From snow to sun and everything in between,

Daddy and Colter had a fun boys weekend up at the Riebel's cabin for Rocky's 6th birthday party. They played on snowmobiles and all sorts of fun snow toys. Colter drove their Argo all for a few miles by himself, a huge moment for him and Daddy!

Trevor and I were able to go on a Westwater trip in late April. It was one of the few nice, sunny, not windy days of the entire spring season. The water was big and we had a great time with old and new friends. That boat is not us--it is the boat in front of us getting buried in a huge wave. We spent a good bit of time at Modee and Pappy's playing outside, their snow melted a little quicker than ours. Colter has had a great time building forts, log cabins and hideouts this spring, with help from Daddy for this one.

Dylan is riding a two wheeler with no training wheels and he is still 2! He has fantastic balance and determination. He picked it up in about 5 minutes with help from big brother Colter. As you can see from his clothing, we all had seasonal confusion for a while, couldn't decide if it was going to snow, rain, blow or be nice. Welcome to spring in Colorado. This is Colter's boulder fort in our neighborhood. He and his friends are constantly adding new features, bridges, doors etc. So fun to watch his creative and inventive personality blossom.

Another fun trip to Moab, this time for catapillar season. We spent quality time at our favorite Rotary Park.

The boys riding bikes down the bike trail in Moab was so fun to watch! Colter was so patient with Dylan and it paid off, Dylan rode all over town that weekend after only learning to ride two days before. We also spent a day playing around Mill Creek. The boys can and will make weapons out of anything!

More Mill Creek fun. We all love playing and climbing on the slick rock. Colter enjoyed learning about the petroglyphs (sp?) I love watching my kids grow and learn, it is so amazing what is already in their brains just waiting to be exposed and expanded upon.

Next up was Mac-Mac's 80th birthday party! We had a great weekend on the Front Range, exploring and playing. The boys loved Mac's "worm" cake, snake hunting and tractor racing around the neighborhood. We ate way too much good food and enjoyed some nice weather---finally!

We have celebrated alot of birthdays this month. This weekend it was Modee's turn and then Jasmine's Mine Tour birthday party. We all gathered at Modee and Pappy's on Friday for more yummy food and play time. It is a very busy party when all five grandsons are on the loose. Pics are on Mom's camera, forgot mine. Then today we went to Silverton and rode a mining train into the Old Hundred Mine on a tour. It was a great, highly recommend to anyone in the area. Kids of all ages loved it and we got to pan for gold and silver. It was a fun Memorial Day weekend.

Arizona Road trip!

The first few days of our barely planned 10 day roadtrip were spent at a great "adults only" community in Gilbert, AZ where Nana and Sharon had been staying for a couple of weeks. They let kids visit for a few days and play at the clubhouse/pool for most of the day. Mom and I drove down to meet the others and the house we stayed at was perfect for us and had plenty of grandkid toys in the garage. The boys loved swimming and napping under the palm trees. We rode around in golf carts and rode our bikes.. It was a very active and friendly community.

How sweet....a flower for Mommy. Next pic, in one of the palm trees by the pool there was a Mommy and 3 baby Great Horned owls. The babies were only a couple of weeks old and were barely testing their wings. We enjoyed checking on them every morning and afternoon and it gave Colter his animal fix.

After Mom, Sharon, Janet and Nana went home we headed north to Scottsdale to stay with our friends the Colwell's. On our way we stopped at the Desert Botanical Garden and played for a few hours. The highlight was definately the Butterfly Pavilion.

We were all in awe of the Saguaro cactus (cacti?) that are only found in the Senoran Desert. They are giant! Colter loved all the types and his favorite was the Golden Barrel Cactus. This happy boy with a butterfly on his foot sat still for over 20 minutes enjoying his new friend. The butterfly crawled up to his knee and back to his foot, Colter was thrilled!

Cute pic of the boys with their friend Ryan Colwell. We went to the Train Park one day and rode the choo choo and the merry go round. Dylan was less than thrilled with the merry go round---pretty funny for me, not for him.

