SEPTEMBER (Beware looong post)

Donuts for a yummy breakfast...a reward for hard work!



Our garage was a huge mess and to walk around the garage it was like an obstacle course. We decided to tackle the project of cleaning our garage during Labor Day weekend. We hired someone to hang our drywall and then some friends of ours helped us paint it. As you can see, Cassidy had a BLAST painting her part of the wall too. She quickly realized it was more fun to paint with her hands than with a brush.







Derek designed and made some storage shelves to put against the walls. We are now organizing our "junk" and labeling everything in bins. This project has been overdue and we're so excited to be so close to finishing. I know it's just a garage, but I have to take care of my sweet hubby who has a workshop in the garage and uses his hands to create hobbies like making wooden jigsaw puzzles. Now he has a warmer garage to work in and a much cleaner garage too! Pictures of completed garage to come!


CASSIDY'S DAY!



Each September we celebrate "Cassidy's Day" which marks our anniversary of when Cassidy joined our family! Our lives changed forever when this sweet little girl entered our lives and softened our hearts. She is our spunk for life!

So this year we asked Cassidy what she wanted to do for our special day together. This is what she asked for:

• A Bike Ride
• Play at one of her favorite stores: Dick's Sporting Store (a huge playground for all of us)
  
• Go Swimming
  

So Derek and I came up with this plan. We would ride our bikes from our house to Dick's Sporting Store, and play until our hearts content. At Dick's we had Noodle wars (the girls against Daddy), played with bouncy balls, rode up and down the escalators, Cassidy and I hid from Daddy and he snuck up behind us and scared us, played catch with baseball gloves, sat inside tents, pretended we were at the lake sitting in paddle boats, and more. It's always fun!

Next, we went outside right next door to the movie theater where they turn on the water fountains where the kids can run through the water and play. That was our swimming idea. :) So Cassidy got all wet and loved it! She even talked Daddy into running through the water with her, even without his bathing suit. Then we rode our bikes home. It was such a FUN family date. We look forward to our next "Cassidy's Day!"





Preschool's Back!!!!

Preschool is back in Session...September thru May.

Us moms are taking turns teaching again. Our preschool group has changed, we split up our group from last time since there has been more moms interested in joining. So now I only teach 5 kids and by myself, no team teaching. We'll see how it goes...but both Cassidy and I are excited!



GYMNASTICS!!!!



If you know Cassidy...you know she LOVES BEING ACTIVE!!! Over the last several months she would tell me, "Mom, I'm a Gymnst!" We have only talked about gymnastics a couple of times and been to a gym maybe twice. But she has the confidence, desire, and the strength to hang, swing, climb, on everything and anything. So Derek and I looked into enrolling her into a gymnastics class. We thought with her energy it could maybe help her out with her concentration and focus.

We looked into different gyms around town but was recommended to this place: Stars Gymnastics. It was funny actually how we heard about this place. We went out to eat at an Italian Restaurant and learned that our waitress was a gymnst. She was actually an alternate for the 1996 Gymnastic Olympic Team. She coached at Stars Gymnastics too. We were happy with what we heard and decided to give it a go. Cassidy loves it! It was a 6 week program, every Thursday for one hour. She learned so much about her body and it has helped increase her confidence even more. Her favorite thing was the uneven bars and trampolines. Terri her coach was just wonderful with Cassidy and all the kids. Each week they followed a theme and tried new floor obstacles too. Right now we're slowing down a bit and taking a break, but sooner than later we hope Cassidy can continue with gymnastics.

The other day I caught her doing back hand stands off her bed. :) :) :)

Floor Stretching

Handstand

Look at that Strength!

Uneven Bars

FRIENDS VISITING

Our friends Mario and Lisa with their two adorable kids Hannah and Isaac visiting from New Mexico.

