Pre-Posts Post

Okay, I finally updated the blog. It is SUPER long with spring, summer and .... Autumn! (I know, I know bad joke ;)) These posts are not super detailed and NOT edited. I am only 2 1/2 weeks post being a mommy of three, and this is the best I've got right now. Love you all and I hope you enjoy!

More pictures of Autumn

Our little peanut

What we've all been waiting for!

Autumn is here! On July 28th Autumn Rebecca Warden was born at 6 pounds 7.4 ounces, and she came in a hurry! We barely made it to the hospital, got on the table and 11 minutes later (without the doctor there yet), the nurse delivered her. It was crazy! But I wish all my babies were born that fast! She is a wonderful baby! The two older children LOVE her. Jacob is still a bit... rough at times but is getting much better. Aspen is in heaven, and thinks she has a real-life doll. The first day we had her home, Aspen kept asking if we could put a different outfit on her (after bringing down several for her to "try on." The transition is very emotional (kids having fits at weird times etc.) but going much smoother than I thought it would. I think a lot of it is due to having a great recovery (prob from fast labor), having a SUPERB husband who is going above and beyond to help out in ways I didn't even imagine (while going to med school!), and having great freinds around who brought numerous meals that first week. I feel very loved and blessed right now. :)

Spring/Summer 2010

Most of the trip to Utah was spent outdoors and in the mountains. This trip turned out to be exactly what we were hoping it would be. This set of pictures is a day we spent at Huntington Creek. There really is nothing like being with your family at a beautiful place like that. It was like we were all in our elements and life that is usually crazy was balanced and perfect. :) I can't wait to live by mountains again! *I think most of these pictures were taken by Frances Warden. She is an awesome photographer and mother-in-law ;)

Spring/Summer 2010

A couple more things that were great about our trip to Utah: 1. LOTS of much needed time with grandma and cousins! 2. Each of the kids got an "alone day" with each of their parents. Here is a picture of Jacob and I on our alone date getting icecream! (Daddy did really cool stuff like backpacking with them... hey I was 8-months prego :) Icecream is good too!)

Utah

To start off our six-week vacation in Utah, we went on a family camping trip. It was so much fun! I don't have most of the pictures (as Frances took them with her camera), so I will post those later. Here is a peek at some of the things we did on our first camping trip of the summer.

Colorado and Arches

This year, on our way back to Utah, we decided to take the long route through Colorado. It was stunning! I would definitely live in Colorado if given the chance! The route also took us close to the Arches National Park, so we decided to stop and see that. This whole "vacation before our vacation" was so much fun. I really do think I have the best family on the planet! oh- and there is this picture of a yellow-boat thingy.. It was run-off on the Colorado River. The water was crazy high and these guys were taking this boat-craft thing down the river. It was really neat to watch! For all my rafting friends out there, the guys said the water was at least a level 5 but mostly higher and un-raftable... unless you had one of those cool boats.

Heading to Utah

Here we go! Cute kids ready for the SUPER long 2-day 17-20 hour drive. They were sooo great! We were also able to get an awesome hotel on Priceline! SUPER nice- I felt a little awkward to be honest....a well, it was fun :)

Spring/Summer 2010

Alrighty, in this bunch we have a rather poor photo of the kids at a Cold Stone Icecream tour we took with a bunch of our friends. It was... well... cold and sweet as we all enjoyed Icecream after. Another photo is of kiddles getting ready for a sleepover in the living room with their sleeping bags, VERY exciting! The storms in Iowa are wonderful! Especially if you have Michael as your dad. When it poors most stay inside and watch. Not this daddy. He is out running in the rain with the kids almost everytime. So fun! The picture isn't very good, but you get the idea. Oh Ya and there is a picture of us joining the world of Minivan drivers. Yes, it is true. But I will not walk in shame! Oh no, my head is held high and I am enjoying the spaciousness..... (it is only a phase....)

Spring/Summer 2010

Okay here is a bit of a smorgasbord of pictures! There is a bit of my sweet children being helpers! Jacob LOVES doing dishes and shucking corn is a must here in Iowa. Another picture is of Daddy and Aspen having little daddy/daughter time and roasting marshmellows over candles. One is of me towards the end of my pregnancy, and then there are a bunch of pictures of us golfing as a family. I just love the one with Michael and Jacob. Michael is prompting Jacob to close his eyes and just "feel" the club during the swing. Jacob is seriously focused! Watch out Tiger Woods!

Spring/Summer 2010

These ones are from Walnut Woods early this spring. We still love going here, and as you can see it is so beautiful!