A good day to play

Today was another beautiful day so we called up Aunt Gina to see if she and the kids would like to meet up for a picnic/playdate at the park. Sammie was super excited to see her cousins:) Cole was loving it too.
Thanks for coming out to play!!!


Cole "the climber" South

The girls had a blast playing together.

She likes pink--did I mention that?

Happy as can be.

Saturday

This has been such a great morning so far...kids slept in til 7:00, went for a very beautiful walk, Cole has been asleep for 3 hours now (not sure what that's about-more growing?, and Sammie has been entertaining herself...as you can see! I even got a shower today! Peter is coming home early today and we are heading to downtown Tempe for Oktoberfest later this afternoon... some days it just all comes together!
Happy Saturday eveyone.

Just Because

I am posting these pictures just because...

...just because I think Cole is the most adorable boy I have ever seen.
...just because I love him so so much.
...just because I love his little finger in his mouth.
...just because I love his big, blue eyes.
...just because I can't imagine our family with out him.
...just because he's our little Cole Train!

Grand Canyon

My friend Aaron has started a tradition where he hikes some trail in the Grand Canyon every year. I finally was 'tricked' into a nice easy hike this year. We started at the top on the South Kaibab trail, down to the Colorado River, and across to the Bright Angel Trail. After a short 10 hours and a nice easy 17 miles (and when I say easy, I mean the most difficult hike I've ever done) we conquered the canyon. The Park Service web site says that people shouldn't hike down and up in the same day, and unless you are in pretty good shape, you shouldn't. This hike is both physically and mentally demanding. By the last 3 miles, we were all completely exhausted and baby stepping our way to the top. It was a great 'life hike' and I look forward to tackling it again several more times. Hopefully when I'm 60 I can be as strong as my Dad and hike it with Cole and his buddy! Thanks for a memorable hike guys!

Good morning...it's 5:30am and we're ready!




Here comes the sun...fun to watch the canyon slowly light up.

Ok, the sun's up! Let's rock!

Me and my Dad. He is one tough hiker

The scenery

The crew

Ok...we made it to the river! Now comes the hard part!

Til next time Grand Canyon

Friends

Our good friends the Jacksons kindly invited us over for dinner tonight and we had such a great night. Ok, truth be told, we invited ourselves but we are good friends and we can do that!!!
Samantha played with Lily, Brian and Mary's pomeranian, even though ever time we go there she is terrified of her! I think tonight was a turning point.
Tyler played with Cole, but mostly Sammer. They are closer in size after all. Thanks for sharing all of your fun toys Ty Guy:)
Thanks Mary and Brian for a yummy dinner and a relaxing night with friends.
We love you guys.


Tyler and Cole chillin before dinner.

Sammie petting her new BFF Lily!

Peek-A-Boo!

Pure Joy.

All snuggled up.

Ready to zonk out.