Home Again

Can you imagine this as your backdrop for your wedding photos!!!

Chris and I were able to take a little mini vacation and watch friends get married in the mountains of Aspen Colorado.  The views were stunning, and the little get away was just what I needed.  After 12 hours of driving we made it back home on Sunday night to two very happy little girls.  After only a few days Chris was already declaring that he missed the girls..I wasn't quite ready to make that declaration but in the end, I was ready and did indeed miss them too!  Colorado was absolutely perfect.  It was a wonderful retreat from the 100+ temperatures in Kansas and refreshing to spend time with family and friends.  We ate wonderful meals, did some really fun things and shopped a little.  Celebrated a new marriage.  The long weekend was perfect.  Now we're enjoying a few days at home with daddy before he heads back to work on Thursday!

Our first night in Aspen we stopped in this bar and watched a Toad The Wet Sprocket concert.  It was awesome, and brought back memories of listening to them in college!!  Definitely a highlight of my vacation!

Taking the gondola up to the top of the mountain

 right outside of our hotel!!  This is Emily, Nikki and myself

Several of us went to the top..Chris was fishing this day so I was on my own..

Rehearsal dinner at Woody Creek Tavern.

Emily and I waiting for the ceremony to begin

I loved this view!!

Brian and Emily at the reception

Congratulations Clint and Jessica..The happy couple during their first dance.

Summer Randomness

This summer has been busy..but with what I have no idea...I can't believe preschool is going to start in about a month..most kiddos are heading back to school in a couple of weeks, but we've still got a month to go.  Swimming lessons are officially over so now our days are a little longer, but it's still going well!  We still go to the pool most afternoons, and I have to say, that the swimming lessons have paid off.  I wasn't convinced that Parker was improving, especially since the last session, her teacher even commented that she just didn't think Parker was putting forth the effort...I didn't disagree with her at all.  When Parker was swimming, she would just sink.  She wanted to jump off the diving board, but wouldn't even try to swim to the side...this part hasn't changed, but she will swim independently in the shallow end and really enjoys herself.  She's quite proud that she can "swim" but she also says she can't do it in the deep end.. I'm hoping that being another year older next summer will cure this.  Brecken did great with swimming lessons as well.  For her it was mostly to introduce her to the water and get comfortable with the idea of swimming.  Because of her age and size, she lacked the ability to do the proper movements, but loved being in the water.  This week I was shocked to see her step off the last step in the shallow end, and start kicking to me, and swimming...ok, so she wasn't using her arms, but she was floating on her belly and kicking and holding her breath, and getting over to me..she then showed me how she can jump off the side, and start kicking to get to me...I'm afraid that come next summer, if Parker doesn't get her act in gear, her little sister just might surpass her!

In the afternoons occasionally I've had help with the girls, so that everyone could enjoy the pool.  Claire is Chris' cousin's daughter who lives down the street.  The girls love it when she comes to the pool with us.  She plays so great with them, and it allows me to enjoy the pool without worrying where everyone is.  Claire can keep an eye on one, and I on the other.  It's worked out great, and she's been a lifesaver this summer!!!

Last week we got haircuts, it's really noticeable on Parker..she wanted it short "just like her mommy's"..I promise I didn't put those words into her mouth..But, I'm so glad cause the tangles were too much for this mama, and the crying was about to do me in..it was time!  Brecken had hers cut to get all caught up and one length! 

We've got a lot going on on the weekends for the rest of the month, so I know its going to fly by.  As the summer ends, I can honestly say, we've had a great summer.  I feel like the girls and I are closer then ever, and really enjoying each other.  It's been very sweet.