Hill, Annie, Emery & Andrew Slothower

Rock and Roll!

2010-06-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

As you might have guessed, there was lots music played for Andrew in utero. But between the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan, I think a little KISS must have snuck in. Because Andrew does one mean impression of Gene Simmons...and likes to Rock and Roll All Night! (And party every day.)

Gratitude

2009-11-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...

6 weeks and counting...

2009-10-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...I know there is quite a bit to fill in between April 1st and October 1st of this year, but I just had to get this picture of our new baby up. (I will fill in the gap later on, I promise!)

As most of you know, Emery will be a big brother! The second Slothower is due to arrive around the 12th of November. (And yes, we are waiting to find out it it will be a girl or boy!)

Yesterday we had our 34 week check up and we had to do an ultra sound to check if I will be able to deliver naturally this time around. All looked good...really good in fact. They took a "4-D" picture of the baby inside my womb. Can you believe this picture?

As you can see, s/he has quite a resemblance to his/her daddy and big brother. Their lips and their nose are are identical! But, we will have to wait and see if his/her eyes will be like daddy's baby blues or mama's dark eyes.

We are all well and enjoying the change of the seasons here in Denver. Of course, nothing will ever match the vibrant colors of the aspen trees of Steamboat, but there is so much to love about the tree lined streets of our neighborhood here.

I promise to keep this more updated in the weeks to come...nothing but time on my hands. (Big Smile!)

April's Fool

2009-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

No, Emery is not really a giant about to eat the moon. It's
just an April Fool's illusion.

And, no foolin'... Steamboat got 3 1/2 feet of snow in the last three days.

Anyone up for some Spring Powder??

In The Funny Papers

2009-03-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well, not really the funny papers, but the real estate section of our local Steamboat Pilot. However, one could argue that real estate as of late has become quite comical.

Anywho, we were contacted last week by a columnist at the paper who wanted to do a story on our attempt to trade our house for a property in Denver. He put a HUGE picture of our house on the front page of the real estate section on Sunday. You can't buy this kind of publicity!! Emery was very excited to see his house in the paper and we felt like celebrities for a bit.

Click on this link for the whole story:
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2009/mar/22/steamboat_springs_townhome_owners_propose_straight/

Unfortunately, the phone has not rung of the hook with offers to trade. Oh well...maybe some will come down the road.

Hail to the Chief!

2009-02-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

We have been so lucky to have Hill's family come for a long weekend every President's day since we have lived here. It is so much fun to host all of them and play in the snow together. This year love was in the air as Valentine's Day fell during President's weekend. Ahhhh...

While Annie, Emery, Millie and Hugh rested, the rest of the crew headed out for a snow shoe hike.

Bryson, Kathryn and Addilyn on top of the world!

Emery got some special time with Millie and Hugh Baby and Kathryn and Addilyn had some down time on Saturday morning. So, we got to hit the slopes with Hill's siblings. Fun, fun.

As folks headed out of town on Sunday, we had everyone stop at Cheryl's farm. It was a very Martha Stewart experience as some collected eggs, others pet horses...and miss Addilyn got her very first goat ride!!

Thanks so much for everyone making the effort to get here. We know between arranging flights from Portland and hotel rooms for the overflow, it can be an investment. But we love having you come to our home!

Lauren & Josie Skiing

2009-02-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

As those of you who know Hill, patience is one of his finest qualities. And his patience has been shown time and time again as he has taught many members of the Austin family how to ski. He started off with yous truly...then onto Toby, Austin, Natalie, Josie, Lauren and finally James and Grace.

Here is a little clip of Lauren and Josie skiing this weekend. It is hard for the kids when they only get one or two days a year on the slopes. They spend all day remembering all their bodies need to do to not fall. Then spend the whole year remembering they knew how to do it. Then they get back out a year later and have to learn all over again.

All the kids do a great job, but we have been blown away by Lauren's natural talent. Just wish she lived closer and we could ski with her more often!

