Freedom, Family, and Friends

July absolutely flew by.  What a great time for catching up with family and friends.  For the first time since I can remember, we were actually in town for the 4th of July and had a blast at our dear friends' annual "White Trash 4th of July" celebration.

The following weekend, my book club girls headed to Granby for great conversation and fun.

And all of our kids celebrated Sofia's birthday the following weekend:

Porter and Emma Rose LOVED the time they got to spend with Alaska cousins Morgan and Dylan, who came down to Colorado to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a couple weeks. 

We all went to the rodeo one evening and Emma Rose was the only one eager to jump on and ride the mechanical bull!

We went back up to Devil's Head for a hike.  Holden joined us as well.  Porter was in absolute boy-cousin-heaven!

The kids have really enjoyed the lake this month as well...Especially with cousins!

Emma Rose and Porter attended a week-long soccer camp at Valor, which they loved.

Both received awards at the end of the week.  Emma Rose received the "Integrity" award for always doing the right thing, and Porter, to no one's surprised, received the "Endurance" award for playing hard right to the end.

Finally, at the end of the month, my sister, cousins, sister-in-laws, aunt and mom went up to Granby for our annual girl's weekend.  S'mores, wine, laughter, running, paddle-boarding, facials, food, and great conversation...

We even spotted a moose after our trail-run!

 (A real one!!!)

The kids and I have had an especially unique summer together in that they don't have the constant hoards of friends surrounding them now that we are in my parents' neighborhood, so we've spent mornings biking/running together, evenings going on walks and playing family games.  It's been the three of us making the most of our weekdays together.  I have loved watching them grow closer as each other's best friend.

Our last day of the month was spent with a family morning at Top Golf.

I'm sad to see the summer fade away again, but grateful for the many memories made and the fun times had with friends and my amazing family.  I am truly blessed.