Fall in Colorado

Fall is my favorite season... the crisp cool air, Halloween decorations, changing leaves, bundling up in sweaters one day and breaking out the flip flops the next day. Although I had a couple weekend trips the first couple weeks of October, we've managed to squeeze in some fun stuff so far this fall.

We didn't go hiking this past summer nearly as much as we usually do... so we ran up to Estes Park for the day to get one last hike in before winter came.

It was perfect hiking weather ~ not too hot, not too cold ~ and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous.

We saw tons of wildlife ~ like these deer grazing on the hill.

The boys always want to take a picture of this cool split rock when they see it...

Gavin made friends with a caterpillar.

I made them pose with a pretty red tree ~ an anomaly as most of the trees at Rocky Mountain National Park are evergreens or Aspen, which turn yellow in the fall.

Up the hill we went...

Tyler found a "perfect" leaf.

Gorgeous scenery with the forest and the mountains...

Our destination ~ a lake whose name is escaping me!

Aspens!

Last weekend we took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. Our favorite is Anderson Farms.

The view through the corn stalks of the mountains.

The boys love the barrel train ride.

Cool farm scene...

So much to do!

Tyler petting a sheep.

This baby alpaca was exactly 24 hours when we visited!

One of the best things about Anderson Farms is the miles of corn maze they set up!

We did two mazes for a total of about 5.5 miles of hiking through corn stalks.

Corn! I thought this was a cool shot.

We took a hay ride to the pumpkin patch to find our pumpkins... Gavin was happier than he appears to be in this picture, I swear!

Pumpkins and mountains...

The weather's getting cooler early this year, so our weekend adventures might be getting more sparse as we snuggle in front of the fire place in our sweats.

How To Make Tortillas!

I get occasional emails from Greenfeet, a great website that sells eco~friendly wares... and a couple weeks ago, they sent one advertising a tortilla press. At only $14, the thought of making homemade tortillas quickly convinced me we must purchase it to try this at home! We quickly picked up the supplies to make flour tortillas to give it a go.

First you have to mix the dough ... then form it into little balls.

We made all different sizes!

Next you smash the tortilla in the tortilla press...

It's hard to get them as flat as they are in the restaurants!

They look like pancakes! They ended up being as thick as pancakes, too.

Cook them in a skillet for just a few minutes...

Then fill them up! We like black beans (seasoned with taco seasoning packets) with tomatoes, avocado, cheese and a little Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream). Yum!

Shawn can't wait to try them!

I don't do it as often as I'd like but I really have fun cooking with my kids... This was a great thing for them to do with me and a little healthier than the cookies we usually bake together. :)

You've Come a Long Way, Babies!

Would you believe it if I told you that it's been a year? Since these precious lil guys were born? Last weekend, I traveled to Honolulu for a whirlwind 48 hours to celebrate their first year. Being able to spend time with these precious boys and their wonderful family was just fantastic.

The boys are so much fun to hang out with... They are such individuals even at 12 months old and I just think they are growing into such cool lil people!

J is walking! He has such a fun personality and just makes me smile!

V isn't far behind ~ cruising around the furniture and taking a couple steps... He is intense, sweet and inquisitive.

They're so independent now!

They liked to play with the lei that we got for the party... so they ended up on the Buddha. He looks very pretty though, no?

Time to go to the party!

The scene before all the guests arrived at the Baby Luau

I got to help make the centerpieces... it was an easy job with the absolutely gorgeous flowers we had to work with.

See what I mean?

This was some sort of native seed or nut? I can't remember :) it looks like candy corn to me!

The twins' mom ~ looking exquisitely gorgeous...

J liked to play with the buttons on my dress...

V and his Mama!

I love this pic of the four of us...

This is the team ~ Mom, Dad, me, boys and the doctor who worked his magic and made it all possible!

J likes to give "high fives" ~ the cutest thing you've ever seen!

Vaughn getting in some snuggle time with his daddy...

We partied into the night...

... even through the rain showers.

The next morning we had breakfast together before heading to the airport for my trip back to Denver.

I loved every minute of my time with this family... my life continues to be enriched by knowing them. Their friends and family welcomed me quite literally with open arms and lots of kisses. When Shawn and I decided to go down the path of surrogacy once more, I never imagined how my life would change for the better. I am one lucky girl.