Dearest Grand Lake, How I Had Missed You!

Ah, Grand Lake! 

It had been a while since we traveled to our favorite Colorado vacation spot. Dana is blessed to have such a humble and giving family who are always willing to share their cabins in Grand Lake. And we are blessed to know Dana! We are all so grateful to be able to retreat to such a peaceful and relaxing place. We have made a lot of cherished memories in Grand Lake and Dana, Chris Roozing, Nathan and myself were eager to make a few more.

And it didn't hurt that the Lariat Salon reopened their doors after a seemingly long hiatus.  

 We spent most of our time watching Rockies Games and NCAA Final Four basketball games at Poncho and Lefty's and The Lariat. 

 We made some friends along the way!

 We also set aside some time for recreation at the local bowling alley. 

 Roozing and Dana.

 Nathan and myself.

 While the floors need refinished and there are no electronic score boards, we so love the charm of this Grand Lake bowling alley. 

That's right, I beat both Nate and Chris in the first game :)

We also did some sight seeing!

 Greetings from Candy Lane!

 Aloha from Pancho and Lefty's. 

Above all, we did a whole-lotta-nothin'! A weekend without agendas, schedules, work and kids (although we did miss them dearly) is a great weekend, even if we sat on the couch nearly all day long! 

We had the pleasure of looking out, off the deck at all of God's beautiful creation. We were in need of vacation and can't give thanks enough to Dan and Barb VanEps for sharing their beautiful cabin with us once again. And of course to Dana who is always so willing to let us tag along!

Can't wait until this summer!!! 

Bubbles, Bunnies, and Baskets!

Our morning continued at Christ Community where an egg hunt was held for the kids! Abby, Jude, and Caleb searched for eggs in the "little kids rooms" while Elizabeth was able to hunt in the "big kids" rooms this year! Combined, the girls must have found at least 50 eggs, all packed tightly with Easter candy that is still lingering in our house (calling my name every time I pass the refrigerator). 

Abigail giving Easter kisses!

 Caleb Tasso hanging out in the pews before Grandpa's Easter sermon. 

 After church, the family met up at Bruce and Maggie's for lunch. Elizabeth wasn't feeling great, so she missed church service to take a nap with Dad. 

 Jude could play outside ALL DAY LONG! 

 Elizabeth joined her cousins for some bubble fun. 

 Such a cool kid! 

 Bruce hid, and re-hid, and re-hid Easter eggs for the kids! 

 This was the best shot I was able to get of the four cousins together. 

 Lunch was amazing, as always and the kids had so much fun. We were blessed with sunshine this Easter and the girls had the opportunity to show off their bright and beautiful Easter best!

We left the VanDusseldorp Family Easter celebration and took a family nap. Then, it was off to Great-Grandma's house where we enjoyed another wonderful meal and quality family time with Ya Ya and Pops, Great-Grandma and Forest, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Sharon and Uncle Ron. 

 The girls partook in another egg hunt. It never got old for them.

 Elizabeth found a tiny friend. She built a little home out of Tupperware, but then she felt bad and set him free. 

It was a long, fun day filled with laughter, sugar rushes, and cherished family time. 

We spent the week reading our Easter devotional, ensuring that the girls were sure to celebrate the real reason for Easter Sunday. We thank God for His sacrifice and rejoice at the fact that Jesus has risen. We are blessed to be able to share yet another beautiful, family-filled holiday. 

Happy Easter! 

Easter Morning

Easter really snuck up on me this year! Following dinner with the Amanns, we quick snuck in some egg dying...that Easter bunny needed something colorful to hide! 

 You can see sleepy in her eyes! 

 Even Dad stepped in to help out this year!

 We set up the Easter bunny with a healthy treat and sent the munchkins off to bed. I thought that it would take at least an hour of restless anticipation and excitement, but the girls were out within minutes!

 The weather was decent this year, so the Easter bunny hid the girls' eggs out in the backyard. 

 Elizabeth even had to climb some trees in hunt for her eggs. 

  Elizabeth hadn't been feeling great over the past few days. Her brain and body were tired, but she really wanted to be a part of the days festivities, so we compromised on a laid back day with power naps in between events. 

Abigail felt great! She was powered up and ready for the big day that would lye ahead. 

Our 6th Anniversary

It was six years ago on March 31st that this strangely young looking couple exchanged marriage vows.

Nathan had surprise Benihana reservations for the two of us on our celebration night but life happened (that's what happens when you have two children) and we had to change our plans. Instead, we settled for a casual night at some of our regular spots. We enjoyed dinner at The Old Mill and drinks at The Celtic while Bruce and Maggie kept the girls for a sleepover. 

  Nathan looks so young!

So, instead of sharing fancy dinner night photos (there were none) I just wanted to share some photos from the day we became husband and wife. I am truly blessed with an amazing, loving, and supportive husband and two beautiful children. It's so easy to get wrapped up in life's day-to-day tasks and it's always nice to share in a night that reminds us of why we became husband and wife in the first place. 

I love you Nathan David! Happy 6th Anniversary!