back in AZ

We are back in Arizona!

Sophie refined her walking skills while we were away. She had lots of practice. Everyone enjoyed watching our little drunken sailor perfect her steps!

Colorado pictures to come...hopefully soon...

born to be wild

We talk about Papa Jeff's motorcycles all the time.

The kids were very excited to see the latest (Road King) in person.

And to sit on it!

Papa Jeff is off to Sturgis tomorrow! Woohoo!

splash park

Today we went to a splash park with our friends.

 Kylie and Bree are my college friends. We met in 1995 at Colorado State University. We all lived in Parmalee Hall together!

Charlie was very busy...

...creating handprints. He wanted me to take a picture of each set!

Danika Smith

Bree and Owen Hobgood

Later we had lunch and spent time in Kylie's beautiful backyard.

Amazing...I don't know how she has the time to pull this off...I need some tips...

My girls in the hammock!

hot chicks in colorado

Ella and Shaelyn

Shaelyn is one of the original Hot Chicks!

Shae's family (the William's) moved to Colorado in 2005. We miss them!  Fortunately, we get to visit them on our Colorado trips!

The girls had a blast! Playing together was just like old times!

washington park

Charles took Ella and Charlie on a transportation adventure this morning.

They started on the Denver Light Rail, transferred to a bus, and made their way to Washington Park.

The kids loved the playground.

Catching hermit crabs.

Washington Park is known for it's amazing flowerbeds!

garden of the gods

Today we visited with the Lyon family at the Garden of the Gods for a picnic and some hiking.

The kids loved exploring!

Erica (Dan's daughter), Ella, Dan (my cousin), and Charlie

Charlie's looking nervous...

Erica, Ella, Charles, Charlie, and Kylie (Kendallyn's dog)

Now Charlie looks downright upset. Charles explained that they were on the edge of a cliff, and there is a significant drop behind him. That might explain Charlie's fat lip.

These girls are second cousins. They haven't seen each other in 2 years. They played like the best of friends!

Charlie's almost got it...just needs some arm action.

Great pals

Erica (turning 6 in a few days)

Charlie found this pinecone...

...and he wanted a picture of it for posterity.

The trip is never complete until my husband climbs a tree. 

I love you honey!

family dinner

On Friday we headed into the city to have dinner at my sister Robyn and her boyfriend Danny's house.

We LOVED Danny's pulled pork!!

Aunt Robyn and Ella looking at clovers.

Aunt Robyn

Silly Ella

Aunt Robyn's infamous porch swing

Charlie, Ella and Aidan (the son of one of Robyn & Danny's friends)

Sophie loved the chocolate ice cream for dessert.

So did Charlie.

Sidenote: Charlie did see the Santa Fe at least 3 times during our visit. It was always about 100 cars long and full of coal! 

Charles

Sophie and Gran

Me

Aunt Audrey

I'm not sure who was taking all the portrait shots, but they did a good job.

dancing in the park

On Thursday evening we decided to take the kids to a free concert in Highlands Ranch. The kids loved getting right up close to the musicians.

Charlie is my dancer.

He feels the music.

Sophie sat back and enjoyed one of Gran's home-made chocolate chip cookies!