End of Summer Fun

Family outing, again to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park for some hiking and fishing. We were not sure where the trail started and followed a horseback trail up a pretty steep hill only to see the hiking trail ran along the river below us. So we just hiked/slid (thankfully didn't fall) down the side to the right trail. It was a good thing kids are adventuresome. Over all the hike was a short one with not much for fishing. We headed back to the main meadow, Moraine Park. The boys really had fun there. You could see the fish in the clear, shallow stream.

While half of our family is fishing the other half is doing a photo shoot!

They had a few bites, which makes it hard for them to quit. Because some of us were getting restless, and muddy, it came time to leave. As we walked back to the car Justin continued to fish the stream. Hooked one good Trout and let Alayna reel it in. So I guess we were successful, even though we let it go!

On our way back through Estes Park we stopped to play miniature golf. The kids were so excited.  We had to divide into 2 teams, so Justin took the older 2 and got started and I got the younger ones! That really didn't seem fair. Until Corbin hit a hole-in-one on his first shot, at the first hole a par 2. Everyone else hit 2 or 3. We were so excited. Well the kid did not continue playing that way, but we all had fun and can't wait to go again.

First Week of School

Kids started school on Monday, 8/22, at Knowledge Quest Academy. They were all very excited. It was picture day so they did not have to wear their uniforms which is always nice, but Alayna was very bummed. She was excited to wear her new pink shirt and jumper. Well her first week was fun, she goes Mon. and Wed and every other Fri. She asked me if next week she will get to go every day like the boys. Guess she liked it that much. It did wear her out a bit though. Everitt is in 2nd grade with Mrs Davison. Same teacher Coltin had. She is great and he is excited. He started off the week great with a perfect score on spelling. Now our Coltin is a 4th grader with Mrs. Russell as his teacher again, she taught him in 1st. We are hoping that it is more enjoyable this time. He tested high enough that he made it into the districts Gifted and Talented program. We are pleased and know that they will continue to challenge him. It was a good week. Except for maybe Corbin who was a bit lost, lonely and sad at times. He would ask "are they coming home soon?" and "I want someone big to play with me like Everitt, or Coltin." He was happy to have Alayna around to play with on Tuesday and Thursday. I am totally missing our play time at the pool but am looking forward to getting a routine going again. Although I miss their help!


We are excited for great year in school!!

BYE GUYS!

And Home, she survived the bus and all. Not that we were ever concerned. =)

OK, here is Day 2. All dressed in her new uniform! 

Good thing piggy-tails keep them from looking too grown-up.

Our Last Days at the Pool

We got 5 pool passes for the summer and it was the best! I had an excuess to be out in the sun and the kids got to get wet! Back in June we were only going once or twice a week to the pool but by the end of the summer we were there 3 or 4 times a week. They became better swimmers, braving the diving board and then actually learning some diving and flips from us. (Just to clarify, Justin does the flips!)  Alayna started the season with floaties and now will jump off the diving board and swim all by herself. She can hold her breath a surprisingly long time! So proud to see them being so brave and improving so much. Even Corbin the last few weeks wanted to jump in off the side without his float vest. He was catching on. Didn't think at 3 he'd be practically swimming. Always trying to keep up with the older ones!  

So with a week left at the pool Corbin did a crazy jump twist and split open his chin! Ouch. He was so brave about it, the life guards couldn't believe it. We got him taped up good the Dr. said we could do with out stitches. He just had to keep it dry for 4 days. =(    

This was the 2nd day.

Now that the pool is closed we head to the free beach at Lake Loveland. I don't love the chlorine of the pool but I sure did not miss having sand stuck on everything. 

Fun at the Fair and Rockies Night Out

Larimer County Fair and Carnival made for a fun family night out. After seeing the booths and playing in a fishing tank we hit the rides. Coltin was brave, trying out the more "fun" rides; Cliffhanger, Hurricane w/ dad (who got dizzy), Ring of Fire w/ mom (this one stops and hangs you upside down, not sure we want to do that again!) Everitt and Alayna played it a little more safe, together they rode the Twister & Gravitron. Alayna and Corbin did the Dizzy Dinos. Corbin also had a fun ride on the Jeeps, and Everitt choose to run through the fun house. It was a great late night with a bit of crazy fun. Kids can't wait to go again!

Coltin's flying! Sorta.

Everitt and Alayna Twistin'

That is Coltin and I before it started. 'The Ring of Fire'

At the end my brave son was curled up somewhere by my lap. He took Justin's challenge and survived. (So did I!) Proud of him for growing up, being brave, and not throwing up on me! 

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That was Friday night. Saturday night Uncle Landon came into town for a school related conference and invited us to join him at the Rockies game. The big boys all went and had a good time. Everitt even got to bring home a foul ball, a very proud moment for him. 

Thanks, Uncle Landon!