Today the weather was gorgeous so we decided to check out the dog park. I’m not gonna lie, the aroma was a little overpowering at the entrance, but once we got on the trails it was gorgeous. The kids enjoyed jumping across & splashing in the creek. Kolbe ran free & made new friends. It was a great hike. I’m in “training” to climb a 14er when Lauren comes so Luke made me run hills while we were out there.

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My sister gave us the 2 best kittens ever for Joss’ birthday present last July. The brother is on an adventure in Texas at the Hilltop house (wink wink) and the sister came with us to Co. People in our neighborhood said she wouldn’t last long. Most of the dogs around here have never even seen a cat! The neighbors all talk about her bc she follows us on walks like a dog! Her name changes almost daily. It started out Speedy, then Merliah, then Louella, Buttercup, and now i think it’s Sweet Lily. She has turned out to be quite the mountain kitty. I think it’s partly due to her momma who was a wild cat my sister took in. Here’s a few of the little surprises she has left me in the last 2 days. Those mountain mice don’t stand a chance with Wild West Kitty on the prowl!

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My mom & Kelli came this weekend-woohoo! It was a much anticipated visit for me. I had so much fun preparing for their arrival. I decided I would just clean & then we would nest once they were here. I was having some issues with the arrangement of the living room upstairs & a total creative block on the downstairs living room. I knew I needed my mom’s help for several things around the house, to help make it feel like home.  So Thursday evening we picked them up from the airport and after many hugs & maybe a few tears we headed to Golden to meet up with Luke for dinner. We had a great dinner, then headed to the house. The delirium set in here, for mom that is. We were on the ever so slightest incline just outside Golden on Hwy 70 & mom says ” Ok, I’m ready for your car to stop making that climbing sound already!” I shot her this are you kidding me look & we all cracked up laughing. I told her she was in for a long haul, so just pop a Dramamine & sit back. Friday we enjoyed cranberry orange muffins & strong coffee and then hit the mess…we moved a couch out of the living room, down the stairs, outside, down the porch stairs, up about 3 stairs into the downstairs living room. We are women here us roar. And moan. and grunt. I wish someone had gotten pics of it! So we tore up that living room, bouncing ideas around & finally turning it into a real room. I am so please with how it turned out. It’s going to be the perfect family room, especially this summer when it’s hot in the upstairs, with no ac out here. So here’s a few random pics from the weekend. Saturday we had an amazing day of wild life spotting, but I will let Luke make that post.

Good family time

view from our porch

Kolbe, who followed Kelli's every move around the house & even slept right beside her.

Trip posing on the stairs

Last weekend we ventured over the Continental Divide to see our dear friends the Greenfields. Elizabeth is due any day now with Greenfield offspring #4, so we needed a good weekend to catch up before the arrival of Ms. Hannah Rose. The kids hadn’t seen each other since last July, but they never missed a beat. They were out on the trampoline & making a ruckus in no time.  We trekked over to Ouray to have a soak in the hot springs, but upon arrival were disappointed to find them closed for remodeling! So we had pizza in the park & froze our buns.  Luke provided entertainment as usual & James had a slip & ended up with wet feet from the spring fed koi pond. Is that how you spell Koi? Who knows. I’m tired & in a Whale Wars coma on the couch. Aaahhh, weekends.  :)

Say "cheese pizza!"

Snuggled up & scarfing down

Luke eating while jumping a Trip-hurdle

Preggers, being a good sport for a pic

The chase in on

James kept rolling around trying to get warm & eat at the same time, ending up with pizza from his head to toes.

Quality mountain food

A rare shot of my elusive self, taken by Jossi.

Luke saw a few quotes before new years this year and decided that instead of making a New Years Resolution he would make our family a set of rules that we can refer back to for years to come.  We are going to get this printed on canvas so we can hang it up in our house.