only words

My parents came and visited last week and I actually took a lot of pictures of their time here. But, something happened and they disappeared when I was trying to put them on the computer. So sad. We did have a great visit with them though.

Our friends from Iowa, the Ransom's, also drove through 1 day and we had a great picnic with them. It is always so great to see them and catch up.

Now, hopefully, we will have some pictures next time.

Scrap Art

Caitlin made a little man with scrap paper.
Chris and I were impressed.

Beautiful Flowers

The Botanic Gardens in Steamboat had so many beautiful flowers.

We haven't been to a Botanic Garden since we lived in Scotland and there was one down the street from us. I loved it.

Steamboat

We spent a week over the 4th of July in Steamboat with the Will Family.
We had an awesome vacation home just out of town with a beautiful view.
Some highlights:

• 4th of July Parade



• Fireworks!



• Fun with cousin Gavin



• only 3 hour drive from here



• horse back riding



• watching the coal train from the deck



• wonderfully warm weather



• Fish Creek Falls



• Date Night with Nate and Amy



• watching the crazy fast/high/white water rapid river



• shopping



• mini golf



• fishing



• human maze



• flying kites



• Farkle



• playing outside games



• swimming in WARM swimming pools



• celebrating birthday



• Time with family



• The Botanic Gardens

Grandma and Grandpa gave each of the kids their own fishing pole.






Ashlee fell asleep on the hour long ride. Chris worked hard to hold her dead weight on the horse with 1 hand.

The view from the back deck.

Thanks to Trish and Doug for a great trip!

30

Today Chris turns 30!
I helped the girls make him breakfast.

He got some fun presents, including just what he wanted- BOW TIES!
He actually got the bow ties a few days every and practised tying them alot before he wore one to church on Sunday.
They fit his personality great.


He shares a birthday with one of his friends, so we had a joint birthday BBQ in the evening.
It was a great day.

Ashlee yesterday

(making Maximus sniff the ground like in the movie)

(pretending to "order food at the bank")

Our silly girl keeps us laughing.

How old?

Oh yeah, 5 years old, today!
Happy Birthday Caitlin!!

She was SO excited, and says that she does feel older now.

She got to invite 5 friends over for a party, which was so fun for her.

They decorated pots and potted a flower in them.

They played some outside games.

They had cake and ice cream.

And did the present things.
She opened up her family gifts a little later and got just what she wanted.
A Rapunzel doll!!

We went to the park in the afternoon for International Day, but ended up mostly just playing on the toys.

Born 5 years ago in Glasgow, Scotland.

About 6 months old.

14 months old.

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

and now 5 years old, its hard to believe she can be that old.


Caitlin, you love

• to play with anyone and everyone, not by yourself


• reading books


• meeting new friends- you are not shy


• everything Tangled


• riding your bike, although you are very frightened to practise without the training wheels


• singing songs


• steak or taco salad for dinner


• bread- of any kind


• listening to "princess songs" on Pandora radio


• purple and blue


• tea parties


• playing the Wii or PBS kids on the computer


• learning- you can't wait for Kindergarten to start

We love you Caitlin, happy birthday!

One of these days

she may actually be able to mow alone.

Luckily she has help, and will have help for MANY years.

Date Night

Daddy-daughter date, that is.

All dressed up and ready to go to "Beauty and the Beast" at the college last night.