1st Day of School

Sierra is off to 3rd grade, and Ryder to Pre-Kindergarten. Happy day!

Super, proud kids!

And they're off...

Sierra met up with her two best girlfriends before the morning bell.

Sierra, Rosemary, Edie

And Sierra was excited to have a picture with her teacher and some classmates. Can you say girl trouble?!

Here's to a fun, successful and healthy year!

The Haircut Ritual

The kids went to Lollilocks today for their 'back to school' haircuts. Sierra loved the pampering. Ryder, well, not so sure.

But both were all smiles and so proud of the finished products!

Hard to believe school is right around the corner...

Our New Neighbors!

Look who moved into the neighborhood - it's the Shapiro Family! Mommy's good friend Jamie, and her family move right around the corner. The kids are very excited!

Ella, Sierra, Ryder, Jack

Welcome to the 'hood old friends!

7th Annual Ned Family Camping Party

This past weekend was the Annual Ned Family Camping Party - for the 7th year. We love our mountain friends!

Sierra was happily reunited with her Nederland 'crew'. Needless to say, Sierra was in heaven.

MacKenzie, Skylar, Sierra, Emma

Mommy was also able to reunite with her Nederland 'crew' too. Happy campers!

Elsa, Jenny, Rachel, Steph

Ryder loved exploring and really loved playing in the water and at the beach.

Gray, Ryder, Avi

The girls spent much of the time in tubing in the river.

Emma, Sierra, MacKenzie, Eliza

Sierra, MacKenzie, Emma, Skylar

There was even a hot tub - mountain style! The water was pumped up from the river, and there was a fire burning down below. So much fun.

The kids loved it!

And no camping party is complete without Piñata time!

Glorianna, Lorelie, Rory, Eliza, Gray, Ryder, Audrey, Ben, Jake, Trevor, Gray, Emily, Jayden, Emma, Dean w/Nora, MacKenzie, Kyleigh, Skylar

Ryder was happy to participate... mostly because he wanted candy.

Snack time!

Sierra, Skylar

The evening wrapped up with campfire fun, smore's, and music.

Morning silliness in the tent.

Happy campers!

It was an easy, relaxing morning... filled with friendship and music.

And then it was time to pack up and say goodbye to our mountain friends.

We had a great camping weekend. What a wonderful tradition! Already looking forward to next year.

Fireman Ryder

Ryder celebrated his buddy Brayden's 4th birthday at the Fire Station today... fun times!

The kids got to climb all of the fire truck, check out the gear, and meet real firemen. Ryder was in heaven!

Happy Hikers

Nature, trails, creeks, and mushrooms. We love hiking in Colorado!

A Day in the Life - Sierra's Summer Camp

Sierra has been doing an assortment of various camps this summer, but her main one is at Mountain Kids. And she loves it! They go on multiple field trips a day, and do all sorts of fun activities and adventures!

Here Sierra shows us the basket she weaved out of grass...

And here she is all smiles at the Xtreme Challenge Arena...

Summertime = Funtime! So blessed to have happy kids at summer camp.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane... It's Ryder Man!

What a great thing to wake up to in the morning!

Sierra's 8th Birthday - Pool Party Style

A summer birthday, means summertime fun. So Sierra had a pool party to celebrate her 8th birthday!

Lots of family snuggles and smiles all around.

Sierra's Nederland 'crew' made it down for the fun.

Kenzie, Sierra, Emma, Skylar

And her Superior 'crew' were in full force too.

Elyse, Sierra, Rosemary, Edie, Caileigh

Sierra is so brave and comfortable in the water now... tackling the slide is no problem!

Ryder, well, he loves the water but still wades in the shallow end, or kiddie pool.

Sierra was super psyched to have her cousin Hank join in the fun.

So much happiness, so much joy, so much fun, and so much cake!

Sierra was in heaven. Happy Birthday to our amazing, kind, loving, smart, funny and talented girl.

We love you!!

Our Beautiful Girl Turns 8!

And what do all big girls want for gifts? Technology, of course.

Sierra received an iPad Mini from her Mom and Dad. Lucky, lucky girl!

Vacation! Chicago Style.

It's summer time, and that means a fun trip to Chicago to visit with all the Matz Family. 

And we're off!

The kids were super happy to see Mila and Tocik, and to play with Cousin Sammy.

Ryder and Sammy were instant, best buddies.

The visit was filled with animals galore! Sierra had fun at the petting zoo.... she loves her animals. 

Ryder was a bit more cautious, and not so sure about the smell of the animals. But he did bond with a goat. 

And Sierra was in awe at the Lippizaner Horse show. Our little vet in training. 

There was a little rain during the vacation... but nothing to damper all the monkey fun!

And then it was time for the 4th of July party and celebration!

Our beautiful American girl!

Daddy and son love!

Fireworks viewing through the trees.... thanks neighbors!

And no visit to Chicago would be complete without some official, Chicago-style, deep dish pizza. Yummy.

What a great trip! Vacation rocks.