Tour de Fit Champs!

I know 95% of the blog is about the girls, because, of course, their lives are much more interesting than either Steve or I's.  But let me digress for one post and feel free to check back when there's cute pics of the girls.  I get it!

Steve and I both felt like we were in a big "workout rut", where we lost motivation and just ran a few miles a few times a week just to stay in shape.  Then we discovered crossfit and our new goal - get stronger.  Well we've stuck with it and absolutely love it!  Physically I've gotten much stronger and most noticeably less back pain.  I've found muscles where I didn't even know I had them.  Mentally I've pushed myself farther than I have since playing sports in high school.  It's an awesome feeling and so much fun doing it with fun people!

Our gym has been participating in some competitions with other gyms, and I'm always up for a little competition.  The Thornton gym hosted a partner workout for our Tour de Fit in June, and I knew my neighbor, Steph, would be the perfect partner!  She always pushes me in class, because she's such a BA!  We had been told we were a guarantee to win it, so with all the pressure we pushed even harder.  We came away winners, along with a sore body!  It was rewarding to compete again and be successful.  I had become an athlete that just participates - completes the run or finishes the bike ride.  Now I've found that athlete that strives to beat everyone - run faster, do more reps, and finish more rounds.  I have no goals of becoming a world-class crossfitter, but rather just someone who pushes herself physically and mentally every workout!

*I'll have to work on getting a pic of Steve with his new physique.  It's definitely working for him as well!  Haha!

Family Vaca Time!

When Steve's grandma, Joan, turned 90 in January we knew where we were headed for our summer vaca - Virginia Beach.  In addition to visiting her, we were excited to visit Steve's aunts, uncle, and cousins again.  Our visit there 4 years ago was one of our best vacations!  And to top it off - a beach for the girls!

Here we go!

 On our layover in Chicago the girls entertained themselves by pushing each other around on the luggage carts.  We may have had some glares, but these kids were excited and getting a little stir-crazy!

Our first full day had to include a trip to the beach, so we headed to a small locals' beach just off the tourists' beach with Kim, Kelly, Jordan, and Evan.  The girls wasted no time at all getting in the water, attempting to boogie board, and playing in the sand.

Brooklynn insisted we re-create her mermaid tail from 4 years ago.

 Playing games on the beach

With all the water time the girls seemed to be constantly in the showers.  Uncle Larry didn't mind brushing through all the knots, and the girls loved it (he's much more gentle than mom).  Had to be the cutest thing ever!

We were reluctant to take the girls to the local water park, because we were afraid there wouldn't be enough for Ady to do, but we attempted a day there with Kim's family.  Turned out there was plenty for all of us to do, and Ady had no fear doing any of the big rides with us.  We had a blast on all the slides and the wave pool!

Wave pool with daddy

 She was exhausted!

The weather was rainy and cool some days, so we tried to not let them damper our time.  One of those days we went to Mount Trashmore (a former landfill converted into a neat park) with Larry and Patti.

 Rolling down the hill!

 We spent our afternoons visiting grandma at her place sitting out on the patio and talking.  The girls were so good!

 On Sunday we drove to First Landing State Park for more beach time and dinner at a campground planned by Larry and Patti.  It was beautiful and such a great evening spending time with the entire family.

 Even Evan wanted to be buried!

 Grilling time!

 Chow time!

 This is why Larry and Patti are the best hosts!  They always go out of their way to ensure we have a great time and are able to spend time with lots of family!

They hosted a big family dinner at their house our last night there, complete with everyone including grandma.  It was an awesome conclusion to an amazing trip.  Not only did we get to have a great visit with grandma we

Chandler somehow convinced grandma to share her ice cream with her!

 Family pic w/ grandma

 Grandma and her great grandkiddos

And then came the most epic night of our trip - Patti surprised us all with a food fight complete with Jell-O, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and pudding.  Steve even got the oatmeal down the shorts from Aunt Deb!  It was a blast, just letting loose and gettin' dirty.  What a perfect way to cap off a fabulous trip!

 Awwwwww

 Grandma still nailed the family selfie pic!

 How we all felt after the whirlwind trip!  (This was after Chandler had been crying all day so sad to say goodbye to everyone. )

Sometimes our family vacations are more like "trips", because they are so exhausting and feel almost like work, but this one was different.  It was truly a vacation with wonderful family that we will miss until next time........

While in Mexico.....

Although we were ecstatic to get away for some much needed R & R it was a hard time leaving our babies.  We missed the last few days of school and most importantly, the girls' recital they had been anticipating all spring.  Luckily we were able to purchase the DVD and get updates from grandparents.  They totally rocked it (as usual)!  Maybe someday I can figure how to get the videos up here!  Until then, here's our precious dancers:

First Camping Trip

The camping season kicked off early June with a trip to gorgeous Turquoise Lake with some of our very best friends.  We missed our annual friends camping trip last year, and the kids were disappointed, so we made sure to get one on the calendar early.  I've always wanted to check out Turquoise Lake and lucky for us there were some openings.  Of course when you're camping in early June at an elevation of 10,000 ft. it's not for the faint of heart.

When we arrived on Friday afternoon we were stunned by the beauty of the scenery - the crystal clear water, the snow-capped peaks in the background, and a beach!  Yes a mountain-y beach!  We envisioned setting up for the day, let the kids swim and fish, and we'd be back in a Mexico paradise.  So that's what we did!  The weather was gorgeous all day, and the kids enjoyed fishing, selling sand treats, and even swimming.

 Kennedy, Chandler, and Ady having some blonde fun

 Panning for gold (better than boogers)

 Chandler fishing the day away

 Who wants a sand pie?

 Adult relaxation

 The kids sneaking off into the woods - at least we have nothing to worry about...yet.

Even though the nights were chilly, the trip was a blast.  It always amazes me when we get all the kids together and how well they play and just enjoy being together, like time stands still.

Daddy's Day

Even though Steve complains that Mother's Day is always celebrated loud and proud in our society - at least he is guaranteed nice weather for his day of celebration!  This year we were helping dad recover from a surgery, so our celebration was low-key for the day, but nice to celebrate with all our favorite dads - Saturday dinner at the Weslings and then Andy and Kenz over for dinner, but we had plans to celebrate another day when it'd be better-timed and we could get away to Fort Collins for some food and fun!

The girls had a great day with dad, nonetheless, and we had to finish with some pics of the cuteness!  

Steve- you are an amazing daddy to our precious girls and a wonderful example for them to strive for in a husband some day.  No matter how much bribing and "nice mommy" I play they always seem to be daddy's girls.  We love you!