Devin's First Skii Day!!

Devin and Art took their first ski trip of the season last weekend. It was Devin's first time up, so with good intentions they set out early to get her into ski lessons but were 15 minutes late. Daddy decided to teach her a few things himself, (which Mommy was totally worried about if you all know Devin's personality) but things turned out awesome. She did so great and was soon skiing on her own with ease. Daddy even turned around at one point to see if she wanted to go on the hill again and she had already gotten on the chairlift by herself with one of her buddies. Go Devin!!

Thanksgiving Squirrel

This is an amazing black squirrel right outside of my parents house on the back porch in Black Forest. The day after Thanksgiving we woke up and he was hungrily getting into all the leftover "broth" (and by that I mean water and grease from the pan) in the turkey roaster. We watched him for about 20 minutes - he was so beautiful!

We spent this last weekend at Copper Mountain with some friends. It was really nice to get away and just relax. The weather was beautiful, but there was still some snow on the mountain which all the kids found FABULOUS. My two are getting so big I cannot believe it - the time goes by so quickly!

Labor Day Weekend

We spent a wonderful Labor Day weekend with my parents in Colorado Springs. Above is Devin with Blitz, my parents Golden Lab. We went to the Balloon Classic in town at Memorial Park where hot air balloons from all over the state come. We had to get up pretty early to see the morning flights, but it was so cool being in the middle of all the balloons as they inflated and then took off.

First Day of School

Devin's 1st day of 1st grade, and Zak's 1st day of 10th. Devin was so excited to pack her lunch and take her new back pack - Zak of course was wondering why in the world I always have to take pictures of everything.

Flower Girl

My good friend Kim got married August 9th and Devin was a flower girl. She and Kailyn were so amazingly beautiful and sweet I just couldn't take my eyes off them. Devin loved being in her "princess dress" and let me tell you is a mighty fine dancer in those duds!

Happy 15th Zak!

My baby boy turned 15 on August 12th. He is growing into such fun, amazing young man. He makes me laugh every day and still has the sweetest heart. Happy Birthday Zak! I love you!

Mother - Daughter Art Night

We had mother/daughter Art night at Foothills on Friday night. It was a blast!! It was run by Abrakadoodle and we did our version of paintings inspired by Georgia O'Keefe, who we learned grew up in a rural area where there wasn't much to do so her mom bought her lots of art equipment and she spent lots of time creating.

We are sooooo ready to paint!! Maddie, Devin and Marian.


Erin and Maddie.


Laura and Marian talking about color. Marian mixed some of the most amazing colors!



Devin working hard on her portrait.


Marian's masterpieces!! She did one for her mom too.



These are our finished masterpieces! They'll look so great in our newly painted basement!

Devin's first soccer season has begun! We are doing the Tri-City Baptist soccer league, which has been fabulous. They play two games a week then all compete in a tournament at the end of the season. The kids are also earning a bible memory medallion by reciting a memory verse at the beginning of every game.


It's so fun to watch this age because they try so hard to run up and kick the ball and many times they kick right over and can't figure out why it's under them now!
Devin and Ian are on the same team, dynamic duo!


We won!!!!

My friend Diane makes the most fabulous pasta salad, I had to share with you all -I made it for dinner tonight with watermelon for dessert, yummy!!!!

Diane's pasta
Sweet italian sausage
Pasta of choice, but she makes it with the spirals
String cheese, cut into bites
Diced onion
Zucchini, that's been sauteed after the sausage
Grape tomatoes (may fav!)
All tossed with Italian dressing - I think she uses Paul Newman's but I just had Wishbone and it was wonderful
Served cold, but if you can't wait like me semi-warm
Diane, let me know if I left anything out!!

Some things I love about summer...........
Cooling off at night with a cold shower after being hot all day and slipping into clean sheets -
Waking up with the sun already up and the birds singing, even at 6:00 am
My kids being home, and a lighter schedule
Going camping with good friends
A nice cold beer
The smells of fresh cut grass and watermelon

One of my favorite memories from my childhood was going miniature golfing with my family in the evening. We went last night and had a great time.....

We've adopted!!

Two new beautiful sister kittens. The one on the left is Princess Buttercup and the one on the right is Princess Serefina. Sorry, Diane. I guess we have to hang out outside or I have to get you Benedryl for Christmas.

Another amazing Fourth of July picnic at the Wallers!!


We had a water balloon toss, where it came down to the Prathers and Davis', the Davis' were victorious by only one toss!
















Some very brave adults decided it would be fun to get the teenagers on the porch wet, they stealthily crept out of the garage and blindsided them, (one of them literally got blindsided - but that's another story) soaking them all. Then of course, ran like crazy!





The volleyball match was by far my favorite, Steve had many spikes, three of which were given to each of the Davis'....................






































The kids made yummy 4rth of July desserts






























The fireworks were amazing this year, I thought they would go on and on. My favorites were the waterfall ones, they seem to better every year.



The night was finished off with sparklers (shhhhhh, don't tell) in the backyard and trying to hustle all the tires kids (and adults) out the door. Thank you, Wallers for another amazing 4Th of July!!!!