6-24, "She's a real wild child"

This child LOVES playgrounds.  She's thrilled that she's big enough to grab hold of one of the rings, and now she's working her way up to be able to jump up and grab both.  She likes to climb to the top of the six foot structure and see my eyes widen with fear.  She's scraped her knees (and that seems like such an understatement considering the degree of scabbing going on....) every few days since summer began, and even that doesn't slow her down.  And, as you can see, cutie-pie now wears glasses.  Somehow our little girl got our eyes.  Crazy world.  She's not too bad about wearing them-- in fact, maybe even better than I am myself!  If you see this girl coming at you on the playground, just know that she'll be your new best friend in no time at all.

6-23, Fawns

Emalie and I have a routine.  Every morning, after errands or exercise, I get to sit down and have my 'coffee break' (ingrained in me thanks to my sea days and time spent with the union guys.  Ha!) and Emalie gets to watch a show (her current favorite-- the Berenstain Bears).  If the weather allows, I like to read outside with my cup of coffee or tea.  As the weather shifts throughout the year, so does my favorite spot on either our back, side or front decks (these decks are just about my favorite part of this house).  A few days ago, I was determined to find us a campground for my upcoming birthday weekend.  I had my Colorado guide and camping books spread out and the online reservation system pulled up on my phone.  Because I was so deep in my project, I don't even know how long these little guys were there.  When I finally looked up, not 20' away from me was this mama and her babies.  It was love at first sight.  Year after year when the 'babies come', I'm never in situations to see or photograph them.  And many times, we're on vacation and by the time we're back the babies have not only arrived but grown substantially.  When I saw these lounging babes, my heart did flips.  I finally got to see the young fawns!!  I don't remember ever seeing them relaxing in our side yard before.  Such a treat.  I spent several minutes just observing them, then finally, quietly, snuck inside to retrieve my camera.  My photographic goals in Colorado have been to capture the fawns in our neighborhood and the aspen in the mountains.  I couldn't believe my fortune.  I can't wait until mama brings these babies by again for a visit!

6-21, Golden Gate Canyon

Sven's a good sport.  He let me choose our destination for Father's Day.  I guess, considering he chose his own Father's Day gift, this was my gift to him..... a beautiful day in the mountains with us!  This park is so beautiful and I love that it reminds me of Montana.  With a 4-year old in tow, there's only so much hiking that can take place.  But, I have to say that Emalie did give it honest effort.  The trail was quite steep and even I was wondering how long 'another 1.1 miles' would really be!  There was no way we were turning around before we got to the meadow of wild irises (photos of the meadow can be seen in the following link).  I can't wait to go back to this park and explore other trails.  Unfortunately, camping may be out of the question for us there.....people can really plan what weekend they want to camp six months in advance?!  I guess camping takes on a whole new spin when you live in such a populated place.  Oh well, the good news is that this park is within easy driving distance from home for us.  

Finding Focus blog- Golden Gate Canyon

Wild roses!

Can you see all that pollen?!  Ack!!  No wonder everything is coated in yellow dust!

I must say that this is the best picnic spot I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.  The wild iris meadow was before us as well as old (haunted?!) dwelling remains.  I think people were jealous as they passed us and eyed our Subway sandwiches we'd hauled up the mountain!  Oh, and we even met someone from Helena.  How about that!

6-19, Wings over the Rockies

Contrary to how my blog posts may appear, family excursions are not always that fun and successful.  I have to say though, this particular day was extraordinary.  As you'll read through the attached link to my Finding Focus blog regarding this museum visit, Sven went to say his final farewell to his favorite plane-- the EA6-B Prowler.  That particular sound that used to shake the windows of our first rental house in Coupeville has now gone silent (tear, tear).  Really, the Prowler has been an extension of our family for  almost 20 years now.  This truly is an end to an era for us.  Though it was bittersweet for Sven to see this mighty machine in a museum, he appreciated the chance to go and see it.  I guess whenever he misses his flying days, he'll always be able to go see it there and reminisce.  Much to my surprise, the kids enjoyed the museum as well.  Nikolas hasn't shown his dad's love of all things aviation, but he did seem to take an interest this day.  Emalie was thrilled that there were parts of the museum she could climb into things, push buttons and touch (what else is there to a 4-year old?!).   Anyway, enjoy!  And if anyone is interested, I'm sure Sven would be more than happy to take any visitors back to the museum for a tour!

Finding Focus blog- Wings over the Rockies

I think this will go down as one of my all-time favorite pics of Sven and the kids.

"So BIG!"

Do you think Nik remembers dad's flying and deployment days?

This little tricycle/airplane was the cutest thing.
Now how do we get her one of those?!

6-19, Rabbits, rabbits, everywhere.....

So, when we got a pet rabbit seven years ago, we never thought we'd be moving that rabbit across the country nor counting his birthdays into the double digits (10.5 years old now if I'm not mistaken....).   Now, I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look out my kitchen window and see poor little ol' Rascal enjoying his outside pen while wild rabbits are running around frolicking in the yard.  I can't help but think, "Does he even know he's one of them?!".   

6-14, Home with Grandma

After we returned from camping in the mountains, we enjoyed a quiet week at home with Grandma.  Stories were read; scones, cinnamon rolls and two types of bread were baked; thunderstorms were observed; the farmers market enjoyed; walks were taken; and memories reminisced.  It was a wonderful week enjoyed with family.  When Monday morning came around and mom was heading out to the airport, a lot of long faces and tears were present.  Even if Denver were the best place in the world to live, it does not hold that connection to family for us.  It really is sad, as it always is whenever family visits, to realize the family you've created really is an island and not a village.  We miss you, Mom!!!

Grandma read Emalie a LOT of stories.  Emalie soaked up each moment of this special time with Grandma!

Even though it's summer vacation, Emalie was eager to share her speech homework with Grandma.

Look at that yeast rise! l Hurry, mom, hurry!  Good grief....that is NEVER a problem that I have at 6,000'!

And the few cinnamon rolls I've made here looked nothing like this.  HA!

Sven was so happy that Mom made his special request-- scones.

A meal shared with Germans wouldn't be the same without some German beer (ha.....but in a MT brewery glass.....).

None of us wanted Grandma to leave, Emalie was the saddest of all.

Alright....who's next?!