Cassidy and Hannah

Our friends Matt and Nicole and their cute girls Jocelyn, Rachel, and Madelyn visiting from Virginia. Jaime and Tyler our friends from Colorado. :)

Jaime and Nicole

Can you tell we go to Chick Fila ALOT!!! :)

Sweet William

Our nephew William James is here! He weighed 9lbs 4 ounces and 21 inches long. We are so excited because we get to meet this little guy this December! We can't wait to show him some love. He's so adorable!

Congratulations Kevin & Katie! We love you!!!

Branden's Baptism

Our nephew Branden turned EIGHT on August 28th. But a week before his birthday he broke his wrist while playing on the playground before school. He was so heartbroken about having to maybe wait 6-8 weeks before he could get baptized because of having to get a cast.

But fortunately, he was able to get a water resistant cast and was able to be baptized soon after his birthday. Isn't he just so handsome????

We wish we could have been there Buddy! And would love to hear all about it!
WE LOVE YOU!

Baseball Fun

We invited Camille and her girls to go to a Sky Sox game (Local Semi-Pro Baseball team). We were adventurous and walked to the Stadium across the street. The rain clouds rolled in and it started to pour, the game hadn't even started yet. We waited and waited to see if there was a chance for the rain to stop. The girls had fun playing in the water and jumping in rain puddles. After awhile everyone was still unsure if the game was going to be canceled or not so we decided to walk home and enjoy some hot chocolate back home. Later we found out the game was cancelled and that we could trade our tickets for a different game.

Can you tell we look sad in the rain?

The girls didn't let the rain ruin their fun!

We rescheduled our Baseball Adventure on "Kids eat Free" night and as you can see everyone was thrilled to have our 2nd chance to watch the game on a beautiful, clear night.

Sox the Fox-He was a favorite!

I love going to Sports Games and the atmosphere is always so exciting! The Cheers from the Fans, the National Athem (performed by a children's sign language group), Music, Mascots, the Food, the Game, etc. Unfortunaley, Camille and the girls weren't able to stay the whole game but Cassidy and I were able to stay. We're so glad we did because Cassidy was able to get a baseball from our Sky Sox team's batting coach...Rene Lachemann.

We ran into our neighbor Jim and his son Alex and decided to visit with them. They knew the inside scoop of the teams traditions and opportunities to get close to the players. They told us that after each batting inning Coach Lachemann will look for a child to give the baseball to. And every time he gives the ball to a different child. He has kept this tradition for over 20 years. Amazing!!!! It was the last batting inning of the night and guess what???? He gave it to Cassidy! Coach Lachemann asked Cassidy "You're cheering for our team, right?" Cassidy shook her head yes. Coach Lachemann said, "Then take this ball and get out of here!" (He said this with a serious face and tone of course kiddingly) Cassidy was reluctant to take the ball so I had to encourage her. It was so funny! Then he went into the dugout. I think Cassidy was a little confused while the other children laughed. But once she had that ball in her hands she had a huge smile on her face! She couldn't wait to show Daddy.

Then we found out one of the Major League pitchers that plays for Colorado Rockies, Ubaldo Jimenez #38 was in the crowd watching the game. Not many people knew this (again inside scoop from our friends). We walked over to him where he was sitting with his family and asked if he could sign Cassidy's special baseball. He was so nice!

Before the game was over Cassidy also had the chance to play on the inflatable playground equipment. Although there was height restrictions for the taller slide Cassidy was determined to go on it. I assured the girl that Cassidy is a little climber star and capable. She let Cassidy try it. Cassidy proved to all of the staff she definitely could do it all by herself! She was so proud of herself and they were happily surprised!

It was an amazing night! We will never forget it!

Horse Show

Our friend's daughter Averi, has been competing in Horse shows and we thought it would be fun to go to one. All three of us get excited over horses and wish that someday we will be able to own a ranch and have horses of our own.

Cassidy was excited to go see the horses, and has no fear walking right up to them. She kept asking us if she could sit on the really big horses. But we had to remind her that we were there to watch the show. Averi rides a pony named Rodeo. He is so cute! We had a fun time watching Averi, she did very well. Who knows maybe Cassidy will be competing in Horse Shows next?


