Fall in Aspen

My sister Christine had a great idea to spend a weekend in the Colorado mountains to enjoy the fall leaves. I got on the assignment and found a place in Aspen for us to spend a (quick) fun weekend. We couldn't have planned it better, the weather was perfect and the leaves were at their finest. I love the fall and loved that I got to spend time with some of my favorite people.

Hanging out down town Aspen
Beautiful Maroon Bells

Me and my Mom on our hike around Maroon Bells

Us with my sisters Christine and Deborah and my Mom

This was pretty much the face Kennedy (and Taylor) were making during our hike. We didn't come very prepared and forgot snacks and it was lunch time. Both girls were not very happy about it. Made for a very tearful and unsuccessful hike.

Maybe the one smile from them because they hadn't yet realized we were hiking and that they were hungry. :)

Nate and Deborah at Maroon Bells

Aspen has a John Denver memorial and we decided to spend an afternoon there with games and a picnic. (And listened to John Denver of course.)

Either Kennedy's pants were falling off or her shirt is too short, or maybe a little bit of both. Despite that I think it is a cute picture of her.

Love this picture of the girls

Our second attempt to hike was much more successful! The girls didn't even complain once, which is huge for us. It was pretty and a nice way to end the trip.

Here's me at the top of Independence Pass where we said goodbye to my mom and sisters and they headed back to Utah. I like how you can see everyone else in my sunglasses.

Kennedy and Grandma at Independence Pass

Frist Day(s) of School

We had a busy summer and soon it was time to settle down and get ready for the girls to start school. Taylor had her first day at Skyview Academy, a new charter school has a core knowledge curriculum. She wears a uniform which is so darling with her skirt and knee highs. She loves going and has adjusted well to going everyday and to actually having assignments and homework. Kennedy started preschool and LOVES it. She gets so excited to go on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has an amazing teacher, Miss Kelly, and has been making new friends. I can't believe how fast times flies and how big my babies are getting.

Yospe Cabin trip. Island Park 2010

Every year we try to make it to my Grandma Yospe's cabin. This year we were able to make it work so me and the girls could be up there with Grandma Ricks, my sister Becky and family and my sister Christine. Then Nate met came up to finish off the week with us. We were also happy to have Grandma and Grandpa Jeppson visit for a day as well. It is a beautiful place with so much to do. Its fun to share the things I loved to do as a kid here with my kids. I hope we can continue to make the effort so they can have memories of their own.

We took time to stop and jump in the river via rope swing on a canoe trip

Jonah and I at Mesa Falls

the (slow) river

My favorite picture I took at Yellowstone



All the kids and hot dogs cooked over the campfire

And those who cooked those hot dogs :)

Canoing down the river from Big Springs to Max Inn

Ashlin and Jonah manning their own canoe

Taylor and Kennedy's favorite thing at night was to wash the dishes. One of my favorite things as well.

playing at the river

Rafting down the river starting at Max Inn and ending at Coffee Pots camp ground

After church we went to one of our favorite places, Big Springs

The girls singing Taylor Swift songs on the swing

Yellowstone. The family at Old Faithful

Becky and Lucy with her make shift pants made from someones sweat shirt. she had an accident at the beginning of the day so this is what she wore.

Natalie, Taylor and Kennedy. For some reason my girls think that this is how you pose for pictures.

Ashlin and Jonah

Frisbee golf with Nate and Jonah. Wouldn't be a trip to the cabin with out a round or two. I love this picture because you really have to dodge the trees.

Nate, Grandma and Grandpa Jeppson getting their Frisbee on

Mesa Falls

4th of July in Utah

Taylor and Natalie at Silver Lake, UT

Kennedy and Taylor "hiking" at silver lake
Kennedy, Taylor and Natalie at the Utah Arts Festival, downtown SLC

Natalie, Lucy, Kennedy and Taylor adding their own art at the festival

Taylor and Natalie enjoying some cotton candy after the 4th parade

Kennedy at the carnival

Taylor at the carnival

watching the parade outside Grandma Ricks' house

After our reunion in Park City, Nate returned home while we stayed and played. We enjoyed spending lots of quality time with my sister Becky and her kids. Taylor and Kennedy loved getting to hang out with their cousins and we did lots of fun things together. We stayed in Utah for the 4th of July and had the privilege to attend the Stratford neighborhood breakfast, parade and carnival. Good times.

Snowbird, Utah with the Ricks Fam

This last June we headed to Utah to spend time with the Ricks fam. My mom took us all to Snowbird and we enjoyed each others company along with the beautiful scenery. It was a great time being with all the cousins and most aunts and uncles (which doesn't seem to happen very often), we missed you Gabe. Thanks Grandma!