June 2011

Today we had a BIG party for the girls' 4th birthday, and more than 60 people were here at one time.

It was a hot, but windy day, which was ok because the wind helped to cool down everyone.

Our neighbors once again let us use their inflatable water slide, and the kids loved it.

What a great day!

A treasure chest cake for the Jake and the Neverland Pirates theme

It's like a Where's Waldo scene

The kids LOVED the inflatable water slide

It is unbelievable that the girls are already four years old.

As is normal, we had a small party for them tonight with each their own, special MommyCake, made just for them.

Lexi chose a Hello Kitty cake, with the normal red colors because red is her favorite color.

Brie chose a Transformers cake, but she was adament that there just be actual, real transformers on the top. Daddy never could have figured that his prized, loved Optimus Prime would some day end up on top of his daughter's 4th birthday cake.

We love our growing-up girls very much. We just wish they would slow down just a bit.

Brie with her cake

Lexi with her cake

Today was a special IBM Family Day at Heritage Square in Golden, Colorado.

We took full advantage of this, including Drew going down his very first Alpine Slide!

All of the kids loved to ride all of the rides on a very HOT day!

After a LOT of apprehension, Drew finally went on the chair lift with Daddy and headed slowly down the slide on his very own car. After the first turn, Daddy could no longer keep up with him. Drew actually had to stop several times to let Daddy catch up! And of course wanted to go again as soon as he made it to the bottom.

Mommy and her kids arriving at Heritage Square

All three kids riding the safari bus ride

Our girls on the train with Mommy while the boys ride the Alpine Slide
(Mommy not pictured, of course, you moron.)

Our family took a short vacation to Nebraska with Tracy's parents to visit family in Lincoln (and nearby) Nebraska.

The kids were super in the car, we got to deal with some severe weather while we were there, and ate some good ice cream at Zesto.

We spent a day at "The Farm" and got to visit with a lot of extended family all along the way.

The hotel had a hot tub, which was not too hot (great for the kids), and a swimming pool, which was definitely not too hot. In fact, it was frigid. But that doesn't seem to matter to kids. And somehow they got Daddy in the pool with them, every day. PaPa John and Nona gave them some floatation toys and those were perfect and made the swimming that much more fun for the kids.

PaPa John stayed behind for a few more days while Nona returned in the minivan with us.

It was a great trip, and we look forward to the next time we can do it again.

Brie with all the Animal Floaties

Lexi "rowing" in Drew's innertube

On the farm with Vicky

Riding the Fun Bus at the mall

Riding a Cedar Point rollar coaster game at the mall

Captain Drew at Grandma and Grandpa O's house

Jailbirds at the Fort Cody Gift Shop...er....Museum
(gift shop)

Lexi and Micaella

Swimming with Daddy

Tonight was the annual Vacation Bible School concert, and all three of our kids were great!

The kids look forward to VBS each year, and this year was no disappointment!

And, of course, after the concert was the ice cream!

All three kids up on stage singing

Today was a very special day for Drew. His very first Jeep ride with PaPa John.

Along with Mommy, the three headed into the mountains for a little concert which was great for kids.

Drew on "stage" in Estes Park

Brie and Lexi had their very first gymnastics class ever today. They had a blast and can't wait for their next sessions this summer.

Lexi and Brie in their gymnastics class

Mommy took the girls grocery shopping today, and Brielle simply gave up.

What we all feel like while shopping with Mommy