Tent Camping at Turquoise Lake {Leadville, CO}

 We enjoyed camping at Turquoise Lake in Leadville, CO this past week. 

We went up on a Thursday afternoon and left on a Saturday afternoon. 

We went with our friends, the Lutzs. It was a blast. 

Although I was more than ready for my own bed and a shower come Saturday:) 

 the kids enjoyed playing on the sand and in the water

 Gorgeous views! That is Mt Massive a 14'er.

 This was our third time camping here and this time we stayed in a more secluded spot right near the water. It was awesome. Although it was windy during the day. 

Thank goodness we had very calm nights with no storms or rain. 

 The twins got fishing poles and gear for their birthday from Grandpa and Grandma and they fished all the time on this trip. They didn't catch anything despite all their effort. 

But I will tell you, they learned patience and can cast their lines like a pro! 

One of my favorite parts of camping is cooking the food:) 

It takes forever but its so fun to eat outside and I'm always so hungry and everything tastes amazing!

 Love this pic of Sophia! 

 Also love all the fires at night and playing games around the campfire. Good times.

 We have a small raft that the twins bought last year with their birthday money and every morning, daddy and the twins would go out to fish! In the meantime, Elijah would play with fire and sticks. 

 Look at that breakfast! 

 We did get some rain but it usually passed quickly and was usually always at dinnertime. 

Mark and Ryan protected the steaks at all cost! 

We caught this gorgeous rainbow after one of the rain showers! It was so bright! 

 Do you spot my fisher-ladies in the above photo? They were sure dedicated! This was at 6:30am!  

Check back tomorrow for pics from our awesome hike that we took on Friday near the Mt. Massive wilderness. It was our favorite family hike to date! 

Wrapping up Summer Sports for Sophia

Sophia did so well this summer in softball. She had never played before and starting out was a big learning curve but by her last game, she was doing so well. She got to play catcher and pitcher this season. The last game, she was working together with first base to get outs and everything! It was so fun to watch. Her coach said she was definitely the most improved player on the team. She got a cool little trophy that she's so excited about:) We are so grateful for Grandma and Grandpa, Ruby and Alice and Cole and Katelyn who came out and watched her play this season. And part of our Missional Community Group came out to cheer her on for her last game! Fun times! 

Summer Favorites From My Phone

shooting off rockets with Mr. Cam

Lots of summer storms

Dress Like a Cow- Get free meals! Our $40 tab was completely free:) 

Poker Night with 3 Hopkins families and I won!!! Beat out even the men:) 

Hunting for river creatures

Ari and I waiting for  Elijah's game to start 

Celebrating six years with this sweet friend from birth

Dinner and swimming at our friend Ms. Susan's house- breathtakingly beautiful

Fun summer memories! 

Double Digits for the Twins

 These awesome girlies turned 10 last Sunday! It was an emotional birthday for me! I can hardly believe they are nearing the teen years. I love my twinners so much and have enjoyed seeing them blossom and grow into lovely,young ladies. So blessed to see God's working in their lives. 

They had 2 of their friends over for a sleepover and Dart Warzs. 

It's always a crazy time when more than one kid sleeps over but the girls had a blast:) 

 Of course, on their birthday we celebrated with Birthday Breakfast, as is our family tradition:) And a lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandma! Twas a fun day! 

Light it Up like its Dynamite!

We raided the after 4th sales and got some more fireworks for dirt cheap and shot them off recently. 

It was fun. The kids were scared at first then enjoyed it. 

Love my family so much and the fun memories we make together.

                                     

I LOVE this pic of Sophia- she look so mature and grown up to me!