Cup’a tea, anyone?

Alexa & I celebrated our first little tea party today. It was “on the fly,” so nothing especially creative. Let’s face it, I’m no Barefoot Contessa and I don’t even like being barefoot. Simple fare - heart-shaped pb&j’s, strawberries and apple juice. But that’s what’s so wonderful. Alexa was delighted nonetheless. She thoroughly enjoyed sipping her “tea” with her British accent. We look forward to “having tea” again. Perhaps, Mommy will go all out next time with scones, crumpets and a lil’ Earl Grey. By the way, the tea set was a hand-me-down from Rylen & the handles on the cups say “celebrate life.” I agree wholeheartedly. Happy weekend to you and yours!

 

One last hurrah . . .

My niece & nephew start school this Friday (sniff, sniff). The dogs days of summer are quickly coming to a close, so we had to schedule one more outing with the cousins before the school bell rings. Daddy took off work, and thanks to a Groupon, we enjoyed a wonderful day of water fun at Andy Alligator’s, a new water park close to Norman. Alexa had a blast and I think the cousins did too.

Five minutes into our drive home, I looked back to discover this (gotta love those lips that had just relinquished the pacifier – now neatly tucked in her elbow crease) . . . I think six hours at a water park was an exhausting & exhilarating last hurrah for Lil’A.


Have a great first day of school Rylen & Layton – we love you!!

The Great Outdoors

I debated on publishing this post. I think even Ansel Adams would agree it is difficult to capture the grandeur & majesty of the mountains. It is, without a doubt, most inspiring in person. And that’s what we love to do at Gram K’s – discover God’s beauty firsthand (out of breath & a bit lightheaded). However, the unbelievable vistas are always worth the trek. We hope you enjoy the views . . . we sure did!! Just looking at these pics makes me want to strap on hiking boots and go back. 

San Juan Mountains blanketed by clouds & sunshine.



Even Alexa wanted to go for a little hike with Daddy. The reward was a playground at the end of the road with horses to pet along the way. 

Not too far from the meadow where Chris proposed almost seven years ago.


The “mighty warrior” pose by John.

Fish Creek Reservoir last year . . .

The same view of Fish Creek Reservoir this year. We are unsure why it was so dry.

The bottom of Fish Creek Reservoir. Reminds me of the way my skin feels in CO.

Gram K’s house – She really lives over the river & through the woods (at 9,000 ft).

An unbelievable rainbow Chris captured on a solo hike – so sad I missed it!

 


High Park Lake – Chris is in the bottom right. It was gorgeous & the fish were large!



Chris took a four wheeler up to a summit we didn’t have time to get to on foot. He did, however, have to climb up the shale in the pic above. The view was definitely worth it. Luckily, he missed the rain below.


It isn’t a trip to CO without a few wildlife sightings. This deer enjoyed breakfast on Gram K’s lawn several mornings.

This lil’ brown bear visited the log home at least three times (at night) – even scratching at window sills. He was tearing bark apart from this tree just outside her home one afternoon.

Not everyone enjoyed extended hikes during the day but we did walk to the canal every morning. It was a special time for us all. Here’s the crew (minus Gram K) bright-eyed with morning breath.

Here’s to cooler days to come and a very blessed time in Colorado!!

Meeting Ruthie

Introducing our just turned six-month-old niece, Ruthie Ann. I have to admit, I didn’t expect she would steal such a big piece of my heart but it was love at first sight. She’s a doll. She’s quite serious most of the time, but you can tell she’s always thinking and taking in everything. When she giggles, squeals or grunts – it’s priceless. I’m so thankful Alexa had some special time with her newest cuz. I can’t wait to watch them play when Ruthie gets bigger. This blog is dedicated to family.

The Kennedy/Chase crew: John, Kelly & Ruthie, Grandma Rachel, Ama (Karen) & Opa (Charlie) and our crew – paci included.

I couldn’t resist including this priceless pic of the grandparents with their girls.

Gram K with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Notice the switch-a-roo.

SWEET RUTHIE ANN



 


I called Ruthie a little Cabbage Patch doll. Gotta love those cheeks.




Ruthie didn’t know what to think of Uncle Chris this go around. She’ll find out how cool he really is next time we visit.




THE COUSINS

The girls gabbing on our daily morning walk to the bridge. 

My hope is that someday Alexa really will be picking out a tune for Ruthie to enjoy.

An early morning with Ama & Opa.

Ruthie watches Alexa stack’em up.

A FEW MORE OF LIL’ A




Like father, like daughter. Alexa & Daddy playing on their iPads.

Next . . . our adventures outside! Happy Monday to you!!