Smile...

You know it's a great day when even the eggs are smiling...

4th OF JULY~

The Morning...

Of course we had to go to the local parade on Lincoln Ave...It was a must for Griffin to experience it first hand...which he did until he fell asleep halfway through. I was totally surprise he did, he just leaned back and was out, didn't even fight it at all. (side note) Jeff listens (all the time) to a sports radio show and they have a series called..."I'm so over..." and people call in and tell what they are over. Well, I'm so over dogs in public places. I love dogs, seriously, but not at huge human gatherings.

The Afternoon...

We were invited to a couple BBQs in town, but I only got 1 picture and guess who's in it...my boys? We did have a great time at both. We were able to catch up with some high school friends at one and a lot of my mom's friends at the other.

The Night...

Unsure of Griff's ability to take the noise from fireworks, we took a huge risk and went down to RIGHT under where you the city shoots of the fireworks. If there's one thing that really sets this child off, it's loud noises...but this night a whole different story. He absolutely LOVED the fireworks, and they were so loud you could feel them in your chest. As you'll see in the picture, Jeff had a receiving blanket and his hands around Griff's ears to prevent hysteria, but nothing of the sort. He just sat there and stared at all the colors and man, I wish I could have read his mind to see what he was thinking. He was such a champ.

(just hanging, waiting for it to get dark enough)

(the moment we had all been waiting for...)

Also, thank you to all the men and women who make our lives here in American possible. We're so proud to be AMERICANS...and that Griff was born in the USA!!

Back To July...

More Steamboat Pics...


Griffin and I stayed in Steamboat for a total of 11 days and Jeff came on the weekends. He's a trooper for driving back and forth, thanks! So, one of the days we met my friend, Candice and her daughter, for lunch and for some time at the park.

This next picture I love 'cause if you have taken pics of kids you know it's a miracle to just get them to look at you at just the right time. In this one, Griff is the only one looking and he's just so darn happy. We love you Fran and Mema.

Another day we went to the Craig...yes, the Craig Wave Pool. It was really cool 'cause my friend Lacey and her family were able to meet us there and hang out. Her son, Ky, is the cutie in the picture on the left. My Niece, Lilli is on the right showing off her moves after she jumped off the diving board. One of the things I was most looking forward to while in town was attending one of her soccer games and they cancelled the game due to the 4th of July that next weekend. I was so sad. Well, girl, I HAVE to catch one soon.

NIX Family Reunion

June 20-22...

The Nix Family is on Jeff's maternal side. We had a great time at a retreat center near Woodland Park, CO. The best part (for me) was the white elephant exchange, with a few rules changed. A gift is never safe, the only thing is every time it gets stolen the price increases by 5 dollars. A few things got up to like 40 dollars, which means 5+10+15+20...you get the picture not just 40 dollars. The proceeds went to Joe Jr.'s orphanage in Mexico. I thought it was amazing to see them all come together to give to such a great cause. Thank you to you for making me feel so welcomed and not like the newbie.

The reunion is closed each time with a church service, which includes worship music, communion, and a message. I love knowing Griff has such strong Christian family members. God Bless you all...

FOOD

First Veggies...

PEAS...

CARROTS...

SWEET POTATO...

Steamboat Springs...

Patrick and D's Vow Renewal...

Thanks Struwe, for the sweet suit for Griff. It's TDF!

10 years...how is that possible? We just want you Turtons to know how much we love you. You guys looked amazing and the ceremony was very special and beautiful. It's wonderful when you not only love your family but you actually like them, thanks for making it so easy to be together. Griff was just asking when he gets to stay over at your house???

My Wife and My Son

I never really post (never at all actually) on the blog, Jess takes care of it all, but after reading all that my wife says about me, I must respond.

Fathers Day was a bit surreal for me...Its amazing that our son is already 5 months old and that we are coming up very soon (24th) on 2 years of marriage. I can't really imagine what life would be like without Jessie and Griff. I finding great joy in the fact that I am so content with the blessing of my family. In an instant or a small smile, Griffin can make a day that was completely frustrating and annoying, absolutely perfect. I find complete assurance in all that I am everytime I come home at night and speak to my wife. I find great purpose in the pursuit of Gods plan for our family.

I thank Him always for my wife and son, and I thank Jessie for all she does as a wife and a mom...neither is an easy task at times. I have little worry when it comes to being loved. There is not a day that goes by that I do not feel loved by my wife and son (he might be little, but he shows us big love)

I love you both.

The Weekend Continues...

Sunday...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Jeff decided that He wanted to go to Yankee Boy for Father's Day. We packed a lunch and headed out in a Jeep Rubicon right after church (thank you to Lezlee for saving the day with her sunglasses). I wonder how people who Jeep live without a 4 door now? Of course Griffin was in the back and we had to put him in and out using the hatchback window- with all that said we headed south. The day was gorgeous, blue sky and a slight breeze with temperatures in the 80's. The best part...(well almost) was that Griff slept the whole way there...I mean the WHOLE way up the Jeep trail. We were amazed at his ability to sleep through all the bumps and turns. He woke up as soon as Jeff turned the car off...again- what a champ. There were snow walls 12 feet high and waterfalls that had never before existed. The snow this year was incredible, so much for global warming. The river moved with a fierce mission that left me in awe of God once again. We ended our time with lunch in the park in Ouray and a stop off at Cold Stone on the way home (chocolate with black cherries - thanks to Mema for introducing that to us, now we are hooked). Ouray was holding a car show, hence the car in the pic with Griff. Oh and it was Griffin's first time in a park swing, what a day. One other thing...all of us took a huge nap when we got home. I let Jeff go first and took Griff duty and was hoping he would nap too and he did 4:30 to 6:30...love that guy. To top it all off, we next door to help Karen with some computer stuff and they invited us to stay for dinner. She had bbq chicken, potato salad, & zucchini. We are so blessed and love having such great friends and neighbors.

Jeff, just want you to know how much we love and appreciate what you do for us. Thank you for working so hard and providing for us like you do. Griffin is one lucky guy to get to be your son. It's humbling to see you learning and growing from your time with our heavenly Dad. Griff will be able to learn a great deal from you. We love your heart, passions, stinkin' crazy sense of humor, love & your determination.