The Wait

Oops. They're not open yet. The wait is about to make Emma's head explode.

American Girl

Emma has finally made it to the Denver American Girl store. It is just a couple minutes from Uncle Bob. She has been waiting for this. It is like Christmas morning right now for Emma n

Red Rock

We just got done hiking Red Rocks. Beautiful. I had Emma in a hiking carrier on my back. She loved it. Kelley had Evelyn strapped to her. It was a lot of fun.

Now we are heading to Denver. We're going to meet up with Uncle Bob at Falling Rock Tap House.

Coors Brewery Tour

Just got done with the Coors tour. Now we are finishing up in the tasting room.

Butterfly Pavilion

We got into Uncle Bob's house yesterday and had a great cookout. This morning we are at the Butterfly Pavilion. Emma loves it and Evy wants to touch everything.

Lexington, NE

Got a large amount of the trip done today. Landed in Lexington, NE. We ate and swam. Now for a good night's sleep. The girls are having fun.

Colorado

Our family vacation officially began when we pulled out of the driveway today around 8:15 this morning. While Evy was drifting in and out of sleep, we taught Emma how to get the semi drivers to honk their horns. She thinks this is so fun and will provide hours of old school entertainment for all of us.

Bix &

Emily, Kelley, and I ran the Bix yesterday. Good run...but wet. We had a good time at the end of the race.

Great Day

We are really enjoying this game. Great seats and the Cubs are winning...for now.

Cubs Game

Grandpa and I have great seats for the Cubs game.

Livestrong Teether

Evelyn has been trying for months to get my Livestrong bracelet away from me. With teeth coming in, Evy was crying while Kelley and Emma were trying on clothes. I finally let Evelyn play with my bracelet and she is loving it. I imagine taking it away will be difficult, but I don't want her swallowing it. But with close supervision, it is something she loves.

Uncle Bob and Evelyn

Candy Land

This is a photo of a family debate over the rules of Candy Land. Definitely worth the time to watch.

My 5K

Our friend Anne did a great job organizing this event. Emma ran in it as well and had a lot of fun.

I took 4th overall and 1st in my division.

Hot Day...Cool Treat

Emma did a nice job at swim lessons today. Time for an Italian ice to cool her down.

Asleep with Pooh

Birthday Party and Ribfest

This weekend was Emma's cousin Hannah's birthday party. After the party, we went to the Lake in the Hills Ribfest.

New Glarus

Yesterday we drove to New Glarus Wisconsin. While at the brewery, Emma was introduced to root beer for the first time. Needless to say, she loved it and it was a highlight of her trip.

Fashion No No

Emma decided to try to make socks and sandals work.

iPad

I just recently got an iPad. After playing with it for a while, I've come to the following conclusions...

1. For reading a book, the Kindle is better. The glare on the iPad can be a problem. Kindle is more a simple and natural experience. But, for graphic novels or instruction/how to books, you cannot beat the bright color screen (obviously edging out the Kindle in this category).

2. Movies are nice, but only practical for traveling.

3. Too big to be an mp3 player, but the speakers are nice. I am outside now while the kids play. The speakers are loud enough for us.

4. Typing stinks...period. Very awkward.

5. Get a good newspaper app, and you will be hooked. USA Today and Huffington post offer the best newspaper experience. Intuitive and easy to get to what you want. Same for RSS feeds. For resources and surfing the web, this is a great machine.

I really like the iPad as a resource and web browser. I thought Emma would like it more than she did. Emma can quickly use the iPad, but pointed out it is like a big phone.

Hannah and Emma

Emma's cousin Hannah is staying the night. Right now the girls are at the library during story time. The library has games planned. When they get home, Kelley will have a tea party lunch ready.

Emma Frozen in Carbonite

Darth Emma

Emma and C3P0

Emma and Ewoks

Emma and Queen Amadalla

Emma and Anne

Emma had a great time with the Ryerson family.

Intermission

Emma is officially a Queen Amadalla fan.

Nate and Emma

Concert is about to start.

Star Wars in Concert

Emma and I are at Star Wars in Concert with the Ryerson boys.

Blues Fest

After Kelley got cleaned up from her race, we went to the Farmer's market to get items to make fresh salsa. Now we are in the shade at Blues Fest.

Kelley's 5K

Kelley ran it in 24 minutes.

Dancing

Looks like Evy is caught in the middle if dancing.

Evy & Grandma