Feels like summer is right around the corner!

Lately the weather has been very warm for the time of year.  We have been able to enjoy several hikes lately and both kids can't wait to use their Camelbacks.  Both Gracie and Garret walk around the house wearing their packs drinking water as often as we let them.  It is going to be an awesome summer as both kids are getting old enough to do more and both Annie and I are excited!

Last Thursday was the father son spaghetti dinner at Garret's school.  It was fun to see Garret with his friends and we had a great time!  Sometimes I forget how much Garret is learning and growing at school.  Then there are those times where he simply amazes me.  He's a great kid!

My little girl is growing way to fast.  She is starting to talk quite a bit now and her attitude is more prominent than ever.  She is very smart and fearless and her pig tails make me smile.
Everything else in Colorado is good.  Things are moving along with out to many issues.  I hope all is well for those who read this!

Family Time!

Since Garret had surgery things have definitely changed with him.  We had been struggling with getting him potty trained during he night.  The day after surgery he said no more pull ups, and now he is good to go all night.  He has also begun to eat a little better.  It's small stuff but I am grateful.  Little Gracie is just as crazy as ever.  She is a complete ham and is a joy to watch.

The first sledding adventure of the year and the scariest moment I can ever remember!  A few weeks ago we were driving around in the car when I noticed that Gracie was chewing on something.  Knowing no-one ever gave her anything to eat I told her to "spit it out."  Well, she spit out a penny.  I did not like it one bit and was a little concerned when she kept pointing into her mouth saying "money money."  Bekah said we didn't need to worry since she was talking and breathing ok yet she kept saying "money, money" and pointing into her mouth.  It was snowing that day so wed decided to go sledding.  Bekah, Dave, Cor, Nana and Papa all met us so we could sled.  Gracie had fun but wasn't herself, she was a little more fussy that we expected.  When we got home Gracie wouldn't eat and wanted to go to sleep.  I took her to bed and she fell asleep quickly and stayed asleep for a long time.  When she woke up she was hungry.  I got her a snack and some milk.  Every time she took a bite or took a drink she got fussy, pointed to her mouth and said "money, money."  The only thing I could think was that she had cut her mouth somewhere with the penny so I asked Annie to get me a flashlight.  When I opened her mouth and looked inside I found a penny stuck in the pallet of her mouth.  I do mean stuck and I couldn't get it out.  The penny was removed by Annie by prying it out with a fingernail.  I promise you that this daddy had never felt more scared.  Yes, Gracie has a penny stuck in her mouth in this picture!!!!!!!!

Finally, a new update!!!!

Vaughn came to Colorado to go fly fishing in the middle of January, and he is smiling about it!  I do believe this may be the only picture I have ever seen where he has a natural smile.  It was good to see him, too bad he isn't staying longer because it would be good to catch up.  Maybe it is just me, but Vaughn is beginning to look more and more like a Yeti.  Look at the hair!

Garret has finally had his surgery!  It is amazing how stressed I was over his surgery even though I have been through numerous myself.  Anyway, he is doing very well and there seems to be no issues from surgery.  He was a trooper at the hospital and has been great at home.  We are hopeful that Garret can now breathe at night! 

    Garret watching Cars on the computer at the hospital!

Momma and Garret right before surgery.

Daddy giving horsey rides!