The next day was Go Carts! The boys loved this one. Colter was a expert racer and Dylan was very serious about having his own red car. He did a very good job of controlling his car and the guys in charge let him go the entire time.

Everyday we had funtime in the Colwell's pool. Charlie, who is about the size of a Blakney man, tossed the boys all over the place. They loved it! The pool is surrounded by rocks and is very well designed for boys that like to jump off things. We loved staying at their house and had lots of fun exploring, sidewalk chalking, gecko and other animal hunting, bike riding and swimming. Oh yeah, and watching movies in their super cool movie theater!

Did I mention they had fun jumping off the rocks? Love this picture.

Next up was Out of Africa, a wildlife preserve with over 100 types of exotic animals. This is an interactive learning facility with opportunities to feed and pet some of the animals. Colter fed his carrot to the giraffe, Ryan decided to hold on to his and Dylan ate his carrot--each with his own approach.

Oops, pics out of order. This was our next day, on our slow journey home, at Meteor Crater. Five is such a fun age for exploring--Colter loves outer space right now and was completely enthralled with this place. It is the impact site of a 150 ft. wide meteor in the 1800's. The pit is huge, over 1/2 mile across. We went to every possible view point, all museum displays, short movies and the rock shop. We came home with lots of new additions to the rock collection.

Ok, back to Out of Africa pics. Yup, that is a 17 ft., 100+ pound boa constrictor and yup, those are my boys holding it! I graciously volunteered to take pictures instead of helping carry the snake. Colter and Dylan thought this was the best part of the day. Well, they also liked the tiger swimming/playing show and feeding the giraffes and petting the camel, oh and the zebras, ostrich, lions, rhino, puma......it was a fun day.

On the same day as Meteor Crater, we also visited Petrified Wood National Forest. Luckily, I had been warned that this was not actually a forest and had seen pictures on the internet--we were not expecting an actual forest when we got there. It was beautiful in it's own way and we loved taking a break from driving and running on the short trails. The petrified wood had tons of color and character. The boys liked the dinosaurs in the little museum and had fun picking out more rocks, crystals, arrowheads and petrified wood at the rock shop.

This was my first road trip with the boys to a place we had never been. We enjoyed the Phoenix area and all of the activities it presented. My new navigation system (birthday present) was a life saver and I doubt I will ever travel without it again. It made driving to new places, which is the most stressful part of a roadtrip for me, completely effortless. The boys were very well behaved, with only the expected amount of rowdiness to spice up the journey. I love getting warm in the springtime and I am so glad this trip worked out as well as it did. We were in shorts and without shoes most of the time--my kind of vacation. Now we are back in the rain and mud that is spring in Telluride and planning our next adventure to the desert, this time with Daddy!

Closing day of the 09-10 ski season and Easter! We had an egg hunt on the mountain, Dylan skied two entire runs "by mine own self" and did great. His favorite part is the up-downs on lift 1. He will be rippin' next year. Speaking of-- Colter had an amazing ski season. He and I skied all over the mountain for over 6 hours with 7 other adults and he was skiing in the middle of the pack. Next year he can start Ski Club and I can only imagine what he will be able to do.

We are the official chicken babysitters while Rob, Sheila and the boys are in Kentucky. Nothing quite like 3 weeks of little peepers to help entertain the boys. They are loving it. These little chicks were only 2 days old when we got them and we are hoping all 4 make it through their stay here. Colter has them in his room and can hardly sleep because he wants to watch them all night.

The boys and I went to Moab for a warmer week of playing in the grass and sand. We had a great time riding bikes, playing at the park and running up and down the sand dune. The sand dune is quickly becoming one of our favorite stops. Everyone is tired at the end of that activity!

Rob's crew came down for a few days and all five boys were great. Look how big Dylan looks in that picture- he is such a little man these days.

More Moab, I love the tree climbing pic as it shows the dynamic around here. Little brother following big brother whereever he goes.


Pictures are in reverse order, we went to Moab two weeks ago and came home to finish off the season. We had a great winter and we are VERY ready for spring. It has been a snowy and cold March and we have a ton of snow on the ground still. Hoping to get away to somewhere warm again next week. We'll see.

