Snowmass 2014

Jason wanted to go skiing so badly this year so he planned a spring break trip for the four of us...and invited his parents to help with Colson. ; ) Zach was barely three when he first skied (a little too young) so we thought it would be best for Cols to play with Gran and G-Dad this year. This was their first trip to Snowmass, and they loved it! We still may get them to ski one day. ; )

First things first...family hot tub!

We never thought we would get his parents to Colorado with us. ; )

Snowmass has a little gondola (Skittles), and the kids love riding it.

Love this place

Sneaky's is one of our fave runs.

Every day the mountain has a "noon groom." We had to hike to begin Long Shot, but it was worth it.

One day Cam and Trish brought Colson up the main gondola to eat lunch with us on the mountain.

Lamby made the trip, too. 

Can't wait for Cols to join us!

Zach loves to ski, and it's so much fun watching him enjoy something so much. He'll be teaching me new things very soon I'm sure!

Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion...Happy are all who wait patiently for Him.

Isaiah 30:18

Spring Soccer Starts

Hello! No worries I'm still here. ; ) In the past few weeks, both boys started soccer, and I actually read a book! Now we are enjoying our spring break.

Cols was sad not to have his fall soccer coach (he's coaching t-ball), but it didn't take him long to warm up to his new one.

Balloons from a car dealership kept floating over us so of course this was a big hit...and a distraction. A typical 3 year old soccer practice!

I'm not sure when Zach started looking TEN, and it's taking me some time to get used to. He's a little Jason. ; ) He hasn't played soccer in a few years, so I'm proud of him for giving it another try.

This cutie ran around with his own soccer ball during Zach's practice.

We are excited for spring!

...the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84:11 

Snow & Sun

Last week we were all about snow slides and sledding and today was a springy seventy degrees and sunshine!

 My parents came up for a visit recently, and it didn't take long for Colson to pull out Candy Land. That little turkey usually wins. Maybe that's why he likes it so much. ; )

 My dad has always been all about "teachable moments," and I love this about him. Now it's fun to watch him with my kids. ; )

 Westin had a little birthday party at a lego place. Cute! I can't believe he's FOUR which means Colson will turn four too soon. Boo.

 Someone liked his blue icing cupcake! 

But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 94:22

Let's Talk Summer: Deer Valley Ranch

It's March! 

Right now the ground is covered in snow and ice, and I'm curled up by a fire. I'm also dreaming of this summer. ; ) One of the things I'm most looking forward to is our vacation to Deer Valley Ranch. I'm SO excited!

I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. It's so deep in my heart I could cry thinking about it! That's how special it is.

My family started going when I was five, and the tradition continues as our family has grown from five to seventeen. The first time we went we stayed in the lodge. We later moved to one cabin and now we are in three.

It's so fun watching Zach do exactly the same things with his cousins that I did when I was his age. We are taking Colson this year, and he will eat it up.

These pics are from 2006. This was Jason's first time in Colorado during the summer. He was skeptical but now he loves it equally to snow skiing in the winter.

Sunday worship

We looked young before we had kids. Ha!

DVR is the perfect place for a young family to start traditions. They love kids and cater to the needs of your family. Their children's program is excellent, and of course there is lots of family time! Zach still talks about all the activities he did two years ago.

fam pics

the lodge deck

St. Elmo (a nearby ghost town) is known for it's chipmunks. They love to eat!

hiking

hayrides

At the end of the week the staff performs a skit night. They like to pick on the newbies, and since this was Jason's first year he was chosen to be part of a skit. ; )

Below are a few links to our past trips:

2008

Jason and I didn't go in 2010 because Colson was about to be born. ; )

2012 

Follow DVR on instagram HERE.

We go every other year with my side of the family. I'll be sharing more pictures and writing more about DVR in the months leading up to our trip. I also have a $250 giveaway for the first family who books a trip at DVR! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24:3-4

In Colson's Words

Colson says some of the funniest "everyday" words or phrases that I don't want to forget! I've written down different words Zach used to say when he was little so now it's Colson's turn. ; ) I'm sure there's more but this is the list I have so far.

 Paper lairplane - paper airplane

Nonnie - vitamin

Soddies - his lovies

Lamby - lamb

Blankley - blanket

 Chic-a-fla - Chic-fil-a

Ricrispti tree - rice krispie treat

Mompi - Mommy

Datty - Daddy

NMs - M&Ms

Candy Lane - Candy Land

Eeny Miny Teeny Toe

 Easy Peasy Lemon Queezy - I have no idea where this came from but we love to say it! It makes us laugh.

It's fun that kids have their own little language. ; )

The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I watch over my word to accomplish it."

Jeremiah 1:12

Hugs, Hearts & Days in Between

We had a fun Valentine's week!

Colson and I had a fabulous time at Riffraff's 5th year celebration. He was a little tired and shy in the beginning so I had to get my face painted before he would. See my pink heart? Whatever works!

Always a star.

Jason and I took Zach lunch one day. He was just a little proud. ; )

 Colson passed out Valentines with some friends at our little retirement home we've adopted. 

Love bugs

 Zach made a craft at his V-Day party. His jacket makes me laugh. He always like it zipped all the way.

 Counting candy is serious business. ; )

 Cols was the only younger sibling at the party, and everyone was so sweet to him. They let him be in their class pic! Ha.

 This is life in our neighborhood. We love the sun and being outside! Bring on the popsicles.

This morning I read a post on the True Woman blog about waiting. So good!

Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. In that day you will not ask Me anything.

John 16:22-23

Happy Birthday, Riffraff!

Riffraff is celebrating their 5 year birthday today! Lots of exciting things going on at Riffraff from 2 - 7 pm. Just in time for Valentine's Day. ; )

"A carnival collection of fun and celebration!"

*DJ dance off
*Cotton candy
*Face painting
*Caricature artist

*First 50 shoppers who spend $25 receive an exclusive swag bag

*Shoppers who spend $50 spin the prize wheel

I've found several treasures there lately that I just love!

days of gold necklace & cupid's arrow bracelet

fun stationery (I love paper!) ; )

mad for plaid top & mindcode jeans 

right now right hoody

dolman's best friend tee

it's a wrap dress

feelin' good tribes shirt

Don't forget my button that will link you right to Riffraff's online store, and all of my readers also receive a customer code for 10% off your entire purchase.

Code: KATIESKEEPERS

Be sure to follow their blog, facebook page, and instagram so you won't miss out on any of the fun!

Happy Birthday, Riffraff and happy shopping!

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7