Lots of Fun & Lots of Work

The past few weeks have been so busy with the end of the school year, high school graduations, visiting family and family visiting, house projects, and Memorial Day. We crammed in a lot of fun and a lot of work. I'm secretly hoping that the next few weeks are a little less insane.

We went down for a night to celebrate the twin's graduation from high school. After a few late nights we found Grace passed out like this in the morning. Tired, tired little girl.

Last year Chad completed some training to become Six Sigma Black Belt certified (one week in November and another in December). After the training he had to complete a massive project. He has been working on it ever since and finally completed the project! Chad is now officially Six Sigma Black Belt certified! I'm so proud of him; I know how hard he has worked.

 Cayden (the little stinker) came home one of the last days of school with this picture. He told me it had been in the school art show. Seriously kid?! You tell me after the fact that you have a picture in the art show?! Goober head.

One of the many, many house projects we've recently completed... a mantle for the fireplace! It wouldn't have been possible without a lot of help from Chad's dad. I am absolutely in love with it and the rock fireplace looks better than I imagined! Just to show you how much work and effort it took, look at how they cut the wood to match the contours of the rock. Amazing!

While Chad's family was visiting for the Memorial Day weekend we decided to go hiking in Castlewood Canyon. We did something similar last fall when they visited and the kids remembered and wanted to do it again. We packed everyone up and headed out. It was a relatively short hike, only two miles of moderate difficulty, but the kids loved it! They were troopers and hiked the whole way, slips, falls and all! We may have to try and go hiking more often.

Entertainment on the way down.

Laura decided that her and Grandpa needed to switch hats. It didn't last very long.

My kids thought they had to climb on or inside any rocks they found. Some were pretty dang big and they scaled them like no big deal.

My little mountain goats. They didn't want to come down.

More climbing on top of rocks. I love this kid's pose. What a goof!

Some silly faces before attempting to go inside the rock.

A little worried about going inside the rock... but they did it!

We saw a pretty good sized bull snake while hiking. Gracie said it was "scary".

 Oh my goodness, what a sassy pants! This little girl was bound and determined to hike without the help of anyone. She absolutely refused to hold a hand. I was actually impressed that she made it up the last little bit, it was quite steep and the steps were almost up to her waist. Still, she refused to get any help. I'm sure her strong will and stubbornness will serve her well later in life. These pictures though! I can't get over the face and crossed arms.  We stopped and offered to let the people behind her pass, but they were thoroughly enjoying walking behind Grace. Love my little ornery girl.