The dangers of sisters

Well, we've been busy folk and now that we have birthday season rolling around it will get even busier. Here is an update on some things we've been up to, but mainly it's a recap of all things sister. It's dangerous having a sister.

While Avery's off having fun and playing soccer...




Griffin has to read books...



When Avery wins something out of the treasure chest at school, Griffin has to play with it too...


For the record, he was NOT amused.


No one is safe- even dogs...




When Avery plays dress up, Griffin has to play along...


Even older grown up sisters (like my own) are cruel. (Someone please tell my mom to stop buying games off of QVC in the middle of the night). Yes, we see you, Chris.



Yeah, I know what you mean, Griffin.

First Day of School

Avery's first day of preschool is today. She gets to go in the afternoon five days a week, so really it's like kindergarten practice. I think she was a little nervous, but as soon as she saw her boyfriend, everything was just fine. He sure is funny...

Steve says we have to use the crosswalk. Even though Steve was sick and couldn't join us today, we still followed the rules.

The look on her face is from irritation in that I made her do this twice because the lens cap was on the first time. She really was happy.



Griffin even enjoyed the whole excitement. For the record- his hair is like that because it's windy.

Here's to a new year! Chris gets kids for the first time tomorrow; I'll post some pictures of him too.

10 Months!

Well, he's officially been out longer than he was in. These past 10 months have just flown by. I'm not sure if it went as fast the first time around, but she's almost 5 now, so who knows!

Griffin is testing out the walking technique. Avery is really helping him too. She is just the right height to hold his hands and help him along. He also pushes along his little bus.

Here are some photos of the two having a forced sibling moment.

Trail Ridge Road

Just a few more pictures from the mountains. This is our trip up Trail Ridge Road on our way out of RMNP. Amazing ride, albeit a tired one. A long hike the night before and then a cold night in a tent was a enough to wear out one or two of us that were in the van. We all still had a blast, just a little tired and some of us were just not as peppy as usual.

A nice view of Long's on our way to the trail.

The first point where you could really get a feel for the elevation. This was a much needed pull-off. I have a new appreciation for my dad and how calmly he drove up this road. I caught myself looking over the edge a few times before I thought better of that move. A hunk of curb is not much of a guard rail. Curious how many people make that same mistake and end up down the mountain. At least that was what I was thinking of when I looked over the edge. And...that is why I stopped looking over the edge while I was driving. :)

Almost at the top. The sky was unbelievably clear and crisp. Very refreshing.

Hugging Dad...or keeping warm, not sure which.

Mom, deserves a hug or two as well. There were so many Marmots at this stop i thought they might hop up and give us a hug as well. But they didn't. Must not be into PDA.

Saw a few really impressive Elk at the top.

A few pictures of the alpine tundra for your viewing pleasure.

Yes there was still snow. Quite a bit of it. And snow is still cold...even in July.

Erin told me what these mountains were named but I forget. Something like Neptune, Alpha, Scooby, and Papa Smurf I think. Or maybe that was the show Avery was watching in the hotel before she fell asleep tonight. Either way.

What an amazing experience. I am thrilled that my family got to experience it. Erin said that she was equally amazed and even got a bit emotional a time or too looking at the view. It's hard not to. The stars at the campsite Wednesday night, then the mountains here, puts everything back into perspective quickly. My inner mountain man has been appeased...for now.

Camping at RMNP

So after a longer and steeper than expected drive from Dillon to Estes Park we made it to RMNP. We found our campsite in Moraine Campground and Avery was excited to see that we had our own mini-mountain on our campsite. Had a hard time figuring out how to pitch the tent on that thing but after a little thinking and a lot of rope we figured it out.

This one is for Grandpa Hamm. Saw this on a boulder next to the river on the Fern Lake Trail. Just checking to see if this was your handy work.

One of my favorite flowers on the trail. Beebalm. Erin took a mighty nice picture of it.

This is a rock.

Notice the pep in her step. A sure sign that we are on the First leg of our hike.

This guy doesn't have to worry about maintaining pep, just as long as his papa does.

(Mom even took a turn with this one when dads pep was required to give a piggy back ride to the pep-less one.

Another rock or two. Avery tried counting them and determined that there were 16.

This one was in the wrong spot so she moved it over.

I was certain we would run into some Sand People in here but no. Erin and Griffin were on bear alert. They just don't understand the real danger that Sand People pose.

Proof.

And finally, this one is for Paul. He says Hi.

A little Apple pie in the pie iron does the body good after a long hike.

We have a bunch from the next day on Trail Ridge Road which we will be posting soon. But for now, just look at these over and over to pass the time.