To The Top of Pike's Peak!

There isn't a bad view in Colorado Springs, this place is beautiful.

I find the mountains truly amazing, especially since I am used to the flat lands of Illinois.

We have driven around in awe of the landscape, driving until we get lost and then we turn on the GPS to get back.

We heard from a number of people that the Cog Railway up to Pike's Peak was the best views they've ever seen, so we decided to wake up early this morning and check it out.

I took lots of pictures for my father. I knew that he would want to see the train engine. I think the majority of our family vacations growing up involved riding on a train or at least seeing an old train engine. I wish you could have made the trip up with us Dad :) If you ever make it out to Colorado, this should definitely be on your list of things to do.

This is the old train engine. The railway was built originally by a man from Wisconsin, because he believed everyone should be able to see America from that view. It was completed in 1891.

This is the train engine that we took up.

We were slightly winded at 14,110 feet, and it was COLD! I think I heard someone say 36 degrees and the ride started in the 80's.

The ride up was gorgeous and the tour guide was amazing! Very entertaining and informative.

It was amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view!!! Oh, and I have so many more photos!!!

This is a Brittlecone Pine tree, thought to be about 2,000 years old.

 We stopped and pulled over so another train could come down.

This is at the top!

Clouds above and below us :)

On a good day, 5 states can be seen. It was pretty cloudy, but I could see plenty to make me happy.

It is an image that I will always remember.

This trip has opened my eyes to the amazing things that we can see in America. We have always gone to international destinations, but beauty is in driving distance.

I hope to bring the kids back here some day.

So You're Going To Be Going Dating?

That's what Cam asked me when I told him that mommy and daddy would be gone for a few days :)

And I replied "YES!"

We sure needed a vacation. (Not sure of the timing, but we needed a break from reality.)

We are supposed to be closing on our home in 14 days, radon tests, windows repaired, surveys, termite inspections and appraisals. The appraisal didn't turn out in our favor, I just hope we are not back to square one again when we get back to Chicago.

Because I have been packing and have made a major dent in the house. It would suck to have to unpack.

But I'm trying to take my mind off of that for a while and enjoy this!

Colorado Springs is beautiful. A place like this makes me realize just how flat Illinois is!

We are going to celebrate the marriage of Matt and Malina tomorrow and take in some more sites.

Kids, you better be good for Grandpa and Grandma, because I won't be coming home early to save them. I hope you like the pictures and I'll try to send some more soon.

Love you all!

My Little Man

I put my Cameron to bed tonight and said "Goodnight my 3 year old little man" and he replied "Goodnight my 10 year old mommie" :)

I can't believe the next time I see him, he will officially be 4 years old.

He has a little special place in my heart (as all my children do), but he is the one I spend most of my time with. If I favor talking about him and posting pictures of him, it's because he is the one that is always at my side. My buddy.

When he came into my life, I thought he was going to always be my baby. The one that I would treat like a little prince for his whole life. Then out of nowhere, he became the middle child.

I still choose to treat him like my little prince :)

I love his imagination, young humor and charm . . . he oozes every one of them.

I look forward to his smiles and get upset by his tears and watch for his understanding and glow with his accomplishments.

I look forward to watching him grow into a man.

Even if it breaks my heart.

I love you, my little man, my Cameron

They Both Grew Up Too Much This Year!

Today was the first day of summer vacation.

Cameron decided to get up before 7am, we have to think about investing in blackout shades in his new room. He has always risen with the sun, doesn't matter how late we keep him up.

Zoe made us all breakfast. Pancakes! The twins LOVE them and always devour many more then I think they should.

This morning Zoe changed it up with Pineapple/Chocolate Chip pancakes. Not bad at all and there were empty plates all around. It's so cute seeing the boys pick up their plates, hand them to Zoe and say "MORE!" And I think she loves it :)

The girls had their last day of school at Meadowview. They both came home with great report cards. I am so proud of them both. Zoe said she only cried a little. Audrey came home asking "why we were moving again?" :)

 This picture was taken before their first day of school. It always amazes me how much they change throughout the year.

I caught all the neighborhood kids before they walked to their last day together. Sweet bunch of kids!

Many things will be changing fast for my kids in the next few weeks. A little guilt comes with all the change, but I have to remember that it will all work out, hopefully for the better for our family.

They will make new friends, but it's always good to know that there are some great old friends to keep in touch with.

My Blog Won't Let Me Post Pictures :(

I don't have the time or the patience to mess around and fix my blog picture problem now.

So this is a picture-free blog.

I am not happy about it, because I have some great pictures to share, but that will wait for another day.

I've been a little stressed and busy because .... we have finally sold our home!!!

It only took us about 400 days on the market. Funny thing, they offered us full asking price after all that waiting, no major negotiations and minimal house repairs.

Which is a great thing!

Closing is June 30th, my birthday! Happy Birthday to me :)  This year all I want is a new house. Thing is, we don't have one picked out yet ...... we aren't really even sure of the town.

So, 28 days to pack up a house of 7, throw a birthday party for my 4 year old, destination wedding in Colorado, a baptism, the end of the school year and most importantly, find a house.

That is why I haven't sat down to blog as much. No time.

Then today I took the twins to the doctor. Castiel is SICK! Poor little guy. Emmitt's breathing is audible, not  bad, just squeaky.

3 1/2 hours later I'm home with a neublizer and giving breathing treatments to them both. 4 times a day :(

I don't have time for twins with possible asthma .... not now. But it makes sense. Emmitt has always had sound with his breathing, not bad, not something that I was concerned about, just noticed it. And Castiel has always had a quick, shallow breath ... maybe asthma is why.

I am just going to treat this as my one hour of cuddle time with each of them daily. That is, once they stop fighting me the entire time.

So, back to packing, laundry and finding our next home ... this is going to be fun! (That is complete sarcasm :)  )