Winter Carnival

2009-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Winter Carnival really is one of the best things about life here in Steamboat. You feel a real sense of community starting at the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast and walking over to Main Street to watch the locals, young and old alike, compete in the street events. It is magical how the town celebrates its snow. We have been so fortunate that for four of our five years here, we have had family travel up to enjoy the festivities with us. This year Annie's parents along with her nieces Josie and Lauren came up.

Papa with the three stooges.

On the top of Mt. Werner. Nana REALLY enjoyed the gondola ride up...and down again.

Josie getting a free ride from Uncle Hill's skis.

The girls in the tree outside the church after eating pancakes! Monkey see, monkey do!

Emery and Lauren inside a snow sculpture on main street. Silly kids!

The Traveling 12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

And we are off for 12 festive and fun filled days with friends and family across Colorado.

We will be with Hill's family in Denver for Christmas Eve and morning and then off to Holyoke for Christmas Day through the 30th with Annie's family.

We will return to Denver in time to ring in the New Year and for Annie and Hill to get their Panic on at the Widespread show at the Pepsi center.

We will stay through Saturday the 3rd when we will celebrate the season one last time with the Ortner's.

Then, back home to the Winter Wonderland we call home...Steamboat.

With all the coming and going these holidays, we got Emery a portable DVD player. Here he is in the backseat with his sunglasses AND headphones on. Too cool for school!

Christmas Cards

2008-12-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

It is the Monday before Christmas...and our cards have yet to come in the mail. Wanting to be both environmentally and financially conscious, we opted to do postcards this year. (No envelope to throw away and less money spent on stamps.) We ordered them back on the 9th thinking we had plenty of time. But alas, they are still not here. And, we leave tomorrow to celebrate the season with our families in Denver and Holyoke.

But, we wanted to be sure to say Happy Holidays to each of you...and look for cards maybe in the new year.

Here is what you have to look forward to! :)

James and Grace Come to Visit

2008-12-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend Annie's brother Christopher and his family came to visit us in Steamboat. It was so fun for them to come. Hill was able to teach his 7th and 8th Austin family member to ski. Grace liked it...but James loved it. I think he would still be out on the slopes if we would have let him.

We had a great time playing in the snow! We can't wait for Chris, Julie, James and Grace to come back again!

Cuddling up together to watch A Christmas Story. I think it is only fitting that the first time Emery met Ralphie and heard about the official red ryder bb gun he was with his uncle Chris.

James reading to Emery before bedtime.

Emery and Gracie brushing their teeth.

Everyone went sledding on the hill behind our house Sunday morning. It was a treat!

James and the Giant Icicle.

It's begining to look alot like Christmas...

2008-12-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I'm a bit of a nut for holiday decor. At last count, I have 119 snowmen in my collection. Hill was a bit surprised when he married me that I came all this merriment. But, when you are the goddaughter of an owner of a gift shop who sells Department 56 Snow Villages and the niece of an Aunt who got you a very special Christmas ornament each year...you have lots of good stuff!

But, I am happy to say that my excitement for decorating the inside of the house has finally been met with my husbands excitement for decorating the outside of the house.

And Emery got in the spirit this year, too. He put FIVE ornaments on this one branch. He was very, very proud of himself!

Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum

2008-12-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

For the last two years we have hiked into the forest to cut our own Christmas tree. It is beautiful to be out in the trees and nature...but there are no packed paths to the perfect tree. And after post-holing in hip deep snow for an hour, we looked at each other and asked why we just didn't pay the $75 for the one in the grocery store parking lot. Fa, la, la, la, la.

All ready to head in!

Emery thought that eating the snow was the best part.

Here comes Hill with the tree over his shoulder. Such a good guy.

And we've got it! Not really sure what we were thinking taking the VW and not the Land Rover to get the tree. Oh well...more Clark Griswold this way.

Parade of Lights

2008-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Annie's mom's birthday, much of her family was able to gather in Denver for a yummy Italian meal at at Pagliacci's and then head downtown for the Parade of Lights. It was so fun to be together. And even though the birthday girl was in a foot cast, she was able to keep up with her of grandchildren.

The grandkids perched on top of the newspaper boxes to get a better view.

James was in awe of the Rudolph and his big red nose!

