best brothers

While on vacation, the boys were stoked to sleep in the same bed.  I thought maybe they were just snuggling when we put them down. . . 

but when I came back I found them like this.  :)  

florida

Jed was headed to Florida at the end of February for a conference, so the boys and tagged along and stayed with Jed's Aunt Eileen and family.  We had a blast!

Jungle Adventures Alligator park And me holding a baby alligator!  Pretty cool feeling. Here I am with a snake. . . And I conquered my biggest fear--a tarantula!   Imax theater at Kennedy Space Station Hiking in the gorgeous jungle/forests of Florida Kennedy Space Center Boys posing with Eileen, Stan, Molly and Doogie (the family dogs) Link with Aunt Eileen--his first time at the beach More hiking adventures Can you find the turtle in the picture? That bear backpack is practically attached to Lincoln. . . he never wants to part with it! Can you find the squirrel in the picture? Thanks Stan and Eileen for a wonderful time!

3 awesome visits in 30 days

We were SO lucky to have 3 visits from loved ones within 30 days.  In early January our pal Natalie Taysom from AZ visited us for a week, a few days later my sister Lisa and her girls Suzy and Anika came for an extended weekend, and then in early February Jed's parents came to play.  We had the best time with all of them!  There's so much to do here in Denver. (hint hint: come and see us!)

We did lots of hiking.  One of our favorites: Green Mountain. Ed and I took the boys up to Lookout Mountain for some hiking and to visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Buffalo Bill's grave. With took two trips to the Butterfly Pavilion with Jed's parents and Lisa.  The kids (and Ed) loved it! Lincoln checking out a nearby butterfly. Right when I was taking a photo, a butterfly landed on my lens! We love the Denver Children's Museum.  It's the best I've ever visited. Hiking near Red Rocks ampitheater with Lisa and girls. Being from AZ, Natalie is not used to snow.  We had a nice snowstorm and I think she enjoyed it more than the boys! Lincoln was bundled up like Ralphie, and he was not too happy. The Denver Zoo with Nat.

Ahh.... the simple joys of making a snow angel, especially for an adult who's never played in snow!

little goose

is ups hiring?

So when we were visiting the Lookout Mountain Nature center, while enjoying lunch outside with friends, a UPS truck pulled up to the curb.  Before I knew it, I looked over at my toddler climbing inside the cab, so proud of himself!  

more of my little lover boy

I couldn't resist posting this of my little affectionate guy.

little lover boy

Our little Link is such a sweet boy!  He's 21 months now and though not talking much, he sure understands a lot.  He's good at following instructions and cleaning up his toys.  He knows his place in the family.  He will kneel, press his little hands together, and squint his eyes during prayers.  He is quite independent but also fiercely attached to Dad, Isaac, and me.  He adores animals and will squeal in delight whenever he spots one--be it the real-life doggy Finnegan across the street or a tiny image of one in a book.  He is lastly a little lover boy--and exceedingly attached to stuffed animals.  Hm.  That reminds me just a tad of someone I know.

(Noteworthy here is that these are some of the very few photos of me from my childhood.  And in almost every one I am grasping a beloved stuff animal. :)