So Here's What You Missed

It has been hard to blog with Jared being so busy with animation. He wasn't home so I hijacked the computer. Here is what you have missed............

Smore's Night

Zoomily (Family Night at the zoo) They had fun stuff set up for the kids to do and free food and dessert. We had such a fun night!

Cayden and Jacob's first Rapids' game. It was such a fun night. Cayden didn't like the cannon that was shot every time the Rapids scored.

Cayden's first day of Preschool. HE IS LOVING IT!!!

Twister FHE. The boys eventually tuned it into a dance floor. My boys can break dance!

Taste of Colorado. Great food and fun stuff for the kids.

Spencer's Donut birthday party before he moved to Montana.

Labor Day in Breckenridge CO. Cayden loved everything. They have an Alpine slide, alpine coaster, mini golf, rock climbing, trampolines (cayden did back flips), pony rides, panning for gold, and a maze. It was an AWESOME day!

the gondola ride back to the parking lot. Cayden loved the "boxes" it was his favorite.

Mini Golf for my birthday!

Our Woody and Buzz

Cayden can write his name!

So that's it. I think you are all caught up. The only other news in our lives is that we are house hunting. We are so EXCITED!!!! Hope everyone has a FABULOUS Conference Weekend!

~Love To All~

Birthday Gift Weekend

So I wanted to do something special for Jared's 30th birthday this year. I know how much he LOVES hiking and camping and really wanted to do a camping weekend in the mountains. But if you know me you know that I don't do "real" camping. So Jared had to settle for "Katie Camping". I found a cabin in Estes Park for a reasonable price and booked it. We had our own bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, A/C, and cable tv. I couldn't wait to give Jared his gift because I knew he would be excited. I had to wait over a month to tell him about it. And then we had to wait until the end of July to go. (The end of July worked out better with our timing)

SO Friday Jared picked me up from work and we were on our way. We stopped at the grocery store to get food for the weekend and then went to Benihana for dinner. So we actually didn't get up there until 11:00pm. Poor Jared was so tired too from all of his animation.

LOTS OF PICTURES AHEAD!

Saturday we woke up and went hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Round trip our hike was just over 6 miles. We started our hike at the Sprague Lake Trail Head.

I Loved this Stream that we stumbled upon.

I also really like the giant random rocks.

We came across this BEAUTIFUL waterfall about 3/4 of the way up the mountain. There weren't any other hikers on our trail so we felt special that we got to see it.

Then we finally reached our destination: Alberta Falls. It was gorgeous!
On the way back down we stopped at this Lake we found on the hike up. Jared loved all the lily pads (I think it made him think about Cayden's love of frogs) I loved the Mountain view!

Once we got back down we rested at Sprague Lake before heading back to our cabin.

After some dinner we ventured out for some mini golf. It was a really fun course. There was even some wile life! We saw a yellow bellied marmot hiding under a fake rock.
Jared was mad because I had just gotten a hole in one. ;)

On Sunday we woke up, had breakfast, checked out of our cabin, and headed back in to RMNP.
This time we took the northern road and went to the Alluvial Fan. Its a pretty sweet place!

Can you see Jared on the big round rock at the top?
After our hike around the Alluvial fan we headed back into town to window shop for a bit and have lunch before we headed home. We both fell in love with Estes Park.
The address of this lounge is 110 1/2. It reminded me of Platform 9 3/4. ;)

It was a FABULOUS weekend. We had such a great time and enjoyed being together. I don't think Jared minded that it wasn't "real" camping. I think I'm converting him. ;) In fact we had such a wonderful time that I think it is going to become a yearly tradition. We can't wait to go back.

(HUGE HUGE HUGE Thanks to my Mom, Dad and siblings for keeping the boys for us. It was a nice child free weekend. We couldn't survive without all of you!)

~Love To All~

30 Reasons...

Why I LOVE this Man...

