July 2018

July was a little bit more relaxed for us. Lots of time at home with the kids and hanging out together and a fun vacation in Estes Park. Lexi is still absolutely in love with Macy and I think the feeling is mutual. This is how I often find them; Lexi sharing her favorite stuffed animal with Macy and talking with her with big smiles all around.

Macy turned 5 months old on July 9th. She is still wearing size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes. I have no idea how Dave and I made a small baby, but here she is. I'm absolutely loving it.

Macy tried baby food for the first time this month. It's safe to say that she loves eating pretty much anything. Except Peas.

Some good friends invited us to go to the Monument 4th of July parade with them this year. The kids had never really been to a parade before so I thought I would give it a shot (Dave was on call and had to work). They had a kids parade before the actual parade so we jumped in with our scooters and stroller. Maybe next year we will actually decorate our bikes.

Lexi made friends with a ladybug.

The Renaissance Fair had elephants and camels in the parade!

There was an equestrian club with ponies in the parade as well. Needless to say that was Cole's favorite part. One of their ponies was dressed up as a unicorn and all of the kids are now convinced that they saw a real life unicorn. Dreams do come true. Unfortunately it went by too fast and I didn't snap a photo.

Macy didn't know what to think about all of the people and noise. She was a good sport though.

That night we met Dave downtown and were planning on watching the fireworks they do in the park there with the orchestra. We had fun eating at the food trucks and playing together in the grass. Unfortunately, one of our infamous July evening thunderstorms snuck up on us pretty fast and we ended up making a mad dash for Dave's hospital. We seem to spend about every other 4th of July running in the rain back to shelter, but I still love those thunderstorms.

This is where we ended up watching the fireworks from - a conference room on the 7th floor of the hospital. We actually watched the lightning show from the storm for quite a while first, then eventually fireworks.

Lexi loves her sunglasses.

Lunch with the kids on a day out.

The Ice Cream Man never disappoints.

Every time I go in to get Macy from a nap she greets me with big smiles and crazy hair.

I love this girl!

She was being awfully cute during a diaper change so I tried to snap a photo with my phone. The second I pulled it out she covered her smile with her hands and would not move them. She apparently has Cole's love of being photographed.

Eating her feet is one of Macy's newest tricks. She's going to be strong and flexible like Lexi.

We rented a cabin at the YMCA in Estes Park, and it was WONDERFUL! We just got back and the kids are already asking to go again. This was the view from the front deck of the cabin.

On our drive into Estes Park we stopped and did a waterfall hike in the Wild Basin Area of the Rocky Mountain National Park. We spent a lot of time hiking during this vacation. This is Calypso Cascades. We were on our way to Ouzel Falls but didn't quite make it there with the kids. 

There were lots of chipmunk friends along the way.

Rock climbing was definitely the favorite thing to do along the trails.

This is the Alluvial Fan trail. Lots of fun bouldering and climbing for the kids.

This is Alberta Falls. Dave took us on lots of waterfall hikes. The pictures do not do this place justice. It was beautiful.

One of the nights we went to a Western dinner and show. There was dress up, BBQ, and lots of Western music. Clara loved riding the rocking horses and Lexi and Cole learned how to lasso a little bit.

We took a break from hiking and spent a day at the YMCA swimming, playing mini golf, painting ceramics and just hanging out. This was Macy's first time swimming. She wasn't quite sure what to think of it.

One of the days we took the Estes Park tram up the mountain. There were tons of chipmunks at the top just waiting to eat our peanuts. The kids got to see first hand where the term "chipmunk cheeks" comes from.

After the tram we went downtown and spoiled the kids with ice cream for dinner.

We all enjoyed our ice cream, but no one quite like Clara. Everyone who walked past us had to smile at this adorable, bubblegum ice-cream covered 3-yr old. She really is a little sunshine.

Then of course we had to chase our ice cream with chips and guacamole before bed.

It's vacation, right?!

Me and my girls. This is how we hiked the majority of the time. For some reason holding my hand and having me drag them was their preferred way to get up the mountain. That, and climbing rocks like goats.

This is Nymph lake. It was filled with blooming lily pads and really was magical.

We loved hiking around and near the river in the mountains. There's just something so special about water in the mountains.

Dream Lake. This seemed almost like a dream because just as we got there it started raining on us and we barely stayed long enough to snap a photo. No, I'm not pregnant again - I'm just hiding Macy under my jacket in the carrier so she doesn't get rained on.

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Forest.

Trolley ride through downtown Estes Park.

We also attempted fishing a couple times with Cole. No luck (again).

Lexi wanted to take some pictures with my camera and these are a few she snapped (among about a thousand other ones).

On our way home we stopped at Boulder Falls (had to get one more waterfall hike in).

We also went through north Denver and stopped at the Butterfly Pavilion. The kids loved seeing all of the live butterflies flying around, as well as all the other insects and sea creatures they have there.

The employees gave a little presentation and explained to the kids that we are not supposed to touch the butterflies flying around. This is Lexi trying to dodge a butterfly headed her way. ;-)

Rosie is a tarantula. I was the only one who didn't join the Rosie club. No thank you.

Lexi and Clara did a little mini Moana dance camp the end of July. They loved the friends and crafts, but I'm not sure either is naturally inclined to dance. Clara especially loved everything Moana themed.

My days of a snuggling baby are quickly coming to an end and I'm trying to soak up every last minute of it. Macy is more interested in looking around and watching everything going on than hugs from Mom at this point and she sleeps better when you just put her down awake rather than letting her sleep in your arms. Sad day.