Happy Hikers

We love to hike. And we start 'em young - each of our children has been hiking as an infant. When we were engaged, Brian bought me this book: "Colorado's Best Wildflower Hikes." We have used it extensively. It highlights 50 great hikes, whether you're into the wildflowers or not (I am). Since we got married, Brian and I (and subsequent children) have tried to hike every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and then have a BBQ with friends. We also try to do other hikes throughout the summer when possible. And selecting music to listen to on the drive up adds to the fun. Since Brian has to cover the CO Rockies game on Monday, we moved our Labor Day hike to today. When I asked the kids what music we should bring, Connor and Isabel both yelled out, "John Denver!" Excellent mountain music choice, kids. Brian thinks they're brainwashed. I say they're well trained. Anyway, we went on a great hike this morning in the always beautiful mountains. The kids were absolute troopers! We did a 2-mile hike, and Connor did the whole thing with very little complaining. He had no choice but to walk, as Brian and I carried the younger children. I had Lucas in the Baby Bjorn, and Isabel was in the hiking backpack on Brian's back. She kept talking about her "sweet ride." She also walked part of the hike. Lucas slept most of time.



And, of course no hike is complete without a snack and water break/rest stop halfway through.
The day ended with a slightly embarrassing experience for Melissa. We stopped at a sub shop for lunch after the hike. While I was in the bathroom, the door started to open. And I KNOW I locked it. It was a one-staller. I started yelling "there's someone in here!" but the door CONTINUED TO OPEN. Suddenly I found myself staring at Connor - and the entire restaurant! I don't know how he opened it. I yelled to him, "Get in or get out and SHUT THE DOOR!" Fortunately, it was a quiet lunch hour. I think the only one who witnessed it was an employee, who gave me a big grin as I exited the bathroom. I just shrugged, smiled sheepishly, and went on my merry way.

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!

A whole new level

I'm attempting a video on my blog for the 1st time. Thanks Wendie for the tutorial! This is one of the videos Brian and Connor took to document their camping trip in July. The angle of Brian holding the camera and focusing it on himself and Connor isn't particularly flattering to either of them, but we find the video entertaining. The kids think it is HILARIOUS. It has become classic in our house.

My future spa buddy

Isabel is such a girl. She loves to wear dresses, wear polish on her toes, etc. She also has the drama to go along with it, but that's another entry... Her bath routine is pretty cute too. I think we'll be fun spa buddies someday! I definitely see mother/daughter pedicures in the future.
Couldn't resist posting this bath pic that shows those amazing eyes of hers.


And just like her mom, she loves to relax in the tub with a good book.

She loves to wrap up in her towel, and always insists she look in the mirror to see how pretty she is.

And, she has to put on some lotion before she's ready for bed.

What a little personality!

I've been tagged

I've been tagged for this by my friend Monique. Here goes!

Jobs I've held:
1. Fast food cashier
2. Railroad builder in an open pit mine
3. PR Intern for a variety of companies
4. Campaign manager for a non-profit health organization
5. Development assistant at University of Colorado
6. Publication Editor at The Children’s Hospital Denver
7. Freelance writer
8. The best one – wife and mom

Places to go for a weekend getaway:
1. Anywhere in the mountains

Movies I can watch over and over:
1. Walk the Line
2. Remember the Titans
3. Miracle
4. Forrest Gump
5. Dirty Dancing

Guilty Pleasures:
1. Shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate from Atlanta Bread Company
2. Italian sodas
3. Taking the scenic drive home when running errands so I can have a few extra minutes to myself
4. Candlelit baths with some fave music
5. Reading
6. Lunch or dinner with girlfriends
7. Losing myself in all the cuteness at Archivers

Places I've Lived:
1. Virginia, MN
2. Minneapolis, MN
3. Denver, CO
4. Aurora, CO

What were likely the first things you thought of when you saw your significant other for the first time?
1. There was something very kind in his eyes
2. Just had a “feeling” about him
3. Learned we had the same birthday (October 29, 1974) and the same profession- (journalism). How could I NOT marry him? :)

Places I've been on vacation:
1. Alaska
2. Seattle and Western Washington
3. New England
4. Texas
5. All over Canada
6. California
7. Washington, DC

Favorite foods:
1. Anything with shrimp
2. Fresh raspberries and blueberries
3. Previously mentioned shortbread cookie
4. Mexican food (enchiladas, chips and pico de gallo)

If in a "jam" with your spouse, what tactics do you use to get out of the "doghouse"?
1. Saying I’m sorry – it goes a long way!
2. Being sugary sweet

Websites I visit daily:
1. Yahoo mail
2. Friends’ Blogs
3. 9News – I’m a news junkie

Best First Kisses Landmarks:
Better talk about Brian here, although it wasn’t very romantic. Just at the front door of the house I was living in. Boring location, but good kiss J

Places I'd rather be right now:
1. Reading in silence
2. On a hike in the mountains
3. On vacation with my hubby (maybe with kids – depends on the day)
4. At a spa

Who sent this to me? Monique

Now I get to pick three other blog buddies to "survey":
1. Lori
2. Colleen
3. Brittany

The sweetest homecoming

It's a sweet day: our nephew Cameron came home today. For those not familiar with the story, here's a brief re-cap.

Brian's sister Kelley and her husband Leo had twins April 26: a boy (Cameron) and a girl (Ressa). They were due August 9, and were born at 25 weeks. They weighed 1 pound 7 ounces and 1 pound 9 ounces, respectively. Ever since, it has been an unbelievable journey. Both babies faced numerous challenges. Unfortunately, Ressa developed a common but often fatal infection in preemies, and she passed away May 20. Cameron has had numerous surgeries. His final challenge before going home was learning how to eat, which he learned rather quickly.

For almost 4 months, Kelley and Leo have traveled daily to the hospital. They have been tremendous examples of dedication, faith, strength and love. They finally got to bring their little boy home, and we are thrilled for them. Good work Cameron! We love you!

Back to school!

Connor started his second year of preschool today! It was all pretty familiar to him, as he's in the same classroom with the same teacher as last year. He's in the Aurora Public Schools Early Childhood program because of his autism diagnosis. Can't believe he has 1 year until kindergarten! Our goal for Connor this year is for him to improve in his social abilities. He was really starting to interact better with the other kids at the end of last school year, so we're hoping he can build on that this year. He enjoys other children, but prefers to run and be active with them (playing chase, being silly, etc) and struggles to have meaningful interactions (pretend play, conversations, etc). He's made so much progress already, we all feel confident he will be in fantastic shape by the time the big "K" rolls around. We're proud of you, Connor!

Blessings

Lucas's blessing was today. My mom made his little outfit. Thought I'd include a family pic, even though I haven't worked off my baby weight yet! Soon as it gets cooler...

It was a special day, and we are so grateful for the joy Lucas brings to our lives.