If you listen closely you can hear Derek and Cassidy making horse sounds and Cassidy telling Daddy she wants a horse

Hiking

My friend Leigh organizes hikes around Colorado and her adorable baby girl Claire loves it. The thought of joining her for one of her adventures sounded so exciting and fun! She found this place... Florrisant Fossil Beds, a national park in Florissant, Colorado (an hour away). And being our first time I wasn't sure how tired Cassidy would get. So Leigh was nice enough to find a stroller-friendly hike. Maybe we'll work up our endurance. :)

It was a pretty drive through the mountains. Cassidy was thrilled and asked lots and lots of questions. Upon arrival after potty breaks, smearing of sunscreen, decisions on what trails to take, and picture taking, we were ready for our adventure. Leigh's sweet Claire just took it all in quietly while Cassidy continued to ask her questions. She liked looking at the signs and would tell us in her own words what the signs taught us.


The trails at Florrisant Fossil Beds are all wide, relatively smooth, and have little or no elevation gain, so it was perfect for our kiddos.


We learned about petrified redwood stumps that were scattered around the park. In the one pictured above, there are still a couple rusted saw blades stuck into the stump where people once tried to move it. We came across several educational signs describing the prehistoric landscape, animals, and plants.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch. It was so refreshing to be surrounded in Nature. It made me want to go camping even more before it gets too cold. We enjoyed watching birds and a squirrel on the trails.

Cassidy helping put Claire's hat back on

Thank You Leigh and Claire for letting us hike with you!

Concerts at the Park

During the Summer there are FREE concerts at different parks. My friend Shauna told us about the Little London Orchestra in Manitou Springs. We had to go check it out!

Cassidy fell asleep on the drive there so she just cuddled in our laps for the first half of the concert. It was the perfect combination listening to AMAZING MUSIC and SNUGGLING with Cassidy.

The Orchestra pick "Themes" each week for their concert. It was our lucky night...they played music from famous Musicals: The Music Man, Les Miserables (On my own), My Fair Lady,... The Music Man is Derek's favorite musical! He sang right along with the Orchestra. I can listen to that man's voice anytime, any day!

That night they also did an auction for the Conductor's wand. Whoever was the highest bidder would have the chance to lead the band and be their conductor for a special number. Derek had the great idea to bid, so Cassidy could get that opportunity (since she likes to pretend she's conducting the music in church). But unfortunately we only had $20 and was out bid. Maybe next time.

Towards the end of the concert Cassidy found her energy and played on the playground next to the Pavilion. She also enjoyed climbing rocks. The final song they played was John Philip Sousa "Stars and Stripes Forever", it was fun to watch Cassidy march to the music around the park.

Cassidy's Cuteness

• Cassidy thinks McDonald's real name is- Old McDonald's (after the song, Old McDonlad had a farm...)

• When Derek or I drive Cassidy says: "Hold on tight!"

• Whenever she gets in trouble and we give her a "time out" or if she falls down a 2nd time she will say "Not Again!"

• We call her Angel sometimes and she will say: "But I don't have wings!"

• One night Derek drove by Dick's Sporting Store. Cassidy: "Can we go to Dick's?" Derek: "No not tonight it's bedtime." "Are you sad?" Cassidy: "No I'm not sad I'm just disappointed."

• Caught Cassidy in the Bathroom playing in the sink with a huge water mess. Mom: Cassidy, how many times did I tell you we don't play in the water in the bathroom? Cassidy: "Sometimes I get confused, Mom."

• Cassidy: I'm so Brave I don't get scared with the Lightning

• Cassidy: "Mom, where does Belle live?" (while cleaning her room) Mom: "In your toy box" Cassidy: "No, Belle lives in the Temple, the Beauty and the Beast Temple." (castles are temples)

• Cassidy: "Daddy's a Good Man!"

