Daddy and His Girls

Yep, they're pretty precious!

Happy Anniversary!

My Grandma and Grandpa Hicks were married 61 years and 1 day before Chris and I. The girls and I went to dinner with their great grandparents, along with Grandpa Hicks and BG to celebrate July wedding anniversaries.

Dinner Time

Since the girls have gotten so good at sitting in their Bumbos, they have been joining us at the table for dinner every night.

Peek a Boo

Some fascinating dinner conversation

Kisses for my girls

The Rice Family Comes to Town!

The Rices came to stay in Estes Park last month for a wedding and we were able to visit them at their mountain cabin.

Jenn sits with Addie while Rose chills in the Bob

Chris helps Dale launch his rocket

A note for the following photos: Emily was taking her usual longer-than-Addison's afternoon nap, and missed out on this kid session!

Addison gets kissed by her first boy as Dad and Claire look on

Smiles all around, we're some happy kids!

Dale gets down to Addie's level

Addie and Claire share a moment

Addison gets to be the center of attention

Jenn and Claire...a couple of cuties! :)

Dale got excited and did his jiggly happy dance...if only I had video!

The next day, Jenn and I brought our girls back up to Estes for another visit. Dale and Claire did some rock climbing, and the whole adventure was narrated by Dale, who kept saying:

This.

Rock.

Too.

Big.

Once again, Emily missed out on a photo shoot. This time, it was mom's fault. The camera ran out of batteries right after this cute shot of Addison.

Until next time, Rice Family! We miss you and can't wait to see you again!

Family Time with the Nicolls

The Nicolls got together to scrapbook last year's Steamboat trip in anticipation of this summer's trip. We had a great time working on the scrapbook, Callie even did a couple pages!

Cal got to open a couple belated birthday gifts. An apron, cooking utensils, and fake food...how fun!

And of course, everyone got to hold the precious babies!

Emily Blows Raspberries!

Last month, Emily started blowing raspberries in earnest. She just thought blowing raspberries was the most entertaining thing ever and she liked showing off her new skill all the time. Then she moved into a phase where the raspberries either represented excitement or anger, and then for a few days, the raspberries only became a sign of anger. Now the raspberries can mean a range of emotions, and sometimes she just blows them to pass the time.

Addison looks at Emily, or Mom or Dad or DeeDee, or anyone who will blow raspberries, with awe. She practices every day, but doesn't have the skill down yet. She started with sticking her tongue out and blowing air, but the air always came out her nose, ouch! Then she got the hang of getting the air to come out her mouth with her tongue out, but the air would just go around her tongue without making it vibrate. She keeps working at it, though, and I have a feeling one of these days soon she'll be blowing raspberries with the rest of us.

A Final Float Before Farewell

On our last day in Michigan, the girls got one last float in the lake before saying so long and flying back to Denver.

On the flight back, both babies were very calm before take-off. I was holding Addison and she fell asleep. Emily got a little fussy during the flight, but was fairly easily soothed by nursing and rocking. The next big flight will be when we return to Michigan for Christmas.

Addison floats with CeeCee and PopPop

Emily gets a turn, too

Bye Bye Cee Cee and Pop Pop! See you soon!

Dad's Buddies

We were able to introduce the girls to a few of Chris's old friends while we were in Michigan.

Here are Addison and Emily with Justin and his girlfriend.

Damon and Angie brought their little girl, Annabelle, to the Paltes' for a visit.

Swimming Tuckers Us Out!

Emily and Addison went in the lake almost every day while we were in Michigan. After spending time in the water, afternoon naps were a must and often happened in the shade of a tree in the yard.

Final Shuttle Launch

3, 2, 1 Lift Off! Emily and Addison are engrossed in watching space shuttle Atlantis launch for the last time! (July 8, 2011)

They Notice Each Other!

Road Trip to Ohio

While in Michigan, we took a day trip to Ohio to visit Chris's Aunt Sister Joan. The girls did great in the car, and enjoyed spending time with their great aunt and meeting other nuns at the convent.