1. He knows how to make me smile

2. He thanks me after every meal I make for him.

3. He plays with our kids.

4. He drives all the time so I don't have to.

5. He supports me in everything I do.

6. He reads to the boys.

7. He spoils us.

8. He dips me to kiss me.

9. He goes on walks with us.

10. He helps with chores around the house.

11. He makes funny faces.

12. He is smart.

13. He remembers ridiculous things.

14. He honors his priesthood.

15. He thinks I'm a good teacher.

16. He shares his dreams with me and won't give up on them.

17. He makes good cookies.

18. He makes the bed.

19. He is trustworthy.

20. He is honest.

21. He likes to spend time with family.

22. He kisses the boys and me every time he leaves the house.

23. He adores his mom.

24. He shares his memories of his Dad.

25. He has a strong testimony.

26. He is a great artist.

27. He keeps his word.

28. He lets me hold the remote.

29. He cuddles with me.

30. He is without a doubt the most amazing man I have ever met.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART! I hope your Birthday is a wonderful day and that your 30th year is one full of great adventures and love.

4th of July Weekend

We were able to go to Utah for the 4th of July. We almost couldn't go because of Jared's work but everything worked out and we could go. WE HAD A BLAST!!! We left Saturday morning and hit up the Cherry Creek Arts Festival before we headed out of town. It has become our tradition to go to the festival. Maybe one of these years we will actually be able to afford to buy something we like. ;)

The boys were troopers! I love that they are such good travelers. We stopped in Rawlins at McDonald's to let them stretch their legs and so we could get a bite to eat. It was the WORST McDonald's experience ever. I never knew that the United Nations worked at the McDonald's in Rawlins. Mustafa didn't know what a juice box was and the Chinese girls thought Jared wanted a fork when he asked for caramel dipping sauce for the apples. They had a now hiring sign out front and had 12 workers standing in the back doing NOTHING! I know the boys need to get out to play but I don't know if we can stop there again.

We got to Jared's mom's house around 10:45 and the boys were wide awake! We got Cayden to settle down but Jake was terrified of the crib and slept with us that night. We got up Sunday morning and had some play time before church. Jared's mom taught Sunday School that day and did a phenomenal job. The spirit was so strong and it was such a special lesson. After Church we went out to Sean and Jess' house where Sean had AWESOME homemade pizza for us. He really makes excellent pizza. It was so fun to hang out and not have an agenda. Cayden was SO excited to see all of his cousins. All but 2 of his cousins were in Utah for the 4th of July.

On Monday we headed to an AWESOME pool. Cayden LOVED it. WE spent most of the day there. It was fun but the weather wasn't all that great. Just as we were leaving the sun decided to come out. After the pool we went back to Jess' house where Sean made another amazing meal. Everything tasted awesome. It was a great 4th of July BBQ. When it began to get dark we headed out to watch fireworks.

Cayden and Emmy matched. Cayden is quite fond of Emmy and calls her his "big" cousin

The kids had glow necklaces, bracelets, and bubbles to keep the occupied until the show started.
All but 2 cousins on the Linton side
They look scared but they really did enjoy the show.

It was a GREAT 4th of July filled with fun and good company. We had to say goodbye to Jen, Steve, and their kids after the fireworks because they were heading out the next morning for Idaho. It sure was great to see, play, and visit with them. Its hard living so far away. But we were grateful for the time we got to spend with them.

The next day Jess and her kids came out to spend our last day together. We didn't get a chance to make S'mores on the 4th so Jess brought out the fixin's and Tay and Grandma started the fire. The S'mores were SO GOOD! I had 3 of them and felt a little guilty afterward. But it was so worth it!

Cayden and Grandma

Cayden roasting his marshmallow
Me and my boys

Jared had to go to the eye doctor because he needed new contacts but he made it back in time to enjoy a giant S'more.

Cayden and Jayson bonded and were quite the little duo

They had to leave at 5:00 to get Tay to her Soccer game in time. We were sad to say goodbye but were glad we got to spend more time with them. (Thanks for making the trek out. We love you!) After they left we made a trip to Home Depot and visited for a bit and then Jared decided we needed to play croquet. Jared won but we all had a god time. Cayden really got the hang of it.

Jake just ran around and played while we all played.

