Cross Country

 Rebecca decided that she wanted to run cross country this year. She attended practices during the summer to get prepared and to meet people. Since we don't live in-district with Erie High School, which is the high school closest to our house, she was not able to run varsity (even though that's where her times put her). Even with this setback, she decided to run and do her best. She made friends, supported her team members, and had a positive attitude even when she was hurting. She ended up lettering in Cross Country. Great job, Rebecca!

First Family Hike

 Jack's brother David told us about a hike he went on to Bluebird Lake.  He said that along the trail, after only 0.3 miles you got to some nice waterfalls.

 We thought this would be an ideal hike for our family.  It would give the children something to see and be excited about even if we didn't make it very far.  We really weren't sure how far we would be able to go with the little ones.

So we drove about an hour from home to go on our first family hike.  The kids were all very excited about it. 

 When we finally got to the entrance to the national park, there were forest rangers there who told us the parking lot was full, but there would be parking spots along the road and then we could hike up to the trailhead.

 So instead of hiking 0.3 miles to get to the falls, we hiked 1.2 miles to the falls.  But it was the perfect length of a hike for our children.  Ruth was carried most of the time.  Rebecca, Miriam and Joseph wanted to go further, but Jack and I realized that we still had a mile hike to get to the van, so we went back.  Miriam and Joseph were tired by the time we got back.

We had a nice picnic by the van after our hike, and the kids tried to learn to skip rocks.  We still need some more practice!  (Maybe next time!)

Ruth is Cute!

 Ruth is so cute.

 I know, I might be biased.

 But I'm not sure.

Wouldn't everyone think so?

Bridal Veil Falls

 For Jack's birthday, we took a short overnight trip to Estes Park to have some time away.  Saturday morning we went on a hike to Bridal Veil Falls.  (I believe Jack made some comment about an 8 cow wife when he took this picture.)

 We really enjoyed the hike, the beautiful area and the time to just visit with each other.

 We are excited to start pursuing hiking as a family and as a couple.   It seems like a great way to exercise, enjoy each other's company and see the beautiful world we live in!

Ready to Go!

 Ruth is not one to be left behind.  She wants to do everything that anyone else is doing.  And normally she finds a way to be successful.

 But now the big kids are back in school.  She isn't too happy about being left behind every day.  She found Joseph's back pack left out, and got ready to go.  She is a big girl!

First Day of School

 (Rebecca was the only one who didn't get her school supplies dropped off early.  Look how heavy that backpack is!)

 Here are the cute kids on the first day of school, 2012.  They are all looking pretty grown up!

 Rebecca is starting 5th grade.  She is sure looking grown up.  Where has the time gone?

 Miriam is starting 3rd grade.  She is such a sweetie and so pretty!  She will do great in school.

 Where has my baby boy gone?  Joseph is starting kindergarten.  He is ready for lots of fun!

Little Ruth and I are going to have lots of quality time together before she starts school...

Lemonade Stand

 We had a neighborhood garage sale a couple weekends ago.  The kids saw the advertisements for it and wanted to have a garage sale, too.  Now my opinion of garage sales is that it is great for other people to have, but I don't want to sit outside all day long in the heat waiting for someone to come and look at my stuff.  Especially when my husband is out of town so I would have to do all the work.  So the kids settled for setting up a lemonade stand for all the garage sale goers.  They had a fun time and made a little money.  Good job!