First Day of School

Kellen - 4th Grade. He is 51 1/2 inches tall - he grew 1/2 inch over the summer!

His teacher is Miss Shirin and we can already tell that she's amazing. Knowing that we would all want first day pictures, but would be unable to get them due to no parent visiting allowed - she took pictures with all the students (on the second day) and sent them to us. So thoughtful!

Jenna - 8th Grade. She is 61 1/4 inches tall - she grew 1/8 inch over the summer.

We were smart and took pictures on the first day of school eve because we learned last year that nobody wants to take pictures at 6:45 am!

Kevin's 21st year of teaching.

And, a masked picture to document the times. Thursday, August 27th - I dropped everyone off at 7:00 am and everyone had a great day! It's going to be quite different. This will be the first time in 15 years that we won't have football games on either Fridays or Saturdays with the band!

Summer Wrap Up

In addition to our fun summer trips, there were a few other noteworthy summer fun things.

 Sunday, May 24th - Snow!

Kevin finished the deck just in time, before the snow. Here's a picture of it on a pretty, sunny day. May, 25th. I was happy to not have to work this day. Of my 8 shifts in May, I was happy to have 3 of them cancelled.

Tuesday, May 26th - Our first deck dinner and we tried the new Chick-fil-A Chicken Parmesan Meal Kit. It was delicious!

Sidewalk Chalk

Reading on the deck

Saturday, June 6th - A crazy wind storm called a derecho, uprooted our aspen tree. So sad!

Sunday, June 7th - The kids borrowed a tent from Papa and tried to sleep in the backyard. They made it until about 1 am when they came in because it was too windy and uncomfortable.

Tuesday, June 9th - We woke up to a cold day, the heat turned on, and even a few snow flurries! Jenna asked if she could use my computer to do some "research" on the humane society website. She found this albino hedgehog. Meet Cosmo, he lives with us now!

Wednesday, June 10th - Jenna made dinner for us again. Black bean burgers and s'mores pie for dessert - yum!

After dinner, a friend came over with his chainsaw to help us take down our aspen tree - so sad!

 It looks so different, now!

Lots of fun with Cosmo!

Kellen made super hero costumes for all of us!

 More fun with Cosmo!

 New cage for Cosmo

Wednesday, July 1st - Odin the hamster died. When we returned from our vacation on June 29th, we noticed a lump on his right side. Wednesday afternoon, we found him to be really lethargic. Jenna held him for four hours before he died (she had never been able to hold him before because he would bite). Sad, sad, day.

June 30th - July 2 - Kellen went to horse camp during the morning and early afternoon. He learned all about the care and keeping of horses.

July 3rd - We bought a new (to us) car to replace our 20 year old Mazda Protege. A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek - it will be much more safe in snowy weather.

Saturday, July 4th - I went to work. Kevin and kids went to Papa and Mima's house. When I got home, we drove to Flying Horse neighborhood to watch the fireworks set to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic music.

Sunday, July 5th - Beautiful double rainbow!

Tuesday, July 7th - Jenna and Kellen spent the day making a fun "sibling rivalry" video.

Friday, July 10th - Our 21st anniversary! We ate outside at a new brunch place called Buttermilk - it was ok.

Then, we climbed Mt Herman and spent a few more hours hiking in that area. Dinner was amazing at Crystal Park Cantina in Manitou.

Saturday, July 11th - We ventured out to Skate City with Papa and one cousin.

And, Kevin taught the kids how to leg wrestle

Sunday, July 12th - Kellen got a ukulele for Christmas when he was six years old and never really learned to play. Now, three and a half years later, he picked it up and learned several songs in a matter of hours. AND, Jenna got inspired, went out and bought one and learned several songs as well. All in one afternoon!

Monday, July 13th - In anticipation of going to camp with these girls, Jenna wanted to use her tie dye birthday present (from a few years ago), and tie dye shirts for camp. (We have a theme of finally using gifts from years ago this week!) It was fun and the shirts turned out great!

Saturday, July 25th - We took two kayaks, two paddle boards, and all the cousins to Palmer Lake.

It was the perfect morning, calm lake, cool temps. I was able to successfully stand up on the paddle board. And, Kellen even did a cartwheel on the paddle board!

Saturday evening, we sold our 20 year old Mazda Protege to Garrison. I think it will be a good car for him.

Sunday, July 26th - Kellen got a hamster - meet Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel!

Monday, July 27th - We went to the zoo. The penguins were out just walking around. We just stood still and let them go where they wanted. It was amazing! One even stepped on Kellen's foot!

We had hoped to see the new baby moose, but he was inside his barn and we could just barely see him. We still had fun, and we'll just have to go again!

Wednesday, July 29th - Jenna bought three hermit crabs. Meet Mama Odie, Sebastian, and Tamatoa. Now we have a hedgehog, a hamster, and three hermit crabs. Apparently, we like pets that start with "h."

Sunday, August 2nd - Jenna made another of her Raddish Kids meals. My first time to try sushi rolls. I didn't like them much, but the chicken kabobs and noodles were good.

Monday, August 3rd - Red pants! Kellen was looking over my shoulder when I was ordering a couple pair of uniform pants and saw this red pair. So, I ordered them for him and he loves them!

Wednesday, August 5th - Jenna made an obstacle course for her hermit crabs.

I was really impressed that they did it! Through, under, over, down and finished!

We had plenty of Lego, fort building, and playing times. Kellen made a "Super Kellen" cape for one of his Lego guys.

Monday, August 10th - Papa and the four of us took two kayaks to Palmer Lake. Kellen was able to fit in with me and took great delight in trying to tip us over!

Wednesday, August 12th - One last trip to the zoo before school started. Kevin was already back to work.

The hippo statues are quite the attraction.

The goal of this trip was to see the new baby moose, since we didn't really get to see him last time. Success! We were able to watch him for quite a while. He's so cute!

Baby peacock!

Feeding the giraffes - always fun!

Thursday, August 13th - Weekly Thursday night dinner with Papa and Mima and a fun new game!

Friday, August 14th - Weekly library visit. And, the time when all the holds came in at once!

Wednesday, August 19th - Our first and only trip to the North Pole this summer. They weren't able to open on time and even now only able to have four rides open due to the pandemic. We were happy to be able to go and had a fun time nonetheless.

Thursday, August 20th - We celebrated Mima's 70th birthday (August 19th)!

Saturday, August 22nd - We continued to celebrate Mima's 70th birthday. She wanted everyone to join her on a 10 mile walk to commemorate the date.

Kellen and I joined for the last couple miles. And then we enjoyed lunch all together.

Wednesday, August 26th - Last day of summer! We dropped Kevin off at work and then enjoyed Horseshoe Donuts for a special breakfast treat.

Next on the fun agenda - mini golf!

We had a fun time and then enjoyed a smoothie splurge at a new smoothie place the kids have been wanting to try. Then, a quiet afternoon with some reading and a movie. We had a great summer!