It was a GREAT weekend and we were sad we had to leave. But we have great memories and Cayden knows his cousins a little better now. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful weekend.

~Love To All~

Conversations With Cayden

I ADORE this little man of mine. We have some fun Conversations. On Tuesday he was wearing his soccer shirt and said..."Mom what size soccer shoe do I wear?" "You wear an 8 Cayden" "Oh, ok, thanks mom." A minute later," Umm Mommy" "Yes, Cayden" "I think I only need a 2 because I don't have 8 legs."

Yesterday as he woke up from his nap he said, "Mommy, Jakey and I have stinky feet." Trying not to laugh,"You do? How did you get stinky feet?" His reply, "From playing on the slide outside. But you don't have stinky feet. Only me and Jakey have stinky feet."

So as difficult as he can be sometimes I love to just sit and talk with him. He has a lot to say and I LOVE to hear it.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

~Love to All~

Memorial Day Weekend!

We had such a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Jared's brother, Brent, and his wife, Ashley, came to town for the weekend. They had a heck of a time getting here but we were so glad that everything worked out and that they FINALLY arrived (in one piece). I took Friday off work so we could just hang out with them, unfortunately Jared wasn't allowed the same luxury.

So Friday we went to the zoo. I was nervous when we got there and the parking lot was closed and we had to hike from Timbuktu to get into the zoo but once we got in it actually didn't see all that crowded. It was fun walking around the zoo and seeing all the animals. It was great to spend time with Brent and Ashley too. It was fun for me to watch my boys get to know them. I didn't take very many pictures at the zoo. I guess I was too busy enjoying the animals and just hanging out. ;)

Jakey really loved the fish.

On Saturday we were up BRIGHT and EARLY because my boys don't know the meaning of sleeping in. No matter how late they got to bed they are up by 6:00. Its really hard sometimes. But we deal. Anyway, I was tired of having no grass in the backyard so we headed to HD to buy sod. We also bought flowers and a strawberry plant.

The boys thought the cart was GREAT!

By the time we got home it was time for Jake to nap again so that he would be a happy camper when Brent and Ashley came to hang out. But Cayden was eager and willing to help his daddy with the grass. I just felt bad he didn't have his own gloves. They worked on the grass while I planted flowers and fruit. I'm so glad we finally have grass. Its AWESOME!!!

Once Brent, Ashley, and Julie made their way over we packed up stuff for a picnic and headed to the park. We have a really neat park that's fairly close by. The boys LOVED the sand box.

After playing there for a bit we headed back to the house for naps and then Brent and Ashley treated the crew to dinner. (Thanks again!)

On Sunday we went to my sister's ward because they were blessing their new baby, Caleb Joseph. He was born on May 10th and is such a cutie pie. My nephew Spencer (and Kimmy and Tyson) have been praying that this sweet little baby would finally join their family. It was a rough road and a hard pregnancy but we are glad he is here. Now there are 4 little boys to cause terror ;) Anyway, after church since Kimmy and Tyson live so close to the temple we decided to go and hang out there for a bit. It is such a peaceful place to be.

My brother Matt (fresh from his mission in Honduras) and Cayden
Jared and Jakey (Jake LOVES water)

Is it ok to jump off the fountain in front of the temple? Oh well, it makes for a GREAT picture.

Matt, Jared, Tim

On Monday everyone came over for a BBQ. What would Memorial Day be without a BBQ? It was a BEAUTIFUL day and perfect for being outside. It was a little windy but that was easily overlooked. Jared and Brent were in charge of grilling and they did a great job. The food was delicious and the company was awesome!

Jared did get a little excited about grilling

After we ate we headed out to the open field right across from our house (also where our pool is) so we could play for a bit and just enjoy the day. It was such a wonderful day. Nothing super exciting but a day spent with family is always wonderful.

So that's it. That was our weekend. Sadly Brent and Ashley returned home on Tuesday. I was glad to get to hang out with them until they left. It was so wonderful to have them here. I'm also glad that my boys actually know who they are now. ;)

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend as much as we did.

~Love To All~