Monday, August 31, 2009

Mark's and Ryan's Birthday Party

WILD HOGS!!









You only have your 18th and 43rd birthday once. So the girls took the boys ATV riding in the mountains for their birthday party. We had a blast!! Now that is the way you climb a mountain. What really surprised us the most is how incredibly sore we all were the day after the ride. If you want a great adventure come ride with US.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK and RYAN!!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Ouzel Lake Rocky Mountain National Park








We had a wonderful hike in the Rocky Mountain Park. We hike for almost 10 hours. At the end of the day we had logged in almost 13 miles and 2,938' total round trip elevation gain. We hiked passes Lower and Upper Copeland Falls, passing for a short tie through an area stricken by a lightning induced fire in 1978. Then to Calypso Cascades, and reaching Ouzel falls and Ouzel Lake. We ate lunch with 2 bull MOOSE, chipmunks, squirrels, marmots, and blue birds. Mark went fishing and caught over 20 fish. I have hiked all over RMNP and never seen a Moose, WOW!!



Monday, August 3, 2009

SPLAH DOG SOPHIA





On Saturday August 1st we took Sophia out to the fair grounds for her first "Splash Dog" competition. She took 1st in her age group. It was SOOSOOO fun. Her longest jump was 12 feet. Tiffany, Alyssa and I all took turns throwing the toy for her to get. On one of her jumps I was completely concentrating on her speed that I almost went in the pool. I grabbed the rail as my feet flew off the end of the ramp. The crowd loved that as much as Sophia jump.















Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Alyssa and Wendy Trip to Texas

Alyssa and Wendy spent a week in Austin. We stayed with Brad and Monica. It was a wonderful trip filled with many adventures. We hiked to the highest point in Austin over looking amazing houses and a huge river way, we explored beautiful parks, went to 2 different family fun centers, ate at amazing restaurants, watch a baseball game followed by fireworks, watched the thousands of bats fly out from under a bridge at sunset, watch movies, played family games, and of course visited Schlitterbahn (a huge water park). Brad and Alyssa took a leap of faith on a sky coaster. I was so grateful for my family that also traveled from Houston and Dallas to see us while we were there. It was a trip that Alyssa and I will always treasure!!!!!!!!






Mark's Idea of Disneyland


For Memorial Day we took a quick trip over to Utah to see Angie, Scott and the boys. It was a great time. Scott cooked us a gourmet breakfast each morning we were there. We also spent a day on Scott's uncle's ranch. That is Disneyland for both Mark and Tiffany. Fishing for Mark and horses for Tiffany. Alyssa and I love being with our family so it was a WONDERFUL day for all. We even got to wish JT a happy 3rd birthday! I just love that kid!!!




Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Saying Good-Bye to our best Friend

Toby is another name for love....



Have you seen Marley and Me, and thought it was the greatest movie but the ending was a little sad because you really fell in love with Marley. On Monday (Memorial Day) our family said good- bye to our dear old lab "Toby". He was 11 years old. We were all with him when he passed. He has been with our family since he was 6 weeks old. It was a warm day in April, Mark was on a business trip and the night before our car had been broken into and I was feeling nervous being home alone with 3 small kids and wished I had a dog to make me feel safe. I had taken the kids to the mall and in the parking lot was a truck with a sign that said "Lab puppies". We just had to take a look. Well of course we fell in love and Tiffany's birthday was just around the corner and she cried "mom, the puppy is all I want for my birthday". He chewed our shoes, fingers and toes, listened to our tears, always up for a cuddle, tended many puppies, went on the boat and the water tube, climbed slide at the park, and couldn't wait to go for a walk. He always offered unconditional love and was always happy to see us come home. We will miss his smile, and his love.



Saturday, May 9, 2009

First 5K Race!!

19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5 Event to benefit the Larimer Humane Society.



I have always wondered if I could run a 5K race. I have always run inside on my home equipment and was not sure how that compared to running on the road. I month ago I found out about this race the the local Humane Society and as you know I have a soft spot in my heart for dogs. I knew that this was a fun way to support them and also try to set some of my own goals. So, I started training outside. Let me tell you there is a BIG difference running on a treadmill and running outside. The race was early so I was rushing around the house in the morning and I was so nervous leaving the house for the race I forgot, my ipod (but remembered my earphones), my water and ALYSSA. Mark was able to call the house and wake Alyssa and Tiffany and they surprised me at the finish line!! It was great to have there support. My goal was first to finish the race without walking and under 30 minutes. I accomplished both!! My finish time was 29:27. I was 6th in my age group. Not to bad for my first race?! Next race (the 5k Rocky Mountain Labrador rescue) is only a week away, back to training.