Springtime, atleast temporarily

Karate class at school has been a "HIT" so far. It is so intense and holds their attention, just about as long as anything else at this age.


The boys are having a good time playing in the hay fort that Uncle Rob built them in the barn. It truly is the simple things in life that can be the most fun.



Eli and Colter sledding at Modee and Pappy's house. They were going all the way from the house, through the front yard, down the road all the way to the cul-se-sac. Hike up and repeat 20 times.

This week has been warm and sunny--we are ready for spring! It has been snowy and cold for quite a while around here and we have been having a great time skiing, sledding and digging snow forts. However, it is time for some green grass and sunshine! Dylan has been riding his bike around snow or shine. He is so funny these days. Starting to speak in real sentences and let people know what he has on his mind. He loves his big brother and wants to do anything the big boys are doing. He makes funny animal parades, loves puzzles and books. Bedtime is quite the packed event, Colter always had blue blankie and Dylan has his own blue blankie (Colter's back up blankie was passed down) and now Dylan also has Baby Ditto and a "sleeping toy" which changes each night. He has even been carrying them upstairs with him to join us in bed. One night he even packed his backpack with all his stuff in the middle of the night and brought it all upstairs.
Colter is about to loose his second tooth. The grown up teeth are coming in in the same order as his baby teeth did, I wonder if that is what happens for everyone? He continues to amaze me with his curiosity, insight, hunor and overall zest for life. He decided that he and Dylan should have their own rooms, I was more distressed by this than they were, and proceeded to seperate everything. They have both been very excited about the change, except at bedtime when each has to sleep alone. He finished his hockey season and received a team photo, individual photo and trophy at the banquet. Although he seemed a bit lukewarm about the whole experience during the season, he is now a huge hockey fan and can't wait to play again next year. He improved so much throughout the season and is a pretty good skater now. He can race around with all his friends and likes to push Dylan around on the little walkers calling it the "Colter Express". We have been watching Planet Earth and Blue Planet lately and he is loving it. All of the animals and facts are stored in his brain to be shared with anyone who will listen. It is a great series and interesting for all ages.
Finally got the new laptop, so we should have some fresh pics up soon. Old one pooped out, luckily I was able to transfer everything - big relief!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Powder skiing, skating and art table

My little extreme skier!! You may have to zoom in to see him, but I thought the entire shot showed how steep it was. He takes these great lines out of Lower Enchanted Forest and drops down a pretty steep face onto Double Cabin. He is fearless and has skills! So fun to watch.

Kitchen table has become the art table and we have found that the only way paint and markers are truly washable is if it is on skin and that skin can be put directly into the bathtub. Indoor winter fun! Next up is "sir Bob Thomas the Brave Knight" His favorite costume is a great combination, can't see the sword on the couch though.

Colter is a Lego-maniac. He spends hours with Daddy and Tim building all kinds of wonderful toys. Next is ice skating on the outdoor pond at Town Park. These type of days include most of the kids around us going sledding, cross country skiing and skating and are referred to by the neighbors as "the triathalon for ADD Telluride kids who can't sit still". We are all worn out by the end!

My little Valentines! They decided to dress up for the occasion. Note the missing front tooth. Colter was so excited about the Tooth Fairy and the entire experience.

Colter informed us that we need to "simplify our lives" and "rethink how we are doing things" We should live more like the Native Americans, "mom, do you want a tent or a teepee?", no school- they learn just by living, growing our own food and living on land that doesn't belong to any man, just the Great Spirit. I love this kid!!! I said we could join a CSA (community supported ag. farm). take out the broken hot tub and put in a small greenhouse and if I had to choose- teepee. He said that would do for now. Also wants to join a "meat farm" and help kill the animals for us to eat, use the bones for tools and skin for clothes. He is excited to be 12 so that he can hunt with Uncle Rob and Pappy, bow and arrow of course. That is only the beginning of this story I'm sure. For Valentines Day he bought me Organic Cucumber seeds for our greenhouse. Colter has such a beautiful combination of deep thinking, intensity, resourcefullness and creativity-to name a few. And then he can turn it all off and just be a 5 yr old! He is a little sponge, as all kids are, and has an amazing memory for the tiniest details- we have become very aware and cautious about what he is exposed to as he is very sensitive to emotions, energy and situations even on radio or TV. While watching the Olympics the other day at a neighbors house, a McDonald's commercial came on and he was upset because they said the athletes all eat there and that the food was healthy. He turned to me and said "Mom, why do the commercials lie to us? Do they think we are stupid?" (of course he is always looking for a way to use "stupid" in a sentence correctly). Colter loves to cook and is coming up his own recipes. He made a milk shake for Eli, Gideon, Dylan and himself with Almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and ice- it was really good. Hockey is almost over, school for one more month and skiing for another month as well. He is getting excited for kindergarten in the fall and riding the school bus.

