We drove to Cave Falls yesterday in between conference sessions. There was a big collapse this spring so the entrance to the cave was blocked off. But the boys had fun anyway with some little croakers they found!
Liston celebrated a birthday this last week. He had been waiting all year for his chance for presents and cake! And can you guess what he wanted to do for the day? Watch his superhero movie again and again!!! We did make time for a few more activites. Here he is opening some gifts:
We didn't do a pinate this year. We had a candy hunt around the house instead! 
Time for cake!
I can't believe my little man is getting so big! I love you Bubba and am so grateful to have you in our family! I love your excitement for life, your melt-my-heart smile, and your willingness to always be a friend.
We took a short trip to Pueblo over the weekend. Liston is off from school all week for spud break and figured it would be the best chance we get. We left Friday after school and drove to Glendo State park and camped out to split the long drive up. We saw more antelope between Shoshoni and Casper than you would think even possible.Going to fast to take pictures though. We stopped at the Denver Zoo on Saturday. It was pretty packed and hot near 90. Kids made it for about 2+ hours before they had had enough and got cranky.
Coleman loves Polar bears so he was excited to see them and stand next to a nine foot tall one to see how he measures up :)
No stroller or backpack so Coleman had it made.
Liston's favorite animal is the Komodo Dragon and this one was by the glass posing for everyone.
Liston got to celecrate his birthday twice. Once at dad's and again at mom's. 2 rounds of birthday cake and presents for him.
Deacon enjoyed the 2 rounds of birthday cake as well.
Liston getting help opening presents.
Liston wanted to try the guitar on rock band. I handed it to him and he somehow knew exactly how to put the strap over his shoulder and hold it like a pro.
We got to see a herd on sheep down the Hoback on the way home
Deacon ready to get out.
When we left Pueblo on tuesday the forecast was for 89. On wednesday we got snow. I thought we might make it all of September without our usually snow storm but it came the last day of the month. Snowed all day.
They boys had fun playing with their cousins and getting spoiled by the grandparents and aunts/uncles. Thanks to everyone for letting us come down and stay and making the trip fun.
Sorry for the slacking in posting lately. We've just been living life and the few adventures we have had haven't been captured on film! We're headed to CO this weekend so hopefully we'll have some fun times to share when we get back. So don't give up on us--we'll post again soon, I promise :)
We hiked up to Goodwin Lake above the elk refuge on Monday. Mare carried Coleman in the backpack all the way up and back 6 miles. Liston and Deacon were both able to walk the whole way although Liston asked to be in the backpack every five minutes. We only stayed long enough to eat a bag of popcorn Mare made since there was a breeze blowing and the kids were cold. It was nice to hike up there again we hadn't been since we were first married. The views and hike are great.
I got to go on a weeklong kayak trip down to the southeast arm of Yellowstone lake a couple weeks ago. My dad and his wife came too. We've been trying to do it for 3 years. A guy I work with had 2 sea kayaks he let my dad and Peg use so we finally got the trip done. It was probably the best trip I've had and would do it again in a heart beat if anyone out there wants to go. I thought it was way easier than backpacking.
Dad thought I was putting on weight so these 2 photos are for him :)
View of the Promontory. I would definitely like to get a campsite on it next time.
2 otters cruising the shoreline
some backcountry
Behind me is the view into the south arm, a trip for next time I guess.
Dad and Peg relaxing
We paddled up the inlet to the yellowstone river a couple miles. Dad said he saw a bear walk out onto this sand bar then leave before the rest of us could make it around the bend to see it.
There were some fresh tracks in the sand heading to where dad thought he saw the bear.
After kayaking in white caps with the wind blowing against us what seemed like all day this was the second nights campsite.
Had to take a break from the ruff water we had on our second day.
Fishing wasn't very good at all. Only saw a couple fish along the shoreline. Waste of money for a fishing license.
last campsite and probably the best one on the lake. Had great views, the grass along the meadow gave me some allergies making it a restfull night sleep for everyone in the tent.
last night for photos
Last night of the trip
Well, I dropped Liston off at his 1st day of kindergarten this morning. I think I was more nervous than he was!
Liston picked out his clothes--he really likes orange right now! I was just happy he kinda matched :)
Walking to school
Coleman in his favorite spot
Lining up to go in and start the fun!
ps Todd's got some pics to post from his Kayak trip in Yellowstone. Hopefully I'll get him to post them this weekend.
