I Love the Smell of Sunscreen

We had such a fun weekend, but first I included some pictures from the guys getting fitted for their tuxes for Tate and Patti's wedding. It's less than two months away and I'm so excited for them! It will be fun to see Tate, Tad and Trenton all polished and looking like gentlemen (although looks can be deceiving)...

Yesterday we went to Pueblo Reservoir and played in the water. Trenton went out on his friend's boat with coworkers and I went and stole my friend Lisa and her kids, Davin and Sadie, away for the day. We found this beachy area and enjoyed snacking in the shade and swimming. Trenton went wake-boarding and got up a few times. I think more than anything he just enjoyed being in the water and staying cool. Emma had a blast like she normally does, although I think she's just generally happy to be alive.



Tonight was nice and relaxing. I made Trenton's Grandma Freda's famous and dangerously yummy home-made chicken and noodles for his family. I think it turned out okay, or maybe they're just good actors...either way, I think everyone in the world should try it. Here is the recipe as it was given to me:
Take 2-3 eggs and add flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Roll it out and slice into noodle sized...well...noodles. Let them dry out for a good portion of the day on a baking sheet. Boil chicken in two cups of water and add a couple cans of chicken broth. Add noodles and simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes covered and another 20 minutes uncovered. Now here is what makes it special... You MUST serve the noodles over mashed potatoes. I know it seems impossible to eat that many carbs in one meal, so I'll usually offer rolls or muffins to balance it out. Just salt and pepper to taste and you'll never be the same again!



I wish you happy noodles and a relaxing, carb-induced coma!
Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma and Gary

Sparks Flew...Emotions Ran High...

Yesterday was the embodiment of summer in all its American glory! The morning started with a family bike ride at Prospect Lake/Memorial Park. It was my kind of bike ride...no hills, plenty of shade, and bathrooms everywhere! Shannon, Deanna, Cathy, my Mom and Dad, and Emma took a stroll instead of riding, but we all connected at the end and let the babies play in the water...

I wonder if these little ones know why they are wearing red, white, and blue. I wonder if they understand what was sacrificed for them to be free to play, learn, and grow up in a world that allows them to choose for themselves. They can become anything they want to be...astronauts, musicians, artists...and they are encouraged every step of the way! I hope none of them have to personally witness what it takes to maintain that freedom, but I am deeply grateful for those that have and continue to do so.

Later that day (after Trenton and I had our "annual" Fourth of July argument-long story, but we always manage to get into it on the fourth...it's kind of a family joke now) we went and swam at Shannon's and then had some yummy treats with friends and family. It's always especially fun to celebrate the Fourth at Shannon's because she is extremely patriotic. Her entire apartment is decked out in Americana and I am certain there is a sexy military man out there that desperately needs the kind of devoted appreciation only Shannon can offer (air force only please).

After partying at Shannon's we all went down to the fireworks that are displayed over the golf course at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. We met up with Heather and Tim at our friends Ben and Lisa's mom's house. We could not have asked for a more beautiful evening...perfectly warm air and cushion-soft grass to sink our bare feet in as we waited for the sun to set and the show to begin.

Emma was very excited during all the festivities leading up to the fireworks but I was surprised at how she reacted during the show. Her life must be pretty extraordinary on a regular basis because she reacted like it was any other day. She even fell asleep near the end. I did my best to keep her little ears plugged and the lights must have been just enough to lull her to a dreamy slumber. It was so darling seeing the different colors sporadically flash on her face. I just love her so much...



The energy of a child never ceases to amaze me. I was stumbling around all day in an exhausted daze today, yet my little nieces and nephews woke up fresh and excited to enjoy another summer day. If only I possessed that unending zest for life!






Here's to Life, Liberty, and Happiness!
Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Gary

Summer Lovin'

Is there anything cuter than a baby in a bathing suit? Maybe...but I haven't come across it yet! Thanks Grandma for the adorable suit and hat!

Emma's new favorite thing is to look in the mirror and play with that cute baby she sees. If I let her, she'd do that for hours!



Emma finally has enough hair to put into mini-pony tails! She looks like a little ant and it takes forever because she squirms so much, but it is so worth it!

Last night we had Trenton's family over for dinner. When it was time to tuck Emma into bed, she had her Uncle Tad, Uncle Tate, Daddy, Mommy, Aunt Patti and Tad's friend Jen to wish her a good night. If it were possible to spoil a child with love, Emma would be a spoiled brat!



Love,

Janet, Trenton, Emma and Gary