Grandma's Petunias

We were able to visit my Grandma Alley, Coo-choo Grandma to the kids, for a week in June. This was during the time we were homeless, so she was kind enough to endure 3 children under 5 with only one parent to try to reign in the chaos. It was a wonderful week and the kids were spoiled and loved only the way a Great-Grandma can.

We enjoyed Grandma's treats...

and played for hours on end with the greatest toys.

We were able to do some projects and Kali's favorite was helping plant Grandma's petunias in the "wheel." Kali loves helping anytime she can and she felt like a million bucks helping Grandma carefully choose her favorite flowers, moisten the dirt, fill the wheel and plant the young blooms.

Every time we've driven through Laramie this summer we've been able to watch the 'fruits of our labors' grow under Grandma's watchful care. It's been fun to watch. I remember petunias in the wheel since I was a little girl, but this years batch is the biggest I've ever seen. Here are some pictures with proud little Kali by 'her's & Grandma's' flowers.

Swimming Lessons

Today wrapped up two weeks of swimming lessons for my little ones. Their teacher (Coach Dave) gave us evaluations at the end which fit their little personalities very well. He said Trenton seems more cautious and careful, while Kali was quickly swimming circles around Dave, completely submerged. I could have given him that evaluation while they were in utero.

Trenton, patiently mastering the two handed technique...

while Kali dives right in, swimming away.

I had the kids write thank you cards to Coach Dave. This was Trenton's - he loved diving to the bottom to get the rings. Precious.

Lovin' 30!

And so begins the great catch up for the summer of '09. The last 3 months have been an awesome whirlwind of family and fun and it's time to play catch up. I'd like to begin with my best birthday ever filled with many memorable firsts...

The kids first trip to one of my favorite restaurants, Cinzetti's, an all-you-can-eat Italian buffett where kids eat free on Tuesday nights - the same night as my birthday, happy day. After his third trip to the dessert bar Trenton says, "I sure love your birthday, Mom."

Our first get away with my best friend that we've hired a babysitter for (thank you to Mom & Dad and JeVonne & Paul for the previous two get-aways). We went white water rafting and spent a night in Winter Park. Heaven.

It was also filled with my other two favorite firsts - my first surprise party with some dear friends and my first trip to IKEA armed with b-day gifts from generous friends and family. I had way too much fun at IKEA. 1 year and counting until we get one in Denver :).

But my very favorite first - it was the first birthday I wasn't pregnant or nursing in 6 years. I felt like me again. That's a nice feeling.

I loved turning 30 - my 20s were filled with big life-determining decisons (why do we have to make those so young anyway?), college, a tragedy, three pregnancies, and a few bumps in the road...all of which were educational, refining, and some rewarding, but none of which I care to repeat. I love where I'm at and my blessings are inumerable. I am blessed with an incredible husband, healthy, loving children, a beautiful home, a secure job, and especially a supportive family & dear friends. I've had many warnings about turning 30, but I think I'm going to like it :).