2014 Tribute

It makes me sad to miss ALL of 2014! Here's a few pics and short stories I couldn't pass over that helps tell our year to some extent.

Derrick got to attend both Bronco playoff games with his dad! Such great fun, football and bonding time!

In Kindergarten, Kai got honored with the character trait of the month "Responsibility!" He was also awarded this again in 1st grade for "Initiative!" We're proud that he's a man of strong character and glad they recognize it at school! Here he is standing next to his picture in the hallway for recognition!

Derrick and I attended PRHS Prom again for the second year!! Actually we just chauffeured for Aunt Mimi and friends. It was so fun seeing them get all dazzled up and enjoy the evening together. Sure made us feel old though ;) Do you like the tuxedo attire??

Easter 2014 family pic

Eli graduated from his balance bike to pedals in the Spring 2014 at age 3, almost 4. He was not about to be left in the dust on the bike path by his big brother all summer long! He is so fast and is already needing something BIGGER and FASTER for this next summer!

We loved our first visit to CO from cousin Olen at ~6 months old and then a second visit over Labor Day weekend. The kids were at his side the ENTIRE time he was here! They loved leading the tour at Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo, swimming with him at the YMCA and just playing at home!!

Addie on her 5th birthday with Daddy. She had a FROZEN tea party with about 8 girlfriends at home.

The cousins collaborated with special shirts for Aunt Mimi's H.S. graduation! It was amazing with all of them together when you factor in age and height!! Here's all of them left to right: Drew 9, Kai 6, Issac 6, Ella 5, Addie 5, Eli 3, Tessa 2.

Just too cute! Daddy and Eli. Nice mohawk!

Eli the Superhero skateboarder?!

Camping in the Bighorn Mountains with friends in July!

Addie and Gavin working together on stick, rock and moss collection from the forest floor.

Carving with a knife!!?!?!? Kai's loving every second!  We camped right near this field for the best view in WY on unloading 5 semi-trucks full of cattle!! Very entertaining for us all....AND stinky!

Botox vs food allergy? Addie's scary allergic reaction during an Asian food lunch. Addie had 26 shots to figure out the lip swelling. There's not been many conclusive results after skin and blood tests. We think it was from imitation crab--which is basically the hot dog of all seafood!!! We haven't been eating much Asian cuisine since.

Addie started 1/2 day Kindergarten at James Irwin with Kai! She was so excited to start! Now she is pumped she can READ!!!!!  (A cute note: her New Years Resolution--wake up for school happier :))

Kai and Derrick hiked the Manitou Incline on the last day of summer! He did amazing! 

Enjoying the morning walk to school together!!

Eli has Mrs. Roth for Pre-K--an Unrein for the 3rd year in a row!

His new love and sport! Kai spend all summer skating with Derrick at ministry events and camps! He got a new board and helmet for his birthday. He's really improved his skills too! He can now drop-in!!

Kai's 7th birthday party at Ponderosa! About 5 families roasted hot dogs and smores over the fire and played outside in the woods! Then 2 friends and their dads stayed overnight with Kai, Eli and Derrick in a yurt. Man time!! 

Fall leaves! We headed into the mountains to view colors and hike. We had a picnic, skated in the mountain skateparks, and ended up in Breckenridge for a sweet treat. A very nice day together!

A rainy walk. Nothing but cute.

bros. buds. skaters. love them.

An unexpected trip to Florida in October. We prayed through trading mountains for beaches. Mountains it is! Long story but just ask.

Halloween 2014. 2 indians and a mermaid.

The boys tried YMCA basketball for the first time! This is Eli's game face.

Scout wore this cone of shame for 4 weeks. YUCK! She is all better now.

This was the year of Frozen's Anna and Elsa. Addie prefers Elsa. I think it mostly has to do with the preferred outfit and long braided hair! Here's her new dress ups!!!

So I know I missed a TON of great milestones, funny moments, precious faces, adventures and more, but hoping to keep up a little better this next year. Starting 2015 out with a BANG!