Into the Woods

Last weekend we braved the outdoors with my whole family. Lots of adults, five kids and five dogs made for a fun camping adventure. The cousins played nonstop and looked like little neanderthals by the end of the trip. I am so thankful for their little friendships. Here is a picture walk of some of the ways they stayed busy, although digging in the dirt and collecting sticks was the main form of entertainment.








In hindsight, there are some pictures I wish I had captured. My dirty feet, my 7 month pregnant belly, the way we had to fit like a jigsaw puzzle in order to fit in our tent together, me sleeping side by side next to hallie and snuggling her all night long. Happiness.

Thanks

On Father's Day, we went hiking with my parents and sister Sarah. It was not until we got home that I scrolled through my pictures and noticed a theme. Ben is a pretty great dad. And husband.

Although I was carrying equal extra weight in the form of our unborn baby, he still got bonus points for strapping on Hallie.



He also kept his girls laughing along the way by hiding around trees and surprising us.


At the top of the hike, there is a fire lookout in which you can see the entire front range. However, one must climb 143 stairs STRAIGHT UP to get the view. In one of our poorer parenting decisions, we went for it. About 25 stairs up, Kinsley began sobbing. She still wanted to go up but was not willing to walk. I could not carry her due to my belly, but mostly due to my own need to hold on to both railings. Our family of four was somewhat paralyzed. Ben was already carrying Hallie, and without a word he scooped up Kinsley and continued up.


Then we got to the top where I had a mild panic attack. There was no way I could even look over the edge to enjoy the view...I hear it was spectacular. I was perched on a rock holding onto Hallie for dear life. Ben knew he couldn't carry both girls down at the same time so he brought them down one by one.


Then he came back up for me.

Thanks does not scratch the surface.

Dancing With the Stars

The girls don't know how good they have it. They have a dad that loves to sing and play his guitar for them.

Unfortunately, they have a mom with a camera that is her best friend and is known for killing the moment when they spot it.

Oblivious of camera:


Aware of camera with a request to look at themselves after each and every shot:


Dancing is a big part of each and every day at our place. They love to show us their "moves" which include lots of booty shaking, twirls, leaps, and an impressive pirouette here and there.

Swimsuit Edition

The girls have spent the last three days in their swimsuits and I do not see that changing until September. I better get used to greasy sunscreen hair, fishing out each and every flea that falls in their pool and a huge water bill.

Memorial Day

In Kinsley's four years, other than minor colds, she has never been sick. Not a fever or even throwing up. We felt like rookie parents when, out of the blue, she spiked a 102.5 degree temperature. Ben insisted on sleeping on her floor to check on her throughout the night.

Thankfully, by morning she was better and our Memorial Day plans carried on. We were greeted at the park by family and two tables of food.

The Hughes Family Plus Eight:
Hallie and Ford are now playing and leading one another around. Trouble.

Kinsley had a great day running with Makena, pretend playing with Makena and fighting with Makena. They are like sisters. My little blondie.


There are no words to adequately express how thrilled Ben was when he watched Hallie play t-ball. She is seemingly a natural. Hello little curls.


I also think Baby Number Three has a name. It is pretty stinkin sweet!