North Pole 2014

   We tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible into Ashlyn's final week of summer break.  She wanted to go to the North Pole before she went back to school.  She has been going there since she was a 2 year old.  The North Pole is a really neat little amusement park.  It's nestled in the mountains at the base of Pikes Peak.  It has a Christmas theme, and all the rides are themed towards Christmas.  What kid wouldn't love a park full of rides dedicated to Christmas??? Even though she is getting a little old for all the rides, Ashlyn still had a great time.  Dawson, Ella, and Jameson had a great time riding all the rides as well.  Jameson wasn't big enough to ride much last year, so this year was so much fun for him.  Gracie got to watch everyone ride.  Before we know it she will be riding the rides too.  She did get to ride the train and she sat there the whole time calmly looking around.  The North Pole is always a great day of fun for all. 

Getting ready to ride

This pole is pretty neat.  It is made of ice.  The kids always get a kick out of touching it. 

Time for the ladybug ride

Even though she couldn't ride, Gracie still had a blast!!!

I love the smiles captured!!!

These two loved riding in the fire truck and rode several times in a row.  Seeing this picture gives me a glimpse of what they will look like when they both turn 16. 

Add caption

Ready to go

   Another great thing about the North Pole, is that you can actually go and see Santa.  Last year, only Ella and Ashlyn would talk to him.  This year only Dawson and Ashlyn would.  It's always so neat to watch kid's reactions to seeing Santa.  They always get so shy and quiet.  I decided he his like meeting the ultimate celebrity to them.  I would probably act the same if I met Oprah.  Dawson very calmly walked up and looked down and mumbled his name.  He mumbled to Santa that he wanted some Max Steele toys, then quickly walked away.  It was very funny!  Ashlyn was a little less shy, but still very quiet.  She told him she wanted another American Girl doll.  Santa knew a lot about the different dolls and they agreed he would bring her an Isabella doll this year.  

Meeting the big guy

Discussing American Girl dolls with Santa

The cute boys looking in the window of the toy store

Time to ride the motorcycles.  I think both boys were using their tough motorcycle faces.  lol

We always try to get a picture every year.  We always do it the wrong way and wait to take one on the way out.  That never works well because usually we have some worn out and cranky kids.  This was the best we could do this year.  Notice you can only see Ella's leg in the middle because she didn't feel like sitting up for the picture. 

This week and decisions

   We are all very sad around here that summer break is quickly drawing to a close.  Summer goes by way too fast!  Ashlyn will start school next Monday.  We are all going to miss her so much.  We have been trying to squeeze in as much fun as possible this last week. 
      Last week, I made the tough decision to not return back to work this year.  It was a very, very difficult decision to make. I have been at my school for 5 years.  There were a lot of factors that influenced my decision, but I would rather not go into too much detail on the blog.  My principal was so supportive and in the end I know I made the right decision.  School and work will always be there, but my babies won't be babies for very long and I need to be there for them at this moment in my life.  I do love teaching, and know I will be back.  I am hoping to maybe do some tutoring at my old school so I will still get the chance to teach and work with kids. 
      Like I mentioned, we have been so busy, but we are loving every minute!  I will be updating soon with more pictures of our final summer adventures.  This fall we have a lot of traveling planned that we are all so excited for.  I will be posting lots of pictures. 
    

Gracie in her new jumperaoo that she loves

Ashlyn is so good at playing with Graceyn. 

She still loves the swing

Ashlyn reads to her, sings to her, does funny faces, etc.  Gracie is really going to miss her when she goes back to school. 

The kids love washing our cars.  Nothing beats free labor!  LOL

She even gets the tires

Such a happy, sweet girl

Cabin

  We had yet another great weekend at the cabin last weekend.  I don't think we have ever had a bad weekend up there.  We got up there Friday evening.  The moon was so beautiful that night and we had a great time just taking it in. 
   On Saturday morning, we headed out for a ride bright and early.  Joey stayed back at the cabin with Graceyn.  It worked out perfectly because I ran part of the way on the way up, and then ran part of the way on the way back.  I will never get tired of running up there!  We went on a long ride up a trail that is only open in the month of August.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  Since it is not a heavy traveled trail, there were wildflowers everywhere.  My dad pointed out a columbine which Ashlyn had never seen before.  I got to give her a brief lesson on columbines.  The rest of the ride we were "hunting" for columbines and would point them out as we saw them.  We had a really nice time.
     It rained some Saturday afternoon, but we still managed to squeeze in some games with the bean bag toss.  We all watched a movie Saturday night together. It was such a nice, laid back weekend which I know was much needed by all!  Our weekends at the cabin this summer are quickly becoming numbered, but we are going to try to squeeze in a few more trips. 

There is a clearing in front of the cabin that deer just love to walk through especially at dusk.  It is the neatest thing to just sit outside and watch them. 

Cuddle time before bed.

Gazing at the moon and loving one another.

We don't have the right lens to capture the moon correctly, but it was huge and very bright. 

Checking out the chipmunks.

Always such hungry little guys.

Gracie hanging out by the chipmunks. 

Her dog's ear was quite tasty

They loved her like usual

One of the magnificent views we enjoyed on our ride.  You can't tell in the pictures, but we were up really high.  I think just around timber line. 

We love the outdoors!!!

Sometimes they love each other

Papa and the kids

They really liked running up this hill.

This was one of our best columbine finds.  Ashlyn was thrilled to see so many together.  She just had to get out and take a picture. 

On the way back, we went up to an old mine, called the Molly Murphy Mine.  I just love Colorado history and love how much mining evidence still exists up there. 

My dad said this used to be the mining office.  Its amazing how well some of these buildings have withstood the test of time. 

Dawson discovered his Papa's helmet and thought it was the best toy ever!

Seriously so much love there!

Sister cuddles

Our bean bag game

Our little kitty girl