Dylan is quite the story teller these days, even mocking himself in parts. Seriously, I have never met a 2 yr old that imitates himself to make the story work. He is growing so fast and loves to laugh. He is our big helper with shovelling, cooking and cleaning up. Things in their place around this little guy! Still loves school, knows all of his teachers names and tells them when they are having "nice havior"(nice behavior). He is looking forward to seeing "Big Thomas" (the train) this summer is Durango, after seeing a pic of Colter with the train, and planning his birthday party, so far either Thomas or Dora again. 3 is sounding pretty big boy to him right now. He thinks he is going to play soccer this spring, with the "big boys". He told me this morning that he is 5 and Colter is 2, so he can play soccer right now!

Trevor is feeling better and back on the slopes, good timing as we just had a HUGE storm and some of the best powder skiing in recent memory.

Hydro plant is working reasonably well, and other than alot of hiking in deep snow, we haven't had too many headaches. I have been getting in better shape from my snow trudging adventures, so that's a bonus.

Loose teeth and dance parties

Yes, that is a porcupine. Her name is Stickers and she is the "most famous porcupine in America" She has been featured on YouTube, has her own Facebook page......She has been relocated to a more private home and we were lucky the kids got to see her first. Unfortunately there are lots of people that still think it is ok to feed wild animals and she became VERY friendly in hopes of some curly fries and granola bars. We had a great visit from cousin Michael a week or so ago and a super fun day on the slopes with Tim, Eli, Colter, Michael and I. Trevor and Dylan had fun around the house since Trevor is still recovering from his sledding adventure in Keystone.

Colter just finished Comets, had his first hockey games and YES---has his first loose tooth! He is so excited he is telling everyone all about it. He runs around and says "Mom, when I run my tooth jiggles in my head!" Oh the excitement-------I am in shock that I have a child big enough to have a loose tooth.

Colter is skiing so good these days. His Comets teacher (and our neighbor) described him this way "he rips", meaning he can carve turns and control his speed on steep slopes and was right on her heels down the entire run. He did the NASTAR race course and the adult terrain park. His new favorite run is a double blue bump run called Humbolt Draw. We have been having so much fun skiing this year.

Hockey was so cute. I know I should pick a different word like "tough", "aggressive", "fast", but seriously it was adorable!!! Colter did a good job of paying attention, which is all the coaches really ask of the first year players and he had a shot on goal. So fun.

Dylan is telling great stories these days and gave us a great dance party tonight, including a little booty shakin'. He is so funny! He is full of opinions and is already pretty sure he can do it all. He likes to pick out his clothes and showed up at school the other day in his Thomas the Train underwear, lunchbox and hat, Bob the Builder shirt and tool vest and red pants and socks because "dey match, mama", finished off with his "pider" boots. I loved Colter's costume/imaginary years and hope that Dylan gets into them as well. His current favorite things are his giant animal puzzle, which after being assembled is followed with endless verses to Ei-ei-0, The Very Hungry Catapillar, Winnie the Pooh book, Opposites book, music "mu-mik", "excababer" and taking his little hockey stick and ball to practice outside while Colter is on the ice. Dylan is ice skating already and I'm sure will be amazing by age 5! He cheers Colter on with a loud "GO DOLDAH, PAY HOCKEY!!" Much video has been taken lately.