Josh's 40th Birthday Celebration in Colorado

On August 17 we arrived in Denver bright & early. After stopping at the grocery for snacks & a restaurant for breakfast, we headed straight up the tallest mountain road until reaching the summit.

We saw snow, marmots, mountain goats & lots of scenery. I'm pretty sure I couldn't breath though & it was freezing. Get me down!

The most beautiful site was Summit Lake. Snow & wild flowers in the same place. Very cool.

For lunch we explored the little town of Golden. Such a country western feel everywhere we went in CO.

After naps at the hotel & dinner nearby, we headed to Red Rocks! We tried to hike around but I got out of breath after only a few vertical steps.

The magnificent scene.

Special evening with this awesome guy, a sunset, stars & beautiful music by the Piano Guys that gave me goosebumps.

The next day was Josh's birthday!!! Free breakfast at the hotel then off to Boulder, CO. The Flatirons are in the background. We attempted to hike up to them via the Chautauqua trail, supposedly easy, but I failed miserably! And cried.

Leaving town, so crazy it's legal. The one place we saw selling it though.

In Estes Park we shopped & ate lunch at a pizza joint with an outdoor patio.

Afterwards we got our 1st look at Rocky Mountain National Park.

On the opposite end of the park, we successfully made a short .6 mile hike round trip. Very sad, I know.

I was motivated since there was a waterfall, Adams Falls.

Elk siting on the road.

View from the top near the Alpine Visitors Center.

The next day we met my Dad & Sandy. They live in nearby Denver and have a condo in Estes Park. The retired life! They treated us to an amazing lunch at a unique Mexican restaurant.

Checking out the shops along the river walk. I found my favorite store ever & bought this mama bear shirt. Love it!

After lunch Josh and I rode the tram up the mountain for some amazing views.

Estes from above.

Classic majestic Josh pose.

After a rest at our hotel, we headed to my Dad & Sandy's condo for a cookout.

Yummy! Thanks for hosting us guys.

Our last day in Colorado I was determined to hike no matter what! So we headed to the most popular hike in the park, taking it VERY slow.

My favorite part of the hike was this amazing lake called Dream Lake.

And this is what Colorado calls an easy trail!

We made it to our destination, Emerald Lake. After posing for this picture a chipmunk crawled on my lap & I screamed really loud.

Another view of Dream Lake. The hike was 3.5 miles round trip.

The water was this clear!

I had so much energy left afterwards, we decided to make another hike to Alberta Falls. Only a mile each way. Then we took a quick look at Bear Lake and headed back to Denver.

We stopped by my Dad & Sandy's place to see where they live. They took us out to their favorite pizza & ice cream place. Our favorite foods!

Then for dinner we stopped by my kinda cousins place in downtown Denver. These guys were cousins growing up, went to Josh and my wedding, and I even babysit the 2 next to me. They cooked us an amazing meal and we got to catch up.

We left Scott's place around 10 to make our midnight flight home. Yes, we flew overnight which means I didn't sleep until the next day when we got home! Worth it.

Jackson's 11th Birthday

Upon Jackson's request, we went camping for his birthday at Lazy J's campground in Brevard, NC.

Part of his request was that his very close friend Zachary & no siblings come with us.

Our site was perfect and included this beautiful river, the French Broad, right behind it.

We went out to eat for dinner. Afterwards, Josh got a campfire going as rain fell.

Sweet boys dry inside playing games. They both love chess, Pokemon, Star Wars trivia, and funny youtube videos.

The next morning they dug in the sand & skipped rocks until we MADE them leave.

First stop, Waffle House!

Then we hiked the John's Rock loop starting from the Fish Hatchery.

Very beautiful hike up the mountain. The total hike was 5 miles round trip.

The view of Looking Glass Rock from the top.

Lots of clouds, rain coming!

On our way back down, just as we were starting to get bored, it started raining. We got soaked but it made the hike so FUN!

Rewarded with popcorn on our way home. This child LOVES popcorn.

My awesome entourage. Boys in blue unplanned.

Exploring the new & improved Idlewild Park across the street from our neighborhood.

My girl Amanda. LOVE my friend & her super sweet child Zachary!

Musueums with Kristie

Out of boredom, we decided to get a ASTC Passport membership again. Making it even more fun for me & the kids was going with the Molskness family.

Our 1st museum was the Greensboro Science Center. The cost of tickets for one visit, more than paid for our pass!

This place is the best, a science museum, zoo & aquarium in one.

The body exhibit had real slices of human body. My favorite part!

Everyone watching a penny. Easily amused.

Amazing picture of Jarin & Benny checking out a lion fish.

Petting a bearded dragon. We also packed a lunch. Successful outing that entertained & tired out all the kids.

The next week we headed to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC.

This place also had an aquarium section with a really friendly stingray.

I had to include this picture of Kristie laughing as the ray waved & splashed her.

There were endless hands on exhibits for the kids.

I'm thankful even Addy was able to participate & enjoy.

We had this entire building room to ourselves! The future engineers.

Rocket darts was a big hit with the boys.

Touching some gross "snot" in the grossology lab.

Planetarium show.

Thankful for ALL these people. They make life better.