Beautiful Aspens

Joey, Kirk and I enjoyed a great day on the Grand Mesa today. We rode a mountain bike trail that went passed the top of the Powderhorn ski area. Joey and I rode down the ski area, while Kirk rode the trail back and got the truck. The colors were incredible! WE are so blessed to live in such a beautiful state!

Gracie - Growing Up

She is growing up- actually got her hair in a braid! She has so many new words and sayings now- I can communicate with her most of the time! Here's a sample of our almost 3 year old!

Sun bye-bye - back home
I share mommy
No this mom
Jesus help mom arm better soon Amen
Song - "How are you" as she looks in the mirror
I pick grape garden
I good (when asked how are you)
Prayer before meal "Help food cool down, lettuce no, amen"
When asked her name "Gracie Ching Guchi"
I free Tober fst (Three October first)
Jesus all better mom tummy soon amen.
No tired mom
When asked how her nap was "I feel good mom"
After going up to a stranger and saying hi, she says to me "I like people mom"
Hey dude! (said Wade taught her that)
I shy people mommy (yea right!)
I Gracie pick dress
Mommy I two brothers
I Gracie growing up
I big girl now
I styling hair like Chelsea (as she fluffs her hair out)
Jesus healed me- all better now

Rock Band Stars

Here are my Rock Band Stars! What fun they all have being stars! Gracie is crazy about singing and dancing, especially if she has a microphone!

Dance Party

Kirk's niece Melia, had a wedding reception in Denver. Gracie was in heaven, dancing with anyone and everyone! She could have stayed all night! It was a great party to celebrate!

Fun with Payton

Enjoyed a fun day with the Winningham's- we went to China with them to pick up our girls. So fun to watch Gracie and Payton grow up- they are so different!

Be like Mommy

Gracie loves to be like mommy. She had to wear her biking clothes today when we went on a bike ride. So, I pinned up some shorts and a shirt for her and we were twins!

Enjoying the garden!

In spite of planting my garden late this year, I've enjoyed lots of produce- much more than I can handle! My zuchini, squash, and peppers went crazy. Froze lots of beans and zuchini, and made lots of salsa, green chili, jam etc. Had fun with the grapes this year- made lots of raisins and juice. It kept me plenty busy, but it was fun to have Gracie right there with me. She learned where to step and what to pick and not to pick, and what were weeds etc. The dogs even enjoyed their share of grapes and tomatoes! Some of my peppers were so hot that I burned my hands so badly. Even bleach and rubbing alcohol didn't work. I had to go to bed with cold rags on my hands and take Benadryl. I think I finally found peppers hot enough for Kirk!

Gracie's play time

Gracie is sure learning to play by herself more and more! It's fun to watch her be creative and learn imaginative play. She is loving her dolls, loves to put stuff on her lips, paint her nails with markers, and loves to dress up!

Home School!

Homeschooling has officially started! It is taking us a few weeks to get the hang of things. Joey seems to really like it- he's even done some reading and spelling in the pool! What a life, huh! Gracie is doing a few of her own projects- I've gotten out the paints and markers- just to try to keep her busy while I help Joey. It is a challenge! Joey is learning Japanese and taking 2 classes from teachers who teach homeschoolers. He is also helping out 2 guys at church to learn video/media and sound/lights. One day a week he goes with a guy in the church and helps him with his remodeling business. So, he is getting lots of variety- I'm just trying to keep up with guiding him and helping him (mainly with Algebra/Geometry class).

Labor Day at Colorado National Monument

We do live in a very beautiful place - only 15 minutes away from this spectacular place- we can see it from our back yard. Had a great family day hiking in the Monument and enjoying great views! Found some fun rocks that the kids tried to squeeze between :)