My Son the Artist...or Engineer

Loving the art that is coming out of Dale lately.

"Explosive fireworks" by Dale

"Rocket ship with engines are really dangerous" by Dale

This is my favorite piece from Dale...

"Pipes" by Dale

"I don't know what it is.  It's kind of a funny thing.  It shoots out orange eggs." by Dale

Untitled by Dale

Sunny Day

Hello, sun!  Yes, we will go play outside, thank you very much.

Marching On

March was all over the place.  Literally.  I must say, that long snowy month was exhausting!  But we got through it, and we're still marching on.

The Prince and the Princesses Say "Bear!"

A little snippet of Rose's imaginary play:

My Church

March 31, 2013

Easter day

I don't go to church.  

When I was a teenager I tried a succession of churches with a slew of different friends, and I never found what I was looking for in any of those buildings.  Eventually I stopped trying, and it took me years to be content with not going, not understanding, and not believing.  If church is a place to renew your soul, my church isn't a building dipped in crosses and strongly scented perfumes.  My church is outdoors.  It's in the mountains and rivers, the trees and the clouds.  My peace lies in nature, and the closest I get to praying is when I look at the sky and inhale the scent of aspen and evergreen trees blowing in the wind.  Take me as I am.

On Easter day we hurried to the mountains.  Just inside the canyon, Dale and Rose got to watch bighorn sheep munch on grass by the river.

Once inside Rocky Mountain National Park, we quickly ate our lunch so we could get to our hike.

Dale was ready to go and wore his new Camelbak proudly.

In early October, the Fern Lake fire began in RMNP.  This fire won't be considered "out" until no smoke or heat can be detected, probably some time this spring.  We were in somewhat of  a hurry to see how this fire had altered one of our favorite Colorado spots before the green started to push through the black.  It was exciting to be able to witness how different this area of the park now looks.

We hiked a short way up Cub Lake trail, which allowed us to see some of the burn area.

Dale standing next to his poop sighting.

Dale wanted badly to go "rock climbing," so we drove to a spot along the road where we knew Dale could climb some giant sized rocks.  While Rose napped in the car, The Dude climbed all over, and he felt pretty darn cool by the time he was done.

We saw an elk.  Yes, just one lonely dude chilling in Estes Park.  This is Dale's I-see-an-elk face.

This is Rose's.

And of course, no trip to RMNP would be complete without a stop at my favorite local coffee joint.  My kids think it's a pretty cool spot too.

Chilling with Mommy.

What a glorious day.
Amen.

Dyeing Eggs

We had such a long day and were exhausted, but we had to dye our Easter eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide the next morning.  They were supposed to be tie-dyed, but they ended up being a little bit of a mess instead.

Rose's fingers looked frost bit for several days.

Here's our purdy eggs:

Once the kids went to bed the Easter Bunny filled their baskets with some great presents.  Rose got two pairs of adorable summer sandals, candy, a chick and a new Ariel.

Dale got his very own Camelbak for hiking, candy, a chick, and a new race car.  Both kids loved their new goodies.

Easter Saturday

March 30, 2013

Easter weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year.  To me it means the beginning of spring, the beginning of something new, a fresh start.

We were so lucky to spend that Saturday celebrating with the Paltes, who were gracious enough to open their home to us, brand new baby and all, so our kids would have a place to enjoy Easter.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, sweet Paltes.  You guys are family to us.

We did crafts, ate lunch, played, and held Elizabeth.  It was perfect.

This cookie cake was almost as cute as Elizabeth.  No, we didn't make it, but we were darn good at eating it.

We're disgusting.

Can someone please tell me why I chose to give the kids the blue frosting side?

Blue frosting soaked into the kids' lips and fingers, and they were on one serious sugar high, so it was time for...the EASTER EGG HUNT!!!

So excited!

It was so fun watching four kids hunt for all those eggs.

As usual, the Easter egg hunt was over in a flash, and then the kids got busy opening their eggs to see what treats were hidden inside.

Then everyone was all smiles as we finished our day off with lots of silly playing.

There were casualties along the way, but not to worry, Emily took care of her sister's boo boo.

Sweetest sisters ever.

Elizabeth loved the festivities.

Chris got a burst of energy and decided to throw the kids around the yard.

Addison pleaded with Mark to make her fly.

She won.

Easter egg hunt carnage.

Happy spring!