Zane, Emerson, and Smith: Two Weeks of Summer

First two weeks of summer: check.

Time flies when you're having fun.

We kicked off our summer with a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The kids got to stay for two full days while Zack and I stayed at a hotel so he could do a wedding for some old youth group kids at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Grandpa Dave knows how to play. Within 10 minutes of being there, he had the kids up in the rafters, and got out baseball gear, bikes and helmets, and other fun things.

I was so proud of Zack, as always. He does an amazing job at weddings. So many people thank him and compliment him, which is so cool. He definitely makes the day special for the couple. What a beautiful setting this was!

Speaking of being proud of Zack, things are coming along for his new church campus at Paramount downtown. Recently, they had a big vision and worship night at the Paramount to get people excited about it and just talk about the logistics a little bit. There was a LINE outside, people waiting just to get in.

Don't worry, we got in early and got seats front and center (can you spot 3 tiny heads?)

We had family come to support Zack too. Mom and Dave and Judi and Bob and Jord and Ben and Molly all came and sat with us.

Zack went on stage to start the night off and also got to finish it. He looked so natural and comfortable up there. I am getting so excited about it!

Before and after haircut for this cute cute cute (did I mention cute?) boy of mine.

Super fun spray park with Grandma Jodi

Playdates with friends are always fun - these guys played in the backyard for almost 2 hours!

Summer reading program in full force

National Donut Day didn't disappoint this year. A warm, fresh donut on a cool, rainy day? Yes, please.

Nellchie came to visit last week, and we took her on an adventure to the Nature and Science museum. We went to see "Tiny Giants," about how a chipmunk and mouse survive in the wild. And it was 3-D. Awesome.

Another fun park with water...
We love Peter Pan Park.

After that park, we spend 2 hours at Barnes and Noble. Emmy sat and read books to Smith (some really reading and some making it up). He just laid there and listened. Then they switched.

We drove up to west campus for church last week to hang with our friends Katy and her boys. And we hang out for a bit with our other sweet buddies. Look at this cute crew.

Lunch at a park in Evergreen afterwards. Besides Emmy and Zane getting into an actual wrestling match, it was super fun.

And Molly may have a new little crush, Nathan. He takes such good care of her and is so sweet and gentle with her. Love it!

My dad took my sisters and I to dinner and the U2 concert. It was such a great time, spending time together. And the concert was so so so awesome.

Smith started his first little sports camp. It's only 45 min, one day a week. He took it so seriously. He kept coming over, and dramatically asking for water and saying it was such hard work. The last two weeks, it was focused on basketball. Then, he'll get to do soccer and baseball. He's amazingly coordinated and athletic. Who knows what he'll end up doing! He's the one in the Padres hat, of course.

I had to capture this moment of all 4 kids working on something quietly and independently. Woooohoooo! We are trying our best to have a "quiet work time" most days. They write in journals (even Smith), color, do stickers, workbooks, etc.

Enjoying a book in the car.

The hot, sweaty, blue eyed, wild haired, face of summer.

Zack did another wedding this past weekend for our friends Dave and Megan. Nellie stayed at our house and watched the monkeys ALL WEEKEND! So Zack and I got to get away to Grand Lake for two nights. (More pics to come from the kids' weekend)...

We went on a sweet hike one morning. Having time to just walk and chat with Zack, without interruption is the best. And it was beautiful!