Slow Down

I went to the "Belong tour" this past weekend. It is a women's faith weekend. It was nice to recharge with my MOPS friends and Casey and focus back on whats important.
One of the guest speakers was a singer, Nichole Nordeman. Live she had a great voice, this video doesn't give her justice but the message hit this group of Mother Of Preschools right in the heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcNB_EUao8

Cousin Natalie Gets Married

Ray & I can hardly belief this day has come, Natalie got married! We drove to Iowa over the weekend to Lake Okoboji to watch Nat & Neil tie the knot. The weather was absolutly perfect, the yard was out of a magazine and it went off with out a hitch.

I probably need to buy a 50x50 of this print, he is so cute. Stay little my little squish face!

If only Connor was looking...and wearing his shoes

This is the only picture of the bride I got, oops!

Soccer

Saturday's spent on the soccer field I am pretty sure is all 4 of our favorite ways to spend the day. This is Ryan's second year playing for Storm but his first year on the big leagues and not "sparks" he was super excited to wear the real uniform! Ryan's team is REALLY good, I think they won 10-1. Connor's team was fun to watch they have all improved so much from last year, lots of passing and the goalie was on fire. Connor's team also got the W 5-0.

hikes

This summer we have been busting out hikes left and right. Last week I went on a hike with two other Mom's.

Our little guys did great at keeping up.

Eli Young Band

Went with John & Sommer on a double date downtown Denver to see Eli Young Band at the Grizzly Rose.

they said "someone big" is here...it was the lead guitarist for black sabbath (I don't even know if that's the right band) he did jam out 2 songs.

More Pictures Okoboji

Uncle Dave just sent me some good ones to share....

Everyone (Minus Dave, Travis & Lizzie)

My baby is 5

Oh Ryan John, Mama loves you sooooo much! I tell you all the time to stop growing and to stop being bigger! He has become a little ham with hilarious things to say and we have no clue where he is getting his material from.
He is my compassionate kid for sure. He will give a hug or make a comment to fill up someones bucket so quickly. He is always willing to help me and much like me he likes when the house is quiet and we can get projects done.
 Continue to learn my little sponge, can't wait to see what all you take in this year at Junior K. He is just like his Daddy that he has the best memory and can remember things from over a year ago.
Hope you are a leader in your class and a good example to your friends.
Love you lots big 5 year old! Mommy & Daddy

*PS I am on the verge of a major melt down of no more babies in this house....working every angle I have with Raymond to get us a 3rd little nugget to love on. I would LOVE if next time you viewed this blog you were seeing us as a family of 5. Until then I'll keep watching other peoples baby's and holding neighbor baby's when I can.

1st Day Of School

He woke up early, brushed his hair, got dressed and made his bed. I'd call it a success! When we got to school he said "Mom I'm late (which he wasn't), I don't have time for pictures.

Um, Hi, I'm Mama Bear and I'm getting a picture of you for the first day of school. You are lucky I didn't try to kiss you too. The day isn't over but the teacher just sent all the parents a cute little email saying everyone is doing awesome and no tears have been shed. Welcome to First Grade Connor!

When I got to school I said "we need a picture". Silly Sommer she thought I meant of the kiddos.

Here is my partner in crime for the next 3 years as we are Co-Chairing the PTO for the elementary school.

Connor's main squeeze Emma (Sommer's daughter)

Summer Hikes

It is crazy how many trails and part of Colorado are less than 45 minutes away. The last 3 weekends we have gone exploring on the weekends.
The first weekend we went to Garden Of The Gods. Notes for me for next time: kind of farther away then I liked. We were not there long enough and want to go back for sure. We didn't really see Gardens per see, we did see all these beautiful red rocks and guys repelling off them.

Then next weekend we went to Lair of the Bear. Positives are it is close (very close to Sheri & Marty) the negative, lots of bikers are a small trail. Kids loved the water that ran next to the trail to cool off.

Okoboji 2k16

My 34th year, Ray's 12 year Connor's 7th and Ryan's 4th year at the HAPPIEST PLACE on EARTH; lake Okoboji (hence why our dog is named Boji).

10.5 hours in the car actually went by fast followed by 10 days of Heaven! Swimming, laying out, doing puzzles, eating delicious food. Ryan fished 99% of the time and caught a ton of fish. Connor learned to ride a 2 wheeler with out training wheels and Grandma Grandpa and GG spoiled them both rotten. Aunt Terri stopped in for a day and Dave and Val came and went during our stay. We got a nice surprise visit from Lizzie. Ryan hasn't seen her sense he was 2 and he kept calling her Aunt Val, it was pretty funny.

My dad and his brother and their cousins and corresponding mothers

We really got into snap chat this vacation

Connor was 1 inch too short for the big coaster- he's determined to eat a lot of vegetables and get that 1 inch before next year!

Woof. Face swap Grandma & Grandpa.

They fought over driving