I don't have pictures from that, but Sam did get some from the boys' dates. Note from the pictures that these were at 8 in the morning. Our weather is beautiful right now.


Nate's date was at Horsetooth Reservior. They grabbed McDonalds, then hiked to the reservior.


Of course the ultimate goal was jumping in.




Sam's turn.


Mac and Sam grabbed McDonalds and headed to the Poudre River to try out the rope swing.



We later found out that you can only swim at the Reservoir at a swim beach...and the Poudre River was banned for swimming until that day due to high water. Sometimes it's best not to know the rules! :)

Happy 4th of July

We just got back from a great visit with friends and family. We spent a couple nights in Lake City with our good friends...can't wait to go back, then time with the Ballards in Telluride over the 4th. Lots of pics...enjoy.


Elis and Hartmans


The boys walking into town for some ice cream


We later went on a hike. It was along a creek, the kids loved it!


At the end of the hike was a waterfall that you could stand in


Elly loved Isaac. I think she thought he was one of her babies she could play with!


Got some zip-lining in


Elly and River listening to some music


We camped with the Ballards just outside Telluride for the 4th.


We made it into Telluride! Great view down Main Street.


Elly and Cade are sure happy! We made matching shirts for the 4th.


These boys are excited to be here!


Waiting for the parade to start


The boys waving their flags with a twinkle in their eye as the parade started with jets flying over head. It was awesome...my favorite part.




Elly liked her spot just fine on Daddy's lap...someday she may be ready to throw elbows for some candy. :)


After the parade, we surprised the kids with stuff to decorate their bikes and make their own parade


Our mini-bike parade!


Got the big boys glow-in-the-dark hats for the big night. Didn't want to lose them!


We were super-excited to find out about watching the fireworks at the base of the gondola and then getting on to watch the grand finale from the gondola. Sweet way to do with little kids!


Quite the fireworks show


We all needed baths, but Nick may have been the happiest with his dirtiness


We had hopes to hike to the base of these waterfalls...but our kids were a bit tired from the 4th, so we settled with a pic.


Elly found a caterpillar along the trail. Gotta have bugs!