Where did summer go?

Summer 2010 went by so fast! With Max more mobile and me feeling back to normal, we hit the road(air) this summer. I calculated about 5000 miles of travel with a one year old. Crazy at times, but a summer I won't soon forget.

After my brother's wedding in Iowa, Max and I went for our annual Michigan visit. We loved our time on the farm with Uncle Brad, Gigi, and Papa. Uncle Fred and Aunt Emily were even able to make it for a horse show. Max loved the freedom of the farm and getting dirty. He rode his horse Prince with his Amish friends. He hosted the 2nd annual Pizza and Pony party with my friends Amber, Janelle, Doni, and their kids. We splashed at the lake with Great Mimi and Papa and spent the 4th of July with our whole family on the boat. The best part was getting pulled over by the local sherrif. We all looked a little suspicous. The hardest part about being in Michigan is leaving.

With a few days of down time with Daddy in Colorado, we then hit the air to Sarasota Florida to meet up with our friends the Schalks and Kettlers. With 6 kids under 6, we had lots of fun. Our house was right on the beach and we were able to take in lots of time in the sun(sun protected of course). Max loved playing with the kids and started to learn how to share. I loved spending time with my friends and enjoying our kids.

Next on the agenda: road trip to Wyoming. Andy's grandmother was turning 70 and we were invited to be a critical part of the surprise. Mission: to get her into the middle of no where to a destination restaurant an hour away. With a few fibs, we were a success. She was so surprised. We enjoyed our stay with ALL of Andy's family in Cody. Andy's family has a very special cabin in between Cody and Yellowstone. He hadn't been there is many years and loved our afternoon with Grandma Vieune. Max played in the loft with the toys that Andy once played with.

In between all of the out of state travel, we went to the North Pole Amusement Park several times. Couldn't believe how much Max loved the rides. We have a dare devil on our hands. We went camping a few times and went on the water slide at Mt. Princeton. We went to the park by our house every day and spent lots of time in the swing. We had lots of playdates with friends. Played in our back yard with our sand box and cabin. We had a special trip to Boulder with the Vergenz and Kettler kids.

The plane rides with a one year old were trying at times. Baby vomit, delays, mean people, and a boy who just learned to walk did not make for some of our best moments, but they were worth it. This summer we also found out we are expecting baby #2. Here we go on another part of life adventure. Looking back on this summer with Max makes me smile and I know it was a special time for us.