Girls in the Wild!

Recently I joined a women's backpacking trip from our church. Last weekend we went out on our first trip, and I took Felicity and Caitlyn with me. It was an awesome way to spend some good times with my girls, while experiencing and exploring God's amazing creation.
We hiked in almost 2 miles on the Brookside McGurty trail, there it connected with the Colorado Trail. We camped one night, and then did some exploring the next day before packing out again.
It was a great introduction to backpacking for the girls. It was not to long, but defiantly a challenge. I absolutely love it that I am getting to instill a craving for adventure in my girls. I believe that God has put that sense in every girl, and He wants us to experience Him in the middle of it. I can't think of a better way to encounter Jesus than to emerge yourself in nature.
There is nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the Rockies, or seeing the majestic peaks point to heaven.
Yes, this is proof enough to me that there is an amazing creator of all things. What's is even more amazing is that He loves me, and of all the wonderful things He has made, he actually delights in me. It is a both humbling and overwhelming emotion for me to process.
What a privilege it is that I get to live in this beautiful place, and even more so that I get to share these wonderful experiences with my family!

My lil Cowgirls!

Today both Felicity and Caitlyn participated in their first horse show!

Over the past nine months they have been in horsemanship program here in Golden, Co that is called Westernaires. They specialize in mounted drill teams, but the first couple years are about horsemanship and just learning how to ride.

It has been an amazing opportunity for my girls, as we do not have the ability to own horses at this time. The program provides rental horses and instruction for any kids in our county who want to be a part of the program. It has been such a blessing to our family.

Both Felicity and Caitlyn have wanted to ride since they could first say pony. This has given them this wonderful opportunity.

Today they got to dress up in their best western duds and display all they have learned so far this year. They both did really well. Here are some more pics of the day.

Grand Prix

This past weekend the Girls participated in their first AWANA Grand Prix. Which is basically a Pine Wood Derby. AWANA is a Wednesday night kids program that our kids attend while we go to our small group Bible study. They love it and it is a really great thing for them to do. They learn Bible verses and stories. They play games, meet friends, and have a great time.

Anyway, they got to build their own little racers, and got to participate against all the other kids this past Saturday. They didn't have the fastest cars this time. They did however have a blast building and painting them themselves.

Here are some pics from the event.

What Felicity and Caitlyn Have Been Up To!

It has been sometime since I have blogged. So here is a glimpse into what we've been doing. This winter has been a long one. Our girls have kept busy in the horsemanship program they are in here in Denver. It is called Westernaires. It was a true blessing to find this great opportunity for them so close to home.

They get to ride twice a month. They are learning horsemanship and safety, as well as team work. The best for us at this time is, they do not have to own a horse to be in the program. They have so enjoyed the opportunities that it has brought.

I am very thankful for the blessing of them both living out their dreams of learning to ride and care for horses.

Here are some pics of them doing what they love!

Felicity trying to stay in the saddle.
Caitlyn riding no hands, as she is learning to practice her balance.
I want so much to give my kids what they need to live their dreams. Horses have been in their dreams since they were very small. I am so happy to see their dreams come true every other Saturday.

Our Christmas Adventure 2010

This year was our very first Christmas away from home. We greatly missed all of the friends and family who we love so much. As well as all of the traditions and fun times that we have grown to love.

However, we did make some good memories here, and got to start some new traditions with new friends. This is the first year that Sean could get in on the tree trimming.
We have started attending a new small group in Evergreen, CO. God has given us some really neat new friends. We are very thankful for that. He knows that we had to leave some of the very best in the world behind. We could never replace a single one of you. But God has sent us the closest thing to it.

Here you are seeing the kiddos playing games Minute to Win It style. We had tons of fun.


Here is most of the new group. It amazes me how you can move to a whole new area, and find a common thread in Christ with people who were complete strangers just a few months ago. The family of God is awesome. I am so blessed to be a part of it.
The girls made gram cracker ginger bread houses at their Home School Christmas party. They are making lots of new friends.




Ahh! It's Christmas Morning. Time for presents and fun!
The mess!!!!
This was my first time to make an entire Christmas dinner all by my self. Here is our very first Christmas Table. It turned out good. Overall we enjoyed being together, even while missing everyone so much. I hope that all of you had a great Christmas as well.

