The Canyon!

I feel so lucky to live so close to the beautiful mountains. In between the morning and afternoon sessions of conference, we decided to head to the hills for a short hike! It was perfect! This place is called, Hidden Falls....for a good reason. You would definitely not know it was there unless you looked it up like I did! It is not a direct path and is off on the side of another trail. Needless to say, we found it with no problem and enjoyed spending time together throwing rocks into the river, climbing on rocks, getting splashed by the waterfall, sitting on logs, throwing leaves ...... ALL in the great out-of-doors! A hike is always better when there is a waterfall at the end! I LOVE WATERFALLS!

Cinder - "FELLA"

This boy is sure a big helper lately. He really is into cleaning and doing "chores!" I like to think that we are already teaching him responsibility, but really it is just adorable that he helps out around the house as he "pretends" to clean. Here are some actions shots of him doing the dirty work!

Garrett LOVES to fill up Maggie's dish and make several requests during the day to do it again even if it is still full!

One of Mommy's least favorite activities....dusting! Thanks Garrett!

Now if only he could clean the inside of the tank where it needs it the most!

OH....you missed a spot!

Garrett is so attentive to detail! Look at that concentration!
There was no complaining from him to do his chores! He was ALL SMILES! :)
I'll enjoy this while it lasts!

"I want to be a garbage man when I grow up!"

"I did it all by myself!" Look at those tippytoes! :)

And last, but certainly not least.............

The table set by a toddler
Way to go buddy! We love you!
(p.s. I wanted to upload the video of this event, but don't have the patience to wait for it! Remember.....I am playing "catch-up!")

Diabetes Walk 2009

We had a great time this year at the annual diabetes walk! I was happy to have great friends and family there to support me, but was sad that more couldn't make it. It is such a great feeling to be walking among those who also have the same struggles that I do with diabetes. I truly am not alone although sometimes I feel that way! Thank you to all who came or donated money to the "Dancing Diabetics". It meant more than you know that you care enough to support me! If you didn't make it this year, we will be doing it again next year...put it on your calendar for the last Saturday of September!

Colin made this cute poster for our team!

The fam!


These girls are amazing! Thanks for your support!This same shot was on the Channel 4 news! I wasn't in it because I was taking this picture at the same time!


Here we are enjoying our free lunch at the zoo!

Last camping trip 2009

On the Friday after Labor Day I was home sitting around wondering what we were going to do that weekend. We didn't have any plans and I didn't feel like staying home and cleaning! So, I surprised Colin when he got home with the car packed and all ready to go camping! WE had a great time minus the short trip down the canyon at 9:00 pm because I forgot to bring the air mattress to sleep on! WE debated about it, but decided at the last minute that we didn't want to be cold AND have our back hurt! I think it was worth it because I slept great that night! It was a short trip, but we love camping and spending time outdoors! Garrett's favorite part was throwing rocks in the stream and feeding cookies to the squirrel!

Mommy's little monster!

Mommy's favorite part: cuddling in the tent!

Sleeping on the hike!


Throwing rocks in the stream!


Our little Cookie Monster!

Feeding Little Fur
WE LOVE CAMPING and are sad that we that we have to wait until we can do it again next year!

Catch up!

The title of this post is "catch up" for more than one reason! YES, it has been awhile since my last post! I hope to take advantage of some of my quiet time while Garrett is napping today to get things updated! Also, Garrett sure loves his "red bip" or ketchup on EVERYTHING that he eats! Take anything that is plain and boring, add a little "red bip" and viola he will eat it every time! Okay, most days.

Singing a song about his favorite meal, HOT DOGS and Ketchup!

Anyway, I think the first thing we need to catch up on is Labor Day....yes I am waaaay behind! We went to Jumping Jacks which is a place with blow-up toys! We had a lot of fun! Garrett and Colin played while I took the photos! I thought the boys would have more fun and I could save my money and not get a headache from bouncing up and down!

This is fun, MOM!

I pinned you again, Daddy!

The big dragon mouth


Riding the horsey!