Time to Crawl

For the past few weeks, Zach has been rolling around on the carpet to get where he wants to go. Now he is definitely crawling even though he gets tired easily. He loves to crawl after Riley and then come right back to my lap.

Today he crawled through this tunnel all by himself. Ri and I cheered him on!

Doesn't his hair look blond in this picture!?

Deer Valley

Hi, friends! Jason and I just returned from a wonderful week in Colorado! I grew up going to Deer Valley (a Christian dude ranch), and now that Faber, Mandy, and I have kids of our own, my parents began taking all of us again. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world just nestled away in the mountains. No tvs and very little computer or phone access. This year Meredith stayed home with Mary Afton and baby Garrett. We missed them so much! Zach stayed with Jason's parents, and he loved every second. Although it was fun to be "free" again for awhile, I am so glad to be back with my baby. All week I just imagined him there running around one day.

There are countless things to do at the ranch. Hiking, horsebackriding, squaredancing, river rafting, tennis, golf, fishing, swimming, hayrides, and campfires. When my family isn't doing one of these things, we are in our cabin playing Hearts, Kings in the Corner, or Catch Phrase. We have never taken a "relaxing" vacation, and I wouldn't change one thing. Going to Deer Valley refreshes my mind, heart, and body.

The deer are tame! It's incredible. They are everywhere. This one welcomed us by our cabin when we arrived at DV.

Allie feeding the horses

Before church Sunday morning

Abby is ready for the square dance!

Up early for the Wrangler's breakfast

Allie striking a pose

Single girls out there...cute cowboys who love the LORD!

Jason & Dad

Hiking Mount Princeton

Every trip my dad, Jason, and I try to do one big hike. Two years ago we hiked Pike's Peak, and this year we hiked Mount Princeton. For me Princeton was more of a challenge, but I still enjoyed it. We talked Faber into joining us this year, and he hiked like a pro.

Jason, Dad, & Faber

Dad climbing those boulders

We made it!

14, 197 feet

In this pic I'm getting a little nervous! I fed this deer a banana on our deck, and his whole family walked up right behind our cabin...including his two baby fawns! He is walking closer and closer and my dad is saying, "Close the door, close the door." I think I'm just trying to breathe. He didn't come in our cabin, thank goodness!

Allie made a great cowgirl.

Dad, Allie, Faber, and a fish my dad caught

At St. Elmo (a ghost town nearby), the chipmunks are very friendly. They will hop right in your lap, hand, or even jump on your shoulder if you have food!

Story...in this pic there is a HUGE chipmunk on my lap. I know it's difficult to see it, but I was just imagining this chub taking a bite out of me. I just like the little guys. Anyway, I ended up screaming and knocking him out of my lap. He was ok though. ; )

Hiking by Cottonwood Pass

Hiking by the Alpine Tunnel

Dad & Faber

Hanging out in the kids' ghost town

Pike's Peak

Today my Dad, Jason, and I hiked up to French Creek on Pike's Peak. The hike took us five hours (up and down), and the weather could not have been better. We had a wonderful time and a great work out...I'm sore!

A bright and early morning!

Taking a break

Our little friend

Jason & Dad

I have a few more pics, but the computer is acting up, so hopefully I can post them later!

Friends, Food, and Race

Zach and I have had a wonderful few days visiting my mom and dad. Zach has entertained us all! He is very active and so much fun to watch. He is starting to crawl and wants to climb out of chairs and anyone's arms.

Zach and his crocs...they are alittle big but still cute!

Jenny and me and our baby boys

Zach had his first taste of raspberry gelato. He loved it! 

Zach & Pappy playing

I have learned to always pack my running clothes when I visit my mom and dad. My dad almost always has a race for us to run together. Tonight we ran in the Twilight Race on a walking bridge. It was hot but great! The race t-shirts were even cute which is hardly ever true.

Dad & me

Dad, Zach, & me

Play Date!

Zach and I spent the day with Jenny and Benjamin. We had a wonderful time! I just wanted to hang out with them and not be in a rush to go anywhere. Jenny and I talked and talked and the babies ate, slept, giggled, and made all sorts of noises. Benjamin is almost as big as Zach, and he is only four months old! What a cutie.

Benjamin & me

Lighten up a little Benjamin! 

Zach patting Benjamin's little head...he looks like he is trying to get away with something.

Jenny & Zach

Jenny and I have heard all of our lives about the contrast in our skin colors. I guess the legacy is continuing through our sons!

Birthday

Today is Shannon's birthday! The reason I'm just now posting this is because we celebrated tonight at her house, and I wanted to have some birthday pics! I love Shannon so much. She is a tender heart, talented decorator, and wonderful nanny! She has a quiet faith that speaks volumes. I am so thankful to have her in my life!

All American Boy

Happy Fourth of July a little late! I hope you all had a great weekend complete with fireworks. What is fourth of July without celebration!?

Zach in his little patriotic outfit. Thanks, Bunny!

Zach, Shannon, & Cody

No family get together is complete now without a trim! Cody gives Grampie a haircut.

The newest addition to the family is Chaco, Andy's chocolate lab. Precious! Even Riley liked him.

Zach and me before a yummy breakfast.

Gran, Zach, Andy, & G-Daddy

No words for this pic. ; )

Zach and Papa


Zach is saying, "Gas is HOW much!?"

Zach & Grampie

Zach has thirteen second cousins! We only saw eight of them, and they all loved Zach.