• After bedtime stories and prayers sometimes Cassidy will ask one of us to lay down with her for a little bit. Derek volunteered to lay down, Cassidy said with her sweet voice, she wanted me to lay with her instead and then made sure to tell Derek she still loves him and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Just to make sure she didn't hurt his feelings.

• Gets excited to use the sign language she knows to communicate with the sweet Walmart lady who's deaf. It makes the 3 of us happy!

• Loves to feed her dog, and does it all by herself! Starting her chores early while she likes it! Hopefully then it will become habit. :) She also helps with the dishes, cleaning her room, make her bed, set the table, pull weeds...

• When Cassidy gets really mad at me this is what she says: "Mom I want you to go to Heaven!" I guess it's sweeter than the alternative.

• Sometimes I lay on Cassidy's shoulder and she'll say: "Mom, please don't do that I'm not a pillow."

• If I get grumpy Cassidy will tell me: "Mom I want you to be happy!" "Be Happy!"

• Out of the blue Cassidy will say: "Mom I like hanging out with you all the time!"

• Derek will be calling me from downstairs "Hey Ange?" Cassidy: "Ange is upstairs!"

• Her newest thing with kisses is that after she gives us a kiss she will RUB it in so it won't go away and will last forever. It's the sweetest thing!
  

Swimming Lessons

(Pictures taken by my talented friend, Valeri)

Red Light/Green Light

Don't Cry Ali, it will be Okay

So as you can see we have been playing in the water A LOT this summer...the Lake, Water World, Water Fun at friends houses, and now Swimming Lessons! :)

Cassidy graduated from having her mom in the pool with her...she was all on her own for the 1st time with her swimming teacher Alicia, and with some of her preschool friends (Tyler, Chloe, Ali) and made new friends with Reese, & Jake.

It was so fun to watch her swim 5 days a week over a 2 week period. Alicia was very patient with the kiddos. By the second week Cassidy overcame her fear of going underwater all by herself and swimming to the steps. I'm so proud of her! As a parent you feel like their biggest fan to watch your child overcome their fears. Cassidy's favorite part was playing Red Light (no kicking)/Green Light (kick as fast as you can). On the last day of swimming lessons we had a big Pizza Party at the park.

We're going to take a little break from swimming lessons, but Cassidy can't wait until she gets back in the pool to learn how to swim even better!

Water World here we come!

Derek has been wanting to go to a Water Park for a looooong time, and finally we did! We invited our friends Camille, Andrew, their two cute girls Alyson and Brooklyn, and Virginia (Andrew's mom). We had it planned out to be able to take turns watching the girls so we could enjoy the adult rides too.

So Derek and I had the first shift to have 2 hours to go play together. We first went down the river ride that we loved. Then Derek talked his scared wife into going on the Zoomerang. I was nervous about this thrill ride the entire time waiting in line. I had mixed emotions: excitement, fear, and more fear...It was finally our turn and I just wanted to turn around. But too late! I sat in the front and Derek in the back. All I remember is that I closed my eyes, screamed, and felt my stomach rise in my throat. I was happy that I conquered my fear, well at least for that day! ;) Then we went on the racing slides. Derek of course was way ahead of me.

(Just to show you what the Zoomerang is)



Then it was Camille and Andrew's turn. Brooklyn fell asleep so her grandma Virginia stayed with her and so Derek and I took Cassidy and Aly on some rides. We went on the Lost River of the Pharaohs ride, played in the wave pool, and took them on the sky ride.

The last couple of hours we stayed together and went on more rides with the girls, and Derek and Andrew went down the suicide slides. :) I wasn't brave enough to go on those. :) It was so fun to play with Cassidy in the water! She LOVED the experience and splashing around with all of us. There was so much to do! We had a wonderful time! We'll be back next year.

That Face says it All!

Andrew & Aly

Camille & Brookie

Daddy & Cassidy