Emery, Hill, Mom and Dad watching Dennis the Menace round the corner towards the Daniels and Fisher tower. When we asked Emery later what his favorite part of the parade was, he said the great big Uncle Dennis balloon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

There is so much to be thankful for this year. In such uncertain times, the love of family means so much.
We were fortunate to be able to celebrate the holiday with Hill's family in Denver. His mother and Hugh have just moved into their beautiful new home and opened it to each of us. Lauren is home safe and sound from a semester in South Africa. Bryson and Kathryn came from Portland with their new baby girl. And Amy was had an amazing year with the first graduating class from her first high school in May and the opening of her second high school in August.

We are so blessed.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.- Melody Beattie

(Thanks, Jenelle, for the quote...it is beautiful.)

Show and Tell

2008-11-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

After our trip to Portland, Annie and Emery headed to Holyoke to help Trudy with her kids while Dennis is in India for work. Emery simply adores Austin, Josie and Lauren...so it will be a fun week.

Josie had show and tell today and wanted to bring in Emery. He was a big hit and gave everyone in the classroom a high five.

Addilyn and Portland

2008-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to be able to travel to Portland this week to meet Addilyn and spend some time with Hill's brother Bryson and his wife Kathryn. They have a beautiful home in a beautiful location. We will treasure the time spent with them. It was so special to see the three of them as a new family. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this very intimate time.

Addilyn with her Uncle Hill and cousin Emery.

Hill putting Addilyn in the magic sideways hold to calm her. And Bryson putting Emery in the magical upsidedown hold to un-calm him.

The Slothower ladies.

Emery listening to a secret from Addi. What do you think she is telling him?

Emery, Hill and Kathryn at the water crank in the Portland Children's Museum

Emery brushing the alligator's teeth at the museum. (This one is for you, Russ and Julie.)

Emery and the St. John's Bridge.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween Emery dressed up as "Max" from the children's book Where the Wild Things Are.

Emery as "Max."

Emery in his wolf suit admiring his daddy's handy work on his annual "Steal Your Face" Jack-O-Lantern. GOGD

He was very excited to put on his costume when he woke up from his nap at 4pm and kept in on until 10:30 that night. We went downtown for Steamboat's annual Trick or Treat street. It was really nice weather and Emery loved collecting all the candy and seeing all the other kids (and adults) dressed up in their costumes.

On our way to trick or treat street.

"Let the wild rumpus start!"

Emery and Hill in the "Haunted Hallway" at a local Real Estate office.

"And he tamed them with the magic trick of starting into all their yellow eyes..."
The staff at the local book store was so excited to see a Emery dressed up as a literary character that they had him pose for pictures with their "Wild Thing" stuffed animal.

Wild Thing, I think I love you.

The whole family...pretty scary crew, huh?

After trick or treating, we headed out to Kim & Peter Kreissig's house for a Halloween party. They had their house decked out and Pete had constructed a haunted house in their garage. (Hill was one of the spooks inside). It was a great time and Emery loved dancing with the big kids and playing with Jake and Taylor's toys.

Emery walking through the haunted archway up Kim & Pete's driveway.

Emery with Auntie Cheryl and Kimmers.

Emery with his daddy the spook...doesn't Emery look terrified? :-)

Emery with his buddy the Carving Cowboy and a steaming cauldron of Monster Juice.

A kiss from his fairy godmother disguised tonight as the blue M & M.

On the way home, Emery announced that Halloween was his FAVORITE day!

A movie based on Where the Wild Things Are is coming out next October. And guess who the screen play writer is? Dave Eggers! Isn't that WILD? He is also releasing a novel next year based on the book to coincide with the release of the movie. Dave is an author who first became acquainted with Hill's sister Amy through correspondence about one of his first books. He worked closely with Hill's mom for a fundraiser for the Webb-Waring Institute and gave a very generous donation for cancer research. He later climbed Kilimanjaro with Hill and his brother and sister. Maybe we should forward a picture of Emery and see if he needs a model for his cover artwork!

Happy 10th Birthday, Austin!

2008-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

From Emery and His Llama!

And Aunt Annie and Uncle Hill, too.

