Me, my family, my mountains!

Back in June, we loaded up the car  - Wait. Let's start over. We crammed everything we possibly could into our Honda Pilot. Toys, Baby Food Cooler, Baby Supply Crate, Toy Bag, Pack and Play, Stroller, 2 Large Suitcases, 2 Diaper Bags, Portable High Chair, Mother-In-Law and said Mother-In-Law's 2 very small bags.

Off we went! Estes Park - HERE WE COME!

Heidi, my mother-in-law was assigned with the most difficult task of all. Keep that baby entertained for the duration of the car ride! We split up the trip on the way there and stayed in North Platte. Adam did great in the car. And did OK for the overnight in a strange hotel in a strange bed.

We stopped in Loveland, CO to hit up the Coach Outlet and the Gymboree Outlet. My partner in crime, Megan, had a special request to be filled at the Coach store. And so did I! A special thanks to Heidi, who bought part of my new Coach bag as a birthday present!

My Mountains

Finally, we arrived in Estes and met my Father-in-Law, Lyle! I love the mountains. I love them so much that I call them MY mountains. I don't think they mind.

We checked in at our cabin and received a great surprise! The one bedroom cabin we had originally reserved was under construction. Would Andy and I mind switching to the three bedroom, two bath cabin with washer and dryer instead? Um, NO PROBLEM!

We walked up and down the streets of Estes, buying souvenirs, chocolate,  and popcorn.      We took a day trip up Trail Ridge Road. Andy and Lyle held their breaths around the sharp turns. They would look down the side of the mountain, thinking the worst, talking about how dangerous this road is. Adam and I sat in the back seat rolling our eyes and smiling! (We were very glad that WE didn't have to the driving!) There was so much snow at the very top! In fact, there was so much snow that they had JUST opened Trial Ridge Road for the season. (A full week late!)

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

We tried to hike around Bear Lake as it has a paved path around the entire lake making it great for a stroller, but the lake was still partially frozen and the path still snow packed. A park ranger stopped me and said, "Don't take that baby in there." We didn't argue!

Instead, we headed over to Sprague Lake! Sprague Lake is GORGEOUS! The views around the lake are majestic and breathtaking!

Growing up, Andy and his family came to Estes Park each year! Everywhere we went was another story! Remember the time when Jon and I hiked around this mountain and found this resort. Remember the time, I got to ride the trolley into town all by myself from the cabin? Remember the time, Hannah would ride the horses every year even though years later she would admit how much she hated it! Remember the time Dad said he would climb that mountain? Remember the time... Much has changed in Estes since the original Dokulil Family started going. But still, much hasn't. Laura's Fudge shop is still there. Everyone went home with pounds of chocolate in the car and in their tummies!

One Night, Andy and I went on a date night! Lyle and Heidi took care of Adam while Andy and I went out to dinner at the Dunn Raven Inn and saw a movie, The Hangover II. Our first movie in over a year. Where has the time gone?!?

We took loads and loads of pictures. For all the pictures, go to http://keepingupthedokulils.shutterfly.com.

It was a wonderful trip. Every time we're there, we start scheming ways we could stay up there forever. But reality set in and it was time to cram everything back in the car to head home. This time, Heidi rode home with Lyle. With no one in the backseat to entertain Adam, we were sure nervous that it would be a terribly LONG trip home. We made plans to stay the night again half way to make it easier. But Adam had other plans. He took a long nap and entertained himself so nicely that we decided to do the whole 9 hour trip in one day. He. Did. Great!

Grandpa Lyle and Adam

We are looking forward to making Estes Park a yearly thing just as it was for Andy in his childhood. 

Yellow Mellow

Remember when???

The Loves of my Life

OUT OF THE KICHEN: The other day, Andy noticed that Adam was always reaching for his yellow toys. So, while in the bath tonight, we put a yellow ducky next to other colored toys and every time he reached for the yellow ducky!

How cool that his daddy noticed this!

In other Adam news - he started army crawling today. He can stand while holding on to me or the furniture. He can pull himself up in his crib. He can walk while holding on to my pants or my hands. He rolls all over the place and boy is he FAST!

He's eating cheese now and uses his pinchers to grasp it. So adorable!

We've been having a blast hanging out with friends and enjoying the wonderful weather. Andy has taken to gardening like a pro and I even planted a couple planters this year. Ugh. Dirt. We've also hired nanny one day a week to allow mommy and daddy to go on a date night. I try not to bombard her with phone calls and texts... :-) She's doing great and it also helps that our neighbor, a police officer, keeps an eye out for us.

I can't believe its the end of May already! My baby brother will be turning 25 tomorrow. Wow! I thought I was 25! I sure miss him but I know he's happy and having the time of his life out in CA.

Time just flies. Our summer calendar is already filling up! With a trip to Estes Park followed by a trip to Canada, we're a busy bunch! We're lucky to have such wonderful friends and family housesitting and pet sitting while we're away. I'm so looking forward to seeing my family and taking on Adam on our first family vacation!

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE being a mom. I really hope that God's plans are for me to have more children. This family is my passion. I can't imagine doing anything else.

IN THE KITCHEN:

Adam's palette is growing! We've steamed and baked sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, pears, and peaches. He also eats baked chicken thighs, whole milk yogurt, mild cheddar cheese crumbles, banana, and avocado. I'm eating just about everything now except obvious soy and peanuts. I'm cautious with the other nuts - but so far so good!

Recipe of the day - Chicken Parmesan. I made it tonight with spinach linguine. It was delicious! If you'd like the recipe - email me directly!

That's all for now! I promise the next post will have more pictures!