Nothin' like...

...a little corn on the cob!!! 

Eva had her first taste of corn on the cob when we went camping. For me, it wasn't that big of a deal for her to get all dirty there! But the other night, Drew made BBQ chicken and corn on the cob...and he made Eva her very own cob. And in no way was he going to allow me to cut the corn off of the cob in order to avoid a big mess! And if you know me at all...I kind of hate it when Eva gets messy. Makes me a little anxious! But, okay, corn on the cob it is. I carefully laid a big trash bag under her high chair (clearly I need to buy one of those mats specifically designed for this particular situation) and we let her have at it. She was a fan, a very BIG fan!!! Props to Daddy for talking me into letting her have it and get all messy...we are talking corn in the hair, eyes, between her fingers, in her lap and somehow between her feet! But...seeing her laugh made it all worth it! 

One Happy Little Camper

Some of my favorite memories of a little girl are the family camping trips. I remember the anticipation of leaving, the drive out to the lake that seemed to take 100 years, the feeling as we drove over the dam at Lake McConaughy. I loved it when we would arrive late at night and get camp all set up and have dinner and a fire. I remember not being able to fall asleep because I was so excited to wake up and play in the lake the next day. 

Two weeks ago, we took Eva on her 1st camping trip to the lake and it was so great. She is such a little trooper! As Gramma says, "she is so game for everything!" It was beyond fun playing in the sand, the water, sailing and jet skiing. Not to mention the food! Isn't camping always about the good food you eat that you don't really allow yourself to eat everyday? Eva had such a great time! She is normally such a light sleeper that she will wake up the instant you open her bedroom door. But not while we were camping! She was so tuckered out that she slept thru us climbing into the camper, with the pugs, getting ready for bed and crawling in the bunk! I have never seen that child sleep like that!! 

Here are some photos of the great time we had....

Our own private beach

Sam - Dog --this dog will play fetch until he keels over.

Who said pugs don't swim? They loved it there! (So did old boy Thor) 

Eating a little sand never hurt anyone. 

Eva wasn't too much a fan of the life vest Uncle Andrew gave her...I think she will have to grow into it. 

Just had to include this because it is a good pic...my pretty little girl looking at the sunset over the lake. 

This was a bad moment...when Eva fell off a chair. She was, however, being a little dramatic because this fall was not nearly as bad as the one she took out of the camper, tumbling down 3 metal stairs and hitting her back. Thankfully, she didn't have a bruise to show for it! 

Chillin' in my pjs, eatin' some Cheerios. 

Momma and Eva...look how tired this little girl is! 

Eva on the jet ski with Uncle Andrew...much to her dismay, she was not allowed to take a ride. 

I have never seen such a huge marshmallow! Apparently they make really big ones for camping now. Eva seemed to enjoy them. 

Hanging out with Grampa drinking my milk. 

Playing with sticks are way more fun than the cool beach toys. 

Peek-a-boo....I see you! 

Thanks to Gramma, Grampa and Uncle Andrew...Eva's first trip to the lake was a success. We are already trying to plan the next one! I personally love it out there! I hope someday, Eva has fond memories of our camping trips...just like I do! 

A trip to the ZOO!!!

We have gone to the Denver Zoo with Eva a few times, but the trip this past weekend was so much fun because she really seemed to notice the animals and was really interactive and playful. Although, I will say that I think she was more focused on watching all of the other kids and eating her cheerios. 

It was such a fun day! Love spending time with my man and my little girl! 

Looking at the bears...

...and talking to the monkeys! 

Goofy Girl!!

This is my favorite picture of the day!!

Well... I really like this one too. 

This little girl was walking all over the zoo. 

Climbing on Klondike and Snow

A trip to the zoo is not complete without an ice cream cone. 

Lucky #31

Yesterday was my birthday...and I was reminded, again, just how lucky I am. 

My birthday celebration actually started on Saturday when we had a Mommy, Daddy and Eva date at the zoo. Then Saturday night we had dinner at my parents house. Yummy! Love a home cooked daddy meal. And of course they spoiled me with a gift card...which will be put towards our new camera. 

My actual birthday started with coffee, a chocolate donut and a really nice walk at Chatfield with Drew, Eva and the pugs. It was so nice to get out in the morning before the heat of the day started up. 

Then we got home, we washed the dogs, put Eva down for a nap and I got ready for a hot date with my bud, Michelle! We both left the kids with their daddies and went to the movies. We saw The Help. I read the book and cried and cried. The movie had much the same affect on me. It was so good and I was so happy that I got to see it with Michelle. Not to mention that she let me eat most of the popcorn because I was so hungry!! 

When I got home, there was a present on the table and a birthday balloon. Drew and I had agreed to NO presents, but I should have known that wouldn't fly. Drew made me a yummy dinner and an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G dessert!! Then I opened my present - the DU Alumni license plate holder that I have been wanting! A DU scarf--super fuzzy and warm (totally looking forward to saying goodbye to this stupid heat and being able to use it) and the promise of a really nice pair of jeans...he wasn't brave enough to pick them out for me!! And for those of you who know me, you know that my jeans are primarily purchased at Old Navy when there is a sale! I can't wait for some really awesome jeans! 

I was also spoiled by my "sisters" in CA - Vern and Catherine! Thanks gals!! 

Anyway...the jest of the weekend is not the gifts or the food or anything else like that! As I hit 31, it dawns on me just how lucky I am. I have an amazing life, amazing family, amazing friends. I truly don't think my life could be any better! 

Thank you to everyone for my birthday wishes and for spoiling me! 

Here are some pics of my fantastic birthday dinner...keep in mind that the pics DO NOT do the food justice! 

Cherry Cheesecake Chocolate Brownies - TO DIE FOR!!!

Bruschetta with bleu cheese and balsamic vinegar. 

Chicken Caesar Salad 

Top it off with a nice glass of Chardonnay

Eva's birthday meal wasn't quite as yummy though. AND she had to go to bed before the brownies were done. Poor kid :) 

Carrots & Peas and Blueberries and Peaches - very healthy! 

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

To the best Momma in the whole world!!!!!!

Happy birthday to the most amazing woman in the world.  A best friend, partner, and unbelievable mother to the greatest 3 "kids" anyone could ever ask for.   Without you, there is no us - so we celebrate your special day with you, with more love than you can imagine.  Enjoy your day, and dream big on all of your tomorrows.  After all, our future's so bright......