Time Out for Mumford Girls

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Denver to spend a girls only weekend with my sisters (minus Jessica) and mom.  It was such a wonderful opportunity to be together and take a rest from the usual motherhood routine.  My favorite part was our outing to the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, where we took a short hike and then shopped at an amazing craft fair.

This is our group.  I feel lucky to be related to such amazing women.  It is fun to be together, because when I see the traits and personality of my mom and sister, it reminds me of myself.  If I am a little like them, I must not be too bad.

My beautiful mother

The end of our trip turned into catastrophe beginning at this moment.  After our final breakfast all together, Emily immediately got sick for the entire day.  I flew home at 6:00 that evening and got the bug just as I was boarding the plane.  Thank goodness for the barf bag!  The kids didn't get a hug from me until 24 hours later, when my insides seemed to be working again.  It was worth it though... time with distant family is always worth it.

Growing James

James is working hard on growing these days.  It all started with the step from tricycle to bicycle with training wheels.  He is very diligent at getting the pedals to turn and so happy to have a "new" bike!

James also hit a milestone with the beginning of preschool this year with Mrs. Sims.  I wasn't sure if he would like it, but he LOVES it!  This is his embarrassed, shy face.

Much better.  I had a friend compare her 3 year old to a sour patch kid: sweet at times and sour at times.  I think that this could describe James as well these days.  During the day, he ranges from super happiness to incredible frustration which often escalates into massive tantrums.  On the average, however, he is a very loveable little guy and a fun-loving little companion.

Cobra Strikers

Here is David in his newest soccer duds before the first game of the season.  It amazes that his non-competitive nature goes for soccer, but he likes it.  During the game (in which they were getting plowed by the other team) he said, "wow mom, the other team is SO good!"  That was it; no frustration or tears.  For him, it's all about having fun.

The drive back home

Our trip back home from Cortez brought about a few surprises.  The first surprise was when we made the last minute decision to take a detour to the Grand Canyon, which was only 30 miles off our route.  It was well worth the stop.  For me, the grand canyon is the most amazing place on the planet.  The boys got excited when we hiked right into a couple of mule deer.

After the grand canyon, we loaded in the car for what would've been 8 more hours home.  Unfortunately, the navigator (me) directed Joseph onto the wrong road.  Instead of cutting through Joshua Tree National Park, we ended up driving around the entire Lake Havasu, which added another hour to the trip.  An hour doesn't seem like much, but when you've already been in the car 6 hours, it feels like a LOT!  Fortunately, Joseph was a good sport; we cued up another DVD for the kids, and made the best of our situation by taking a few pictures.

The most memorable part of the trip was driving through the desert on a two lane highway at sunset.  Joseph was flying through miles of nothingness.  At about 10:30 pm we were finally home.  I literally hugged the walls; nothing is better than home sweet home.

Telluride, CO

Though our trip was quite the marathon, we were able to do a bit of sight-seeing.  Sunday after church, we drove up the canyon to a quaint old mining town called Telluride.  The special thing about this place is that they provide free gondolas throughout the canyons to and from the town.  The views were stunning!

We later found out that Telluride was the site of the first bank robbery by Butch Cassidy.

These are a few of the cousins.  Alessa, Natasha, and our kids are represented here.  They had so much fun together.  I think that the boys would jump at the chance for any long road trip as long as it involves cousins.

The mountain air is quite chilly, as Ruthie found out!

One more glimpse of the gorgeous view.

Road trip

We had been debating all week whether or not to drive to Cortez, CO over Labor Day weekend to attend the baptism or our nephew, Kent.  The decision was NO until Friday at about noon, when Joseph called to say he was on his way home from work.  Suddenly, the decision became YES!  I made some last minute arrangements, threw clothes and shoes into the car, and we took off!  With such a late start, we weren't able to fit the entire 12 hour drive into one day, so we swung into Tuba City (on the Navaho Indian reservation) at midnight, woke up at 6 am, and drove 3 more hours to arrive at the church by 10 am for the baptism.  It was a marathon!!!

Goodbye, old friend

On Friday afternoon, I listed the truck on craigslist.  By 4:30 pm, I had 10 requests to see it.  By 10 am the next day, it was sold.  So sad to see this truck go.  This is the car that Joseph drove when he dated and proposed to me.  It was our family vehicle during our 3 years in Ohio.  It's been Joseph's commuter car for the past 6 years.  Lots of memories... especially of the time period in our early married life when all our belongings could fit in the back of this truck.  Goodbye, old friend!

Back to School

Today David began his first day of school.  He was very nervous, but after meeting his teacher seemed ready to go.  I woke up at 6:30 am this morning in order to get David to school by 8:00 am.... feels especially early for our late morning household.

We did good at getting out the door.. even got to school 10 minutes early!  Surprisingly, none of David's friends from Kindergarten are in his class.  I am a bit sad about it, but he doesn't seem to mind.  This boy is really good at making friends.

David likes Mrs. Hann because he says that she is the nicest 1st grade teacher.  We'll see how he feels when the first homework packet gets sent home.  I spent much of the day feeling lonesome for my boy, but I am optimistic that this year will be a good one.

Why I love James

Imaginative, smart, silly, serious, determined, thoughtful...