Happy Birthday Bestie!!

Today is my best friend's birthday and she turned 30! Just so you know, it made me feel better to know that one of the most important people in my life had to do the dirty and turn thirty with me. It seems like when my sister turned 30 she just sailed through that age without a blink, but then again, she is pretty easy going and doesn't make a fuss about things even when they do bother her. I need to be more like that. . . Shauna and Brent, stop nodding your head! Anyhow, I did get to chat with my sweet lady tonight and it made my whole day to know that she was going out for her special day and even more proud to give her advice on my favorite coctail list:

Here she is my famous "Ann Marie, whom I adore and love dearly!" I hope you had a great time hanging out with Josh, Cassie, and Troy. I would have given anything to be there to cheers to you with a Crown and Coke in my hand. "To the best friend a girl could ask for!"

Back in So Dak

So begins my first vacation from Colorado over Labor Day weekend. Yes, that is when we went to South Dakota and I am just now getting to my blog. Pathetic you might say. . . I would agree! We went up for our long OVERDUE trip to my parent's cabin in the Black Hills. Our cabin is a place that I literally can say I have witnessed be built from the ground up and happens to be something that I am very proud of. No, it isn't mine, but maybe someday it will be a Retirement Home, that is if I can convince this hubby of mine to venture beyond the CO borders. I've got time to work on him. Enjoy your short but grand tour (which doesn't include the inside. . . wondering why. . . that is a fine question. . . I was wondering the very same thing and the inside is beautiful. . . next time people).

My favorite view through the trailblazer windshield.

The sign my dad made for our driveway entrance.

This is one side of our cabin. Includes the Breakfast Nook window

and window from the Great Room

(I would tell you which side, but without the Rocky Mountains

on the West I am directionally challenged)

The opposite side of the cabin. (This side has the bedroom windows

from upstairs and one of the master bedroom windows from the main floor)

Rylan's First Four wheeling Trip (around the cabin and down the drive way).

He loved it! The dimple never left his cheek.

Payton's first four wheeling trip! Could be the last. . . let's just say

there weren't any smiles on her face until I said, "Smile for the Camera!"

Awwwww, look at that face! I thought for sure she would be smiling in this picture.

She loved the marshmallowy gooey mess known as SMORES!

Adults are so cooperative when it comes to pictures. . . when do

kids start picking up on that??? I am still waiting!

One of our adventures was going to my old work place (Walmart) which was turned into a Rec Center/Water Park (Pure Brilliance). Why oh why can't they do this for all empty Walmart buildings???? God are you listening???? Paytor Pie taking a dip and practicing all of her new learned

tricks from swimming lessons! Yes, we did accomplish something this summer.

I just don't have any blogs to show for it.

I love Rylan's face in this picture. Not such a great one

of me but he is sooo adorable and loves the water. There is that dimple again!

And finally our picnic in Spearfish Park. Definitely one of my favorite places. I became a picnic packing pro from the summer and learned that it may be a talent :o) Doubtful, but I needed something positive that I accomplished over the summer besides passing Parent/Tot swimming Lessons (You can bet that certificate is still on our fridge) Proud with a capital "P"