Celebrating a Milestone!

I just wanted to take a minute to congratulate my parents on a big milestone.  My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary!!!  They celebrated with a weekend getaway to one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and we surprised them with cake and flowers when they got back.

Summer 2013 -- Grand Adventure -- Last Stop

To break up the long drive back home we stopped in Kearny Nebraska and went to the museum over the interstate.  We kind of debated on whether to stop there or not because it was a little pricey, but it was well worth it...it was amazing.  It was a self-guided audio tour.  Even the kids slowed down and looked at everything and we learned a lot there.

They were excited talking about how they went to Yellowstone last summer!

Looking down on the highway!

There was also a little area to explore outside too.

Of course we had to feed the fish and they were going crazy!

The geographical center of the US.

Finally back in CO and we were greeted with a beautiful sunset!

We had such a great time on vacation and even though I am a slacker about putting these things on here...it was kind of nice to relive vacation a few months later on...the boys were watching me put these pics on here and were so excited and kept saying "oh I remember that!!"

Summer 2013 -- Grand Adveture -- Illinois Paradise

My cousin invited us to stay the night at his house before we headed for home.  They own some property and it is absolutely gorgeous!!  We swam in their little pond, had a fish fry, then did some fishing, and enjoyed a campfire.  AMAZING!  John and Cindy are so hospitable and we wish would could have spent more time with them.

Swimming in their little pond.

Trey was hesitant to go out to the dock, but I finally got him out there.

Everyone enjoying the water...it was nice and warm!

We got out the boat and did a little fishing.

The first one Tucker caught.

My handsome little man.

Tucker was in fishing heaven!

Trey's first catch.

Summer 2013 -- Grand Adventure -- Illinois Family

After our camping trip we drove down to Illinois to visit my dad's family.  They live by the Fox River and have a great pool to swim in.  It was nice to see everyone again and wish we could have stayed longer.

Swimming wore Tucker out!

The boys by Fox River.

Summer 2013 -- Grand Adventure -- Door County Camping

We camped in Door County, WI (which is up North on the peninsula) with some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  It was so beautiful there and we had such an amazing time. 

Only my uncle would pack a screened in tent this big for camping!

The finished tent...we all could fit in there without being crowded.

The boys spent a lot of time riding bikes.

Looking at Green Bay

It was so green there it almost looked fake!

The water was so warm...made us miss the beach!

It rained A LOT, but it was warm rain so the kids had fun playing in it!

Summer 2013 -- Grand Adventure -- Farm Life

In the Summer of 2013 we went on a Grand Adventure (for some reason as I am typing this it sounds like the beginning of a How I Met Your Mother episode, complete with Bob Saget narrating in it in my mind...maybe because this trip was legendary....).  Kim and the kids are such a big part of our family, we wanted them to experience our other home.  So me, the boys, Kim and the kids, and my mom and day caravanned to Wisconsin.

 

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE farm life.  It is always such an amazing experience and I am so fortunate my boys (and Kim and the kids) are able to partake in it too.   These memories will stick with the kids forever and I know they will always look back at their time there with fondness.

This house and the people in it have my heart always.

The barn, although smelly is a part of my heart too.

We spent our days and night outside, really only going inside to use the bathroom (well only us girls, the boys just went and found a tree...) and not once did the kids ask to turn on the tv or say they were bored.

We explored the farm land on the Ranger.

Bondfire nights.

Tractor driving

Shucking home grown peas.

Beautiful sunsets.

Endless games of football, soccer, riding bikes, or just playing in general.

Searching for farm animals (these two are similar it is crazy..I'm proud Tucker is such a good role model for Q.)

A barn full of milking cows!

Everyone getting a lesson about fresh milk and getting to try warm fresh cow's milk

And getting to milk a cow by hand!!

Ty was not too sure about getting that close to a big old cow, so I helped!

But most of all, it was so nice to just sit and enjoy each other's company.

Memorial Day camping trip 2013

This year we spent Memorial Day weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!  We had a blast hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature. 

Our Campsite

We always have the BEST camping food!

Trey was my kid that wanted me to take his picture every time we stopped.



So beautiful....the lake was still mostly frozen 

There was still quite a bit of snow!

We drove up one of the mountains, I think we were at about 11,000 feet

Yep, still a lot of snow for the last weekend of May

Don't worry this is a fake gun, but this picture is so Ty...do not mess with this boy!