Quality Time

Charlie and his buddy Fletch as NASA's finest.

 The sweet and silly girls, Viola and her friend Grey.

 And the Mamas wanted a photo too!

Bailey came to visit!

 We have had the pleasure of a visit from my brother Bailey on his way to geology camp in Boulder.  On Saturday (while Brian was working) we loaded up the kids in the Bailey's truck and headed into Rocky Mountain National Park to see some mountains, a little bit of snow, and a few critters.  Good times were had by all, except Brian.

 We could have stopped and taken our picture in front of this large pile of snow but we just let these two ladies do it for us.

 Little babies.

 We got out and did one little climb to the top of a mountain.  It was a bit cold and windy but totally worth it.

 Bailey tried to show an elk to Charlie.

 Can you find the elk?

 More babies.  I love tiny flowers but it's much harder to get down low to take pictures of them when you have a sleeping baby strapped to you.

 Rocks to remember.

 There was also a bighorn sheep (bottom left).  I would call that a successful stop.

 This elk was just hanging out right next to the road.

 Next a picnic stop at the Hidden Valley.  An amazing place for a picnic because a) there was an ample shaded structure perfect for hanging hammocks to swing (Viola) and relax (Bailey) b) rocks for Charlie and a ground squirrel to climb on c) flush toilets which are a valuable find in our national parks.

 Back in Fort Collins we enjoyed a delicious meaty dinner at one or our favorite spots and Bailey bought ice cream two night in a row.  Needless to say the kids really enjoyed his visit!

 On his way out of the door this morning I realized that I didn't get a picture with Bailey so we did an American Gothic inspired shovel in front of the house photo.  I think that we really pulled it off.

Do you need someone to eat all of your cookies?

Because I know a guy.

Papa's Day Off.

 The day started with a plan to catch a robin.  The kids built this classic box trap (with a little help from Papa).  Then they waited.  Charlie though that my picture taking was making too much noise.

 After a snack of carrots they decided that they needed to eat quieter food and have a longer string so that they could wait inside.  Peanut butter and honey sandwiches fit the bill. 

Peter got his own lego set that he can't choke on.  He tried them all and decided that red tastes the best.

 Brian took this crew for a bike ride to not one but two parks.

While we ate dinner a squirrel started showing interest in the trap.  The sweet nut clusters under the box might have had something to do with it.  He went under the box but Viola's response time was not quite fast enough to get him.  Brian took over the string.  We got him.  But a split second later he ran out from under the box.  I was very relieved that he was not trapped.  His reward was getting to finish the nut clusters with no box.  Thank you for the good times squirrel.  Next time, don't eat nuts under boxes!

 We finished up the day with some backyard races.

Boy against bicycle.

 Girl against bicycle.

 Whole family run.  Minus Peter, but he cheered us on from his high chair.

What a nice day.

Birthday Bottle, redeemed.

Charlie requested a bottle of milk to feed Peter for his birthday.  On his birthday I tried to cheat and put a bit of coconut milk in a bottle.  Peter didn't fall for it.  I happened to have a bottle of Mama's magic milk today and let Charlie have another go at feeding little Peter.  Magic.  Peter is a man who knows what he likes.  Happy Charlie, happy Peter. 

Fly Duckie...Fly!

 Summer days lead to brilliant ideas like tying rubber duckies to plastic grocery bags, hurling them high into the air and watching them parachute down.  The author of this clever suggestion was Charlie.  What will he come up with next?

 If you're having trouble getting your duckie to fly... just run.

 Papa even got in on the fun when he got home.  Everyone enjoys a parachute.

I'm sorry you can not wear your dragon costume to church...

 ...But lederhosen are totally appropriate.

These were my brother Jake's in the late 70's when it was a trend to dress your children as little Germans.  Get ready world, Charlie is bringing it back.

Charlie is 4!

 Yesterday we celebrated Charlie's birthday with costumes, friends, and cake.  All of which were enjoyable.

He opened his presents first thing in the morning.  He gave lots of thank you hugs and Papa went to work late so that he could build the new lego set. 

 He got an astronaut jumpsuit for his birthday so of course he had astronaut ice cream for breakfast.

 On his list of birthday wishes was a bottle of milk to feed Peter.  Peter was all to happy to acquiesce, well sort of.

 We love this little fireball.

 Charlie chose to have his friend Asher, and family come over for dinner and everyone wore costumes.  Why didn't I get any pictures of the costumes?!?

We celebrated with cheese tortellini and squash followed by chocolate cake with maple-caramel curd and vanilla meringue decorations surrounded by gummy worms and a side chocolate ice cream.

 Gummy worm first.

Happy Birthday Buddy.