Patty's in town...

Last week we had our good college friend, Patrick, and his wife Kristen, and their daughter Reilly come visit from Philadelphia. We had a very nice visit with them, catching up, getting to know each other, watching our kids play, laughing, and exploring this beautiful state we live in. 

It's sad that it always takes having guests to get us out of our normal routine and into the amazing creation so close to us! Friday, we drove just 15 minutes from our house over to Daniel's Park. It's one of our favorite places to do a little low key hiking and rock climbing. The view of the mountains is amazing! The boys had so much fun exploring and hiking around. We packed a picnic lunch and spent some time in the sun! 

 Nolan was proud of himself as he made it to the edge of "Pride Rock" as he called it! I love this picture because it shows how he pulls up his underwear and pants after going to the bathroom. They are ALWAYS bunched up. It drives Mark BONKERS! He always wants to fix them for Nolan. I always just let them be. I think it's funny and cute and shows his 4 year old independence! 

Parts of Daniel's Park were burnt in a fire. It's sad to see the devastation. That's Mark and Heath down there. 

The Sanctuary Golf Course is down below. Just a few minutes after I snapped this picture a huge wind storm came through and we hurried back to the car. When I took Brooks out of his carseat later he had sand and leaves in his hair! What a trooper he is! 

The next day, we drove down to Colorado Springs to explore Garden of the Gods. 

Patrick is an adventurer and loves being outside. He was great with the boys and had fun doing what Nolan does best- using his imagination and exploring. He was teaching Nolan how to hunt rabbits, you know for when you are lost in the forest and need to find your own food! Ha! 

I loved watching the boys run in-between these HUGE rock formations! 

Checking out the "caves"! 

Lots of kids were carried at different points throughout our trek. 

Nolan did a great job and hiked the whole way. Right about here we had a melt down due to a much needed lunch break. But as soon as we all ate, everyone was happy again! 

We had a picnic lunch and did some more exploring in the rocks and down in a dry river bed. 

That's Pat up on the rocks! 

Heathy looking down over a ledge. 

It was so fun to spend a week with the Crawfords, but that also meant that we got to hang with the Krauths all week too! Our boys had fun with their girly friends- Reilly and Ella. They all really play so well together. The boys are going to go through withdrawals over not having their girls around anymore. We should really think about arranged marriages some day! Ha! 

I am just so thankful that Brooks is so easy going. I carried him in the Snugli all day as we hiked around and he slept and looked around and barely made a peep! He was happy to get out and have some snuggles with Daddy though just before we left. 

After this week, we were just reminded once again how God has continued to bless us with amazing friendships throughout each stage of our lives together- college, newlyweds, and now married with children! We couldn't do this crazy life of ours without them all! We need to laugh, have adult conversation, cry, get advice and encouragement and so much more and our great friends provide that for us! 

Thank you Pat & Kristen for spending the week with us. It was so much fun and we love you tons! Looking forward to future East Coast Beach Vacations with you!!!