We have chickens!

Soon we will also have eggs!



We got four Buff Orpington hens. We are looking forward to fresh eggs. They are young but should start laying in a month or so. John is going to build a coop. Aaron likes them quite a bit. Adah would like to eat them.

Aaron's first camping trip

We finally took Aaron camping! We have done a lot this summer, but hadn't been out camping yet. With Aaron walking well, it seemed like the perfect time to go. We just went for one night. Poudre canyon is fairly close so that is where we went. Our little campsite was perfect! Near the river for fishing and quite secluded. Unfortunately, I was so busy making sure I got everything Aaron needed I forgot my camera! At least I had my cell phone!

As we expected, Aaron had a blast! He spent his time throwing rocks, exploring the campsite and watching the river. We got him to bed around eight which gave John and I some alone time. It was so much fun to sit around the fire, roast marshmallows and chat. We will be looking forward to more outings next summer!

Here is a video of Aaron throwing rocks:

We are glad he enjoys camping!

First Birthday pictures (finally)!

Monkey cupcakes!

Party time!

Opening gifts.

A special cupcake for the Birthday boy! Milk, egg, tree nut, peanut and sesame free!

He was not so sure what to think! He did eventually nibble at it a bit.

Home Improvements!

Three years ago John and I bought our first home. It was a foreclosure in need of some TLC. Slowly but surely we have worked, improved, cleaned and updated. Although it has been a lot of work it is amazing to see the changes and what a difference they make. It has been really cool to work together on this house and turn it into a home.

Here is my first before and after picture. I will try to continue posting before and after pictures from time to time. Enjoy!

Before:

After:

We replaced the front door and added a security screen door. We also did some landscaping. The lawn needs mowing, but you get the idea!

Aaron is ONE!

Aaron's first year has flown by! Everyone says it does, but until it is your child it's hard to imagine how quickly it goes. It has been quite the year! We've had a couple of ER visits, lots of long nights and tons of fun traveling. We've had plenty of tears, questions and doubts. We've said more prayers, laughed harder, and experienced more joy than we could have imagined!

It's been another busy month for us. We had an out of town wedding in Colorado Springs. Then at the end of July Aaron and I went to Crested Butte to spend some time with my side of the family. Unfortunately, John couldn't take off work so he wasn't able to join us. Crested Butte is my favorite Colorado mountain town. Aaron and I had a wonderful time! Aaron was doted over by his grandparents and great-grandparents. I got to go mountain biking with my dad, we hiked, went out to eat and played games. We missed daddy but we had a lot of fun!

Milestones/accomplishments lately: Aaron can walk! He practiced a lot in Crested Butte and is now walking well. He can bend down and pick things up and enjoys carrying his toys. Aaron climb on the couch and get down by himself. He hugs, kisses and rocks his mouse and monkey. Aaron has a lot to say! He can now say, Mama, Daddy, Adah, vacuum, water, dog, tiger, banana and cracker. He can also make the sounds for a monkey, dog, mouse, cat, tiger and vacuum.

Favorite things: Walking, trying to run, emptying drawers, pointing at EVERYTHING and learning new words. Aaron loves to eat and especially likes bananas. Chasing Adah and getting doggy kisses. He also enjoys being outside and playing in the water. We have so much fun watching him grow and learn!

Aaron Eleven Months

It sure is hard to believe we will have a toddler in one month! Aaron is growing up so fast. He is such a wonderful blessing and addition to our family. He is growing and changing so fast. More often we see a little boy instead of a baby when we look at Aaron. There is never a dull moment around here, he keeps us on our toes! We have a very active little guy!

It has been a BIG month. We took our first family vacation with Aaron at the end of June. The three of us along with my parents flew to Navarre, Florida for a week. Aaron did wonderfully on the plane. We were quite pleased! Despite rainy weather, rip currents and oily beaches we still had a great week. We made the best of the less that ideal conditions and had lots of fun. We have some great memories from the week!

Milestones/accomplishments lately: Clapping hands, shaking his head no, saying "Mama", "Daddy" and "Adah" (the dog) and trying to say other words. Aaron likes to stand briefly and takes a couple of steps on his own.

Favorite things: Exploring, climbing stairs, his mouse, reading/playing with books, being outside, bath time/ playing in the water, the vacuum, graham crackers, his dog, balls, cell phones and playing the piano/drums.

Swimming in the sea

Here are a few videos of Aaron playing in the water. We stayed in Navarre, Fl right on the Gulf. Aaron loved the ocean and the beach! However, tropical storm Alex caused huge waves and rip currents as well as oil washing ashore. So we took Aaron to Santa Rosa Bay to play in the water. He sure had a good time!