Independence Day Weekend

We spent the weekend of the 4th having fun with Andrew's grandparents, Aunt Cindy and Uncle Steve, and cousin Sage near Buena Vista, Colorado!

Ready to leave for the weekend!

Riding bikes with Dad!

Just us girls.

Our family.

Enjoying a yummy July 4th cook-out!

The were no fireworks due to burn bans in the area, but the kids loved the "light show" (disco ball) and dance party!

Dressed and ready for a fun day!

First stop....feeding the fish at the hatchery!

Going for a ride with Papa.

Next stop....fishing!

There are some fun things to see around the hatchery, like this family of geese....

....pretty butterflies....

....lots of hummingbirds....

....and other pretty birds!

Now time for some fun in St. Elmo!

The guys ready for a hiking trip.

Eating breakfast with Papa and Gram!

Ready for a family hike up to Agnes Vaille Falls!

At the trailhead.

Parker led the way all the way to the falls.

They were loving it!

We made it!

On the way back down, we passed this bench and Parker asked why there were words on it. After I explained to him that people had carved their names into it, he wanted his name carved in it, too. So Daddy pulled out his knife and went to work.

"PLS SLS '13"

In front of Mt. Antero.

What a great weekend!

Summer fun!

So, it's been a while again since I last blogged. We've been super busy having lots of fun and completing some projects!

Visit from Nonni

At the end of May/beginning of June, Andrew's mom came for a visit. We enjoyed having her here for a few days, and she was even kind enough to watch the kiddos so that Andrew and I could spend an entire day away! 

Black Forest Fire
On June 11, the Black Forest Fire started. It turned out to be the second summer in a row for our area to experience a devastating wildfire. The fire ultimately ended up taking 509 homes and 2 lives.

Smoke plume from our driveway about 10 miles away.

Smoke seen from town.

On the first day that they were finally able to gain some control over the fire, we were given a beautiful sunset.

Kitchen Remodel - Stage 1
Since we bought our home 6 years ago, I have wanted to paint the kitchen cabinets. In June, I decided that we should wait no longer!

Kitchen before.

Old hardware.

Taking off the doors!

First layer of primer going on.

Let's not forget the drawers....

....and doors!

Picking up the new hardware at Lowe's.

New hardware going on.

Voila! Kitchen now!

New hardware.

We just love how it turned out and wish we would have done it sooner. Now we just need new counter tops and we will be set....whenever that ends up happening!

Father's Day
We love Father's Day because we love Daddy! Here he is getting breakfast in bed.

Looking at Daddy's annual Father's Day gift....a scrapbook of the last year.

We had fun celebrating Daddy on his special day!

Pirate's Cove
One of our favorite summer activities is going to Pirate's Cove. We had a great day when we went a couple of weeks ago!

Taking a lunch break.

Our family!

Ready to get back out there.

Other Randomness
The kiddos looooooove having a sleepover with Daddy.

Movie and popcorn night with Momma when Daddy was gone for work.

Shopping cart fun!

Painting her own nails.

They love it when I let them get a "fountain drink" from Costco.

Sadie loves to color!

At the store.