Now we are looking forward to a great new year in 2011! May God bless all of you as well in the upcoming new year.

Rockies Game!

If I had to choose something good about living in or near the big city, is would be that there are lots of things to do. One of those things being professional sports games. I may be a girl, but I love love sports. Mostly football, but I like them all.

This month Ryan bought us tickets so that we could all go see our very first Rockies game. It was lots and lots of fun. Ryan had been several times before, but the rest of us were newbies.

Here are some pics of our first Rockies adventure, and hopefully not our last!

The girls at the gate!
Felicity and Caitlyn at Coors Field GO Rockies!
Go Tulo!
Daddy and Sean engrossed in the game.

Fun was had by all even though they lost. I look forward to making lots of fond family memories here in the future!

Three Weddings and a Baptism!

That's right! This summer our family has been very busy. I dubbed it the summer of travel. It seems that 2010 was the best time for all our family to plan their important events. Three of them were in August alone.
In June we attended my niece's baptism, where Ryan and I were named God Parents. This is such an honor to us. The ceremony took place in Plano, Texas. It was a quick trip, but many memories were made.
August approached and things really got kinda crazy around here. The kiddos and I traveled down to New Mexico for two weddings. My cousin Michael got married. As well as my little sister Axie.
Later that month we all went to Kansas City, MO for my Brother- in- law Kyle's wedding. Felicity was flower girl in this ceremony.
Although it was a little stressful to pull it all off, we had lots of fun spending time with our families and meeting new family members. Here are some pics of our adventures. Here we are with my sister Ashlie, Doug, and our sweet niece Lauren. We attended her baptism in Plano, and we are her God parents. Isn't she so sweet!Just a few of the cousins at Mike's wedding. Left to right Felicity, Caitlyn, Elizabeth, Mallory, and Preston.
And the boy!
Me and my two awesome cousins Mandy and Jamie. We three have been partners in crime since we were two!
Now on to wedding # 2. My lovely little sister and her new hubby Kody.
Felicity was the flower girl in Ryan's brother Kyle's wedding in KC. Here is her hairdo. I did it, and I think it turned out really good. Love this pic!

The wedding party.For anyone who knows us, if we get invited to a wedding, someone is getting their car tagged!

All in all the summer was a success, we survived and now on to colder weather.

Memorial Day Weekend

I think we packed more fun and adventure into Memorial Day weekend than we have the entire rest of the summer!
One of the reasons for that is that our wonderful awesome amazing friends the Beaches were in town. They came for a soccer tournament, and we tagged along for all the fun.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will spare you my chattering. Here goes!

Here we are at the soccer tournament watching Chris play. It was super fun to hang out with friends since we really have none here yet.
The Colorado Rapids playing the Seattle Sounders. Colorado won 1-0. It was lots of fun!Sean at his very first professional sports game. He had a ball (Pun intended)
After our friends left we spent Memorial Day at Arvada Reservoir fishing with the kids. It was lots of fun!
I got this sweet pic of Sean. He was picking up pebbles and putting them in his little net. I love love love having a little boy!Last but certainly not least is my very handsome hubby teaching the girls to cast. Even though he is very ornery at times, I think I'll keep him.
All in all it was a great weekend that now holds lots of wonderful memories. There will be more summer adventures to follow. It is not that we haven't been doing stuff. I have just not been faithful about updating. I promise more pics and posts will follow. :)

Summertime Happenings!

I can not believe how fast this summer is going by. I have a ton to share on all of our adventures thus far.
I will break it down a little at a time so as not to overwhelm you with pictures.
Ever since we moved up here to Denver in March, we have been exploring our new surroundings and trying to experience the things that are new to us.
We have taken in some of the city life experiences. However, I think you may notice that a lot of our adventures take us out of the hustle and bustle and back to nature and the mountains.
Back in May we decided to take a drive into the mountains and go hiking around Evergreen Reservoir. We were not disappointed. Check out this view!

It was a gorgeous day, although a little windy.We had a fabulous time together, and plan to have many more:)More to come as this was just the beginning of our summertime adventures!