Colorado Summer, Cousins, and Fun in the Mountain-High Sun

What an amazing and full summer we've had.  I keep tearing up at the thought of the kids going back to school in a week.  I am grateful for the fun we've had with friends and family, for the memories we've made, and for the uniquely special time we've had.

Lori, Jarrod, Morgan, and Dylan came to visit for a couple weeks, so Porter and Emma Rose were in cousin-heaven!

Lori spent an hour teaching Emma Rose & Morgan the art of pool!

Fun water-games at Grandma's house!

 Emma Rose & I had some special girl-time, painting and horse-back-riding, while Porter monopolized on boy-cousin time with Dylan...

And more cousin-time...

We went on a beautiful hike outside of Palmer Lake with the cousins, followed by an evening of backyard camping and S'mores at Grandma & Grandpa's...

We are thrilled that my cousin, Erin, and her 3 boys recently moved back from Chicago, and now we're neighbors! The kids loved seeing her boys, as well as my cousin, Abby's, son and daughter.  Looking forward to lots of fun with this crew...

Ava, Josh, Alec, Owen, Charlie, Porter, & Emma Rose

Last week, the Sowa-family headed to Keystone/Breckenridge for a little get-away.  

Beer and Bluegrass festival, playing, hiking, shopping, and river-rafting made for a fun, relaxing family vacay...

These are pics from our McCullough Gulch hike...

... followed by the promised ice cream if there was no complaining on the hike!

We love Keystone, for its scenery, and for the fun it offers the kids... 

Heading home from Keystone, we decided to go river-rafting along Clear Creek.  Both kids had a blast, and the weather ended up being perfect.

Porter and Emma Rose sure do love their cousins.  The second we got back in town, a trip to Elitch's with Ansley and Caroline was planned.

So, yep! We officially have 1 week left before the kiddos go back to school.  (WHAT!?!?!)

It has been such an incredible summer, one where Porter and I, especially, have re-bonded, and I'm impressed with the mature choices he's making, the young man he is choosing to become.

Emma Rose, on the other hand, remains as sweet and adventure-seeking as ever.  They're growing up quickly, and I'm so, so grateful that God gave them to me.

Ain't No Room for Summertime Blues

Summer has been flying by.  The past few weeks have been filled with pool days, Elitch Gardens, backyard fun, hiking, and lake time too... Here's a look at what the kids have been up to:

With passes to Elitch's this year, we've been able to spend a few days on rides.  Porter loves the log ride and refuses anything scary, whereas Emma Rose is up for every roller coaster and thrill ride, from the Mind Eraser to Tower of Doom.

Emma Rose's face the first time she got off off Tower of Doom.

It's been so hot on the days that the sun actually peeks out from the clouds that the kids (specifically Emma Rose) convinced me to get a mini pool for the back yard.  That has been a host of all kinds of neighborhood fun.

We hung out in the neighborhood for the 4th, but not before Emma Rose made an awesome cookie cake for everyone to enjoy!

The next morning, Emma Rose and I went on a beautiful hike at Maxwell Falls and we saw all kinds of nature.  Emma Rose is so much fun these days - an amazing companion to her Mama.

Emma Rose is all about summersaults and handstands - and sometimes prefers grass to water, even at the pool!

Emma Rose's dear friend, Payton

And of course, we've enjoyed time at the lake.

We have more adventures packed in for the next few weeks.  

I say a prayer of thanks daily - sometimes hourly - for how truly blessed I am to have time to spend with the kids in the summer.