Lory State Park

One of the many things that is great about living in Fort Collins is that we are a super short drive away from the Rocky Mountain foothills and many other outdoor activities. Yesterday we decided to take a hike at Lory State Park along the Waterfall Trail and the Well Gulch Nature Trail. The latter was a bit more difficult and longer than we expected for Christian, but he really did a great job climbing the rocks and overcoming some of the more challenging paths. His words: "Maybe we can come here again sometime." So I will take that as a good sign. Lucas did well overall until near the end and it was way past his morning nap and his little tummy was grumbling for lunch. We are definitely looking forward to returning again soon!

7th Anniversary Getaway

Earlier this week Steve and I were able to get away (sans kiddos) for the first time in nearly 4 years! That's right...Christian is almost 4 years old. It has been challenging in the past to get away without having our parents or family close by to watch the boys, so being back in Colorado has given us the opportunity and blessing to finally go. Christian and Lucas stayed with my parents for two nights while Steve and I enjoyed the beautiful and relaxing Rocky Mountains. Our hotel was in Breckenridge, but we also enjoyed exploring Vail and Beaver Creek. So thankful for this refreshing and relaxing time. So nice to be able to explore at our own pace and not worry about nap times, bedtimes, or tending to little people needs. :o) It was also a great time to re-connect and set some personal, marriage, and parenting goals for the future.

We spent a lot of time at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. Enjoying the flowers, water falls, and laying under the trees by the river.

Meanwhile back at Nana and Papa's...lots of park and pool time!

26 Weeks

Little man #3 is growing rapidly these days! Here I am at 26 weeks. I am feeling well, but am beginning to experience some shortness of breath and exhaustion (especially when I am carrying an 18 month old up stairs.) I can't believe that I am almost in the third trimester (I am 27 weeks now) and I'm wondering when time will slow down...probably around my due date. ;o)

Compare: 26 weeks with Christian

25 weeks with Lucas

Big Boy Lucas and 18 Month Checkup

Today Lucas had a belated 18 month well-baby checkup (he will be 19 months next week.) Other than waiting FOREVER, Lucas was a trooper and is a healthy and growing little boy. He is in the 25th percentile for both weight and height, currently weighing 24.5 pounds, and measuring 31.75 inches tall.

Compare: Christian's 18 (19) month check-up

Loving Colorado!

We are getting settled in Colorado, enjoying spending time with our families, liking our new home, and loving the activity and fond memories of our old college town of Fort Collins. Of course, it is Steve's current college town. ;o) Still so amazed that everything has worked out and God brought us back here!

(Lots of pictures of Christian below, since I recently posted an 18 month recap for Lucas and used most of his recent photos.)

Steve's first day of school. :o)

The dorm I lived in my 2nd year at Colorado State: Braiden Hall (of course it has undergone some remodeling since.)

A GREEN and GOLD tree at CSU.

Being Silly

Christian loves the photo booth app on my iPad. We have enjoyed lots of giggles from our photo creations.