dancing with Elmo

eating oatmeal

Estes Park trip

The weekend was a blur of packing, unpacking, eating, playing, repacking and driving. We had a wonderful time this year but it just seems to have come and gone so quickly. On our way to the cabin we encountered the Elk standing at the edge of the road. Joel pointed out that we should not have been surprised. The name of the road was Elk Way. Jace was amazing. Saturday evening, when we got settled into the cabin, we headed down the road to visit the Wyoming cousins in their cabin. Jace walked/tumbled down the steep drive and through the tall grasses. He didn't ever fall but it was tough for me to watch. He just loved the freedom and open space to explore. He chased after any ball that he saw with his arm straight out in front of him shouting, "baa, baa". He did the same to the Romsa's dog Max only he would shout, "daa, daa". I followed him around trying to steer him away from the mud puddles that were all over after the rain. It was starting to get dark when we headed back to our cabin. Jace was tired but would not let anyone carry him. It was adorable watching him march back up the steep hill in his hoodie sweatshirt. He looked like a little penguin with his small hopping steps. He did fall backwards three times on the hike. He never cried (except when we tried to carry him).

Sunday there was lots of time for playing outside. My favorite photo of the weekend was this one of Jace and Emma at the screen door Sunday morning. Both of them were anxious to get outside. Everyone else was busy with breakfast.

Victoria was there for a little while on Sunday. She is just a few days younger than Jace. They are about the same size. Jace didn't take much notice of her unless she had a toy he wanted. She cracked everyone up when she took off her shoes and smelled inside them.

Jace enjoyed corn on the cob at lunch and I did not enjoy the diaper a few hours later. Yikes.

Joel practiced his horseshoe throwing in a friendly competition.

I partnered with Lori in an exciting round of Nertz (card game). We almost beat the dream team, Jessica and Travis. While the card game was going Jace started snacking with Grandpa Gary and Joel. He was so cute he kept coming over to them, pointing at the open bag of potato chips, and saying "peeeeeas". Of course no one can resist him when he is being so polite. After several times we figured out that he was feeding the chips to Max, the dog.

At the swimming pool Jace was in the water maybe 10 minutes before he decided he was done. Instead of swimming he wanted to march all around the edge of the pool. The wet, tile surface was slick so he kept Grandpa Gary and Aunt Jessica very busy following him around holding on to him so he wouldn't slip.

Jace slept great after one of his busiest days ever.

Monday we packed up and went over to the main YMCA center to check out. There was a lot of posing for photos with not a lot of successful shots. The ones you see in the slide show had to have a bit of editing. It is tough to get Jace to ever look at the camera when you want him to. It is even tougher to get the adults in the shot to look at the camera when Jace is there.

We spent a nice afternoon in Estes Park exploring the craft show and having lunch at a rooftop Mexican restaurant. We enjoyed Aunt Debbie's company and wished that Uncle Greg and Christopher could have come with her.

Today it is back to work for Joel. He is in Angel Fire, NM again. I have to figure out a schedule to keep up with homework. I am taking three classes this fall working on getting my Group Leader Certification. With it I will be able to lead early-childhood classes.

Happy Birthday to my Mom

who celebrated her birthday over the weekend.

Congratulations to Sarah

for doing the Disney Half-Marathon over the weekend.

Can't wait to hear how it went.

Visit

We were so excited to spend a little time with Dan and Becky last week. During thier quick trip from Florida they had lots of family to visit in a few days. They spent two mornings at our house. Jace was thrilled to show off. He marched around and got out toys to show them. Recently the wooden blocks have been the favorite toy. Jace had both Uncle Dan and Aunt Becky building towers for him to knock down. They brought a new "distraction" for Jace, a little magnetic barn and farm animals for the refrigerator. Jace can make it play music while he dances around. There's been a Ho-down in my kitchen every morning since.

We also had a great time going out to dinner with Dan, Becky, Mat, Pam and Tim. There were margaritas and lots of laughs. Jace was the only kiddo at the dinner. He loved all the attention that he got.

As always, it was hard to say goodbye. Can't wait to see them again. Not sure when that will be.

to my laundry

Today I am not as thrilled with the strawberries. Less than 24 hours after I harvested them I am scrubbing stains out of three articles of clothing. Somehow, without EATING any strawberries, Jace managed to get red stains on the elbow of his pajamas, the butt of his jumper and the back of Joel's shirt.

from my garden

I can't believe how many strawberries I picked this afternoon. We have never gotten more than one or two at a time before. Usually the bugs of birds get them before we even realize they are ripe. They are beautiful and delicious.

Joel made it home today. Now we have a long holiday before he travels again next week. He thinks he will be back in Angel Fire.

Jace was so excited to have his Dad home to play with. Mom's block towers are not as fun to knock down as Dad's.

Here is Jace doing his best Godzilla smashing Tokyo impression.