Lazy Summer Day

We're trying to fit in a few fun days before school starts next week and for the first time Eleanor will be gone all day long! Sniff, sniff... we'll be ok.
With the baby and the hot weather, we came up with a low-key relaxing fun day. First, we went to the Longmont Museum. We've lived here how long and never been before - and it's free!


Eleanor got to lay out the plans for her own city. Our house was usually close to the amusement park and swimming pool.


After the museum we picked up some lunch and headed to the Willow Farm Park. It's got a fun stream and shade! We made our own paper boats to float in the stream. Eleanor doesn't want me to mention the boys that took a shine to her. It was very entertaining to watch them show off. They pulled out all the stops ... wheelies, bike tricks, handstands, fake light-saber battles, you name it! I'm sure there will be many more years of this!

Katie did pretty well with our plans for the day. She had fun kicking around the blanket at the park. You all know the look of a self portrait, doesn't it look like she's holding out the camera?

There as a pastel art exhibit at the museum, so we brought along some watercolor supplies to do our own art at the park. Part of me must secretly wish to be able to paint. Can't, but it's still fun to dabble. Here are our masterpieces for the day.

See what I was going for...

On the way home we passed this HUGE hawk on the hay close to our house. Turned around so we could catch a picture of him. Not sure if that's a hawk or an eagle, but it was about 2 feet tall.

Payne Reunion Colorado

We found a spot outside Colorado Springs for this year's Payne reunion. The Triple B Ranch was a fun place. Not too removed, but it still felt like it. Here is one of the cabins we stayed in.


I have to remember to give me camera to someone else and have my picture taken occassionally. Without it there would be no proof that I was actually at the family reunion! I was just asking for Katie's sake, since the poor girl can't stand up for herself yet. :)

All the grandkids except for Katie, who was napping. They all get along so well, it is really heartwarming watching the cousins together.

Feeling like a cowgirl!

A rock-paper-scissors tournament. Natalee took out Uncle Devin! Just for the record, when something important is on the line I still got it - ask Gav about the tupperware he cleaned out this week.

The ranch had a fun little petting zoo. I think the horses were hoping for that Barbie hair...

Had a great time swimming with the kids. Here is little Isaac's frog float - love it! Even Katie got in for her first swim.

Can't get much better than roasting hot dogs over the fire...unless you're roasting bread sticks. That's my favorite! Shannon introduced us to roasting (well, slightly melting) Starbursts over the fire.

Had to make time for a family picture at Garden of the Gods. Don't worry, I'll find Grandma for the wall print, this is just a quickie.

Got up to take some early morning pictures at the Ranch.

On the way home we went up the Cog Railway to the top of Pike's Peak. It was an incredible view and even snowed on us at the top! I'd highly recommend it. Next time I'm hoping to go sans kiddos. :) All in all, it was a great three days with the family. Thanks for the happy memories!

New Tricks

We've been loving all of Katherine's new tricks! At 4 months old they sure learn things quickly. This past week or so she suddenly became a thumb sucker! That took me by suprise. Eleanor never tried that, but she was in love with her pacifier from day 2 until past her first birthday. Katie has never been interested in a pacifier and if you have to hold it in for her, what is the point?! So, we're not sure what to think about this, but I have to admit I think it's pretty cute.

Katherine also starting laughing, rolling over, grabbing her toes, and grabbing toys (maybe that's the same thing) within the past couple weeks. We love experiencing all these firsts again!

Bouncing Babies

I love catching up with families every year or so for new portraits. And what better reason than a new baby in the family! These kiddos are so adorable. Mom and Dad are fellow Utah Staters, so what do you expect! :)

Oh, the Places You'll Go

Had a great time taking these senior pictures last week. We've known Tacy for 5 years now, so it's hard to picture her being old enough to graduate this year! It's also exciting to see the plans she's making for her future. Oh, what wonderful places you'll go!

These are my favorite! So beautiful.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

It was Gavin's birthday yesterday. We had fun planning some surprises for him this year. First, I surprised him and installed a new toilet in our master bathroom - myself. Just watched some Bob Vila videos online and figured out the rest! Since this is the only situation I can think of for posting a picture of a toilet on my blog - here you go.

I've been really impressed with Gavin's determination not to eat any fast food all year! For a little guilty pleasure I made him these cute hamburger cupcakes I saw on Bakerella. Adorable, huh?

We had a great time celebrating your birthday honey. You add fun to our lives every day. Love you!

Happy Independence Day

We really enjoyed having some extra time together as a family this weekend. We went to see UP, enjoyed a BBQ, fireworks, popsicles, and just relaxed a bit. This is where Gavin starts laughing, because we really cleaned the house like crazy too. That always puts me in a good mood!
Here is Eleanor in her 4th of July "antlers" as she calls them. I took the time to explain to her why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. When it was her turn to pray, she said "thank you that we don't have to be ruled by England anymore." Why do they always say stuff like that during prayers - it makes it really hard to keep a straight face! :)



The fireworks we enjoyed from the trail right behind our house. This one below looks just like palm trees, no? Happy 4th of July!