First Snow

2008-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

We had our first snow this afternoon. Emery and his dad were excited to see the white stuff. But, I'm not quite ready for it. We had our last snow here mid June. So, that left us only 4 months without it. Is it to much to ask for just a little more time? Oh well. Wishing for no snow in a ski town probably isn't the best thing to do. Maybe I'll go get a little cheese to go with my whine.

Way Down Yonder in the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we traveled to Holyoke for a little bit of Family Fall Fun! Emery had a fun time playing with his cousins. The highlight of our stay was a trip to Imperial, Nebraska to a place called Cox's Pond. Like a page out of a storybook, a beautiful fall scene unfolded before us. With pumpkin lined ponds, a hay rack ride that lead us to a slightly spooky corn maze and a huge water trough full of corn...we had a great time! And Grandma Ortner came, too!

Emery in front of a great big SPIDER!

James and Emery in their overalls.

Children of the corn.

Josie being spooked by Papa under the big black cat. (Emery is not sure what is going on.)

Lauren offering Emery a tour of all the pumpkins.

And these are pictures from the hay rack ride and the "rooms" in the corn maze. There was a "Bat-room," a "Witch-en" and instead of a Living Room, a "Dead Room."

We can't wait to come back next year!

Let The Wild Rumpus Start

2008-10-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

The day Emery wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another, his Mother and Nana called him "WILD THING!"

This weekend while we were in Holyoke, Annie's mom helped her finish Emery Halloween costume. This year Emery is going to Max from Where the Wild Things Are. When we got the wolf suit finished, he had to try it out. He chased Austin, Lauren and his daddy around Nana and Papa's front yard. He is pretty darn cute, don't you think?

Thanks, Mom, for all your help with the costume. After 10 years of sewing in 4-H you would think I could figure out a Halloween costume. But, it is always so nice to have your expert guidance!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

2008-10-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

In honor of your birthday, Emery had a great big juicy burger full of red meat. Does this make you happy?

We hope that you have great day, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you next weekend in Holyoke!

Thanks, Natalie

2008-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Annie's sister Natalie has been very busy getting settled into her new job as a professor at Utah State University. She has been doing alot of overtime trying to get things up to speed and needed to get away to relax and recharge. So, she came to visit us in Steamboat. Thank you for making the long drive and for being such a great aunt to Emery. He had so much fun reading with you, playing with the floam, making fall leaves, hiking, soaking in the hot springs and playing PUMPKIN BALL!

Pretty Natalie in the pretty aspen tree.

A photo from our hike. As Father Neal would say "And God said, 'Do you like it? I made it just for you.'"

Hill having a bit to much fun with floam. (Emery took this picture.)

Llamas for Obama

2008-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Routt County Democrats hosted a rally for Obama today that we just could not resist attending. The Llamas have been waiting their whole life for a presidential candidate to run who had a name that rhymed with theirs. Plus we were a little star struck for the hostess of the event was the author of our favorite Hiking the Boat II book, Diane White-Crane.

Feeding "Isiah" the Llama for Obama. (Thanks, Millie, for Emery's groovy peace shirt! It was a big hit at the rally.)

Watching Diane sing some of her llama lyrics.

Blowing bubbles with Aunt Nat during the llama puppet show.

The whole fam with "Jeremiah," the Obama Llama.

Welcome, Addi

2008-10-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hill's brother Bryson and his wife Kathryn welcomed a beautiful new baby girl into this world today.

Looking a little like her daddy and alot like her mommy, Addilyn Mehana Shimmon Slothower will be loved by many!

We will be traveling to Portland the beginning of November to see the new family and can't wait to meet Addi in person.

Happy Birthday, Auntie Lauren and Cousin James!

2008-10-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Fall in the Rockies

2008-09-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

When we first moved to Steamboat on October 1, 2004, Annie's parents helped move us in. The changing colors of the aspen trees were amazing that year and seemed to cast a spell on them. For every year since, they have returned for a weekend of fall foliage fun!

This year we headed up Buffalo Pass and the trees did not disappoint. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will let these speak for themselves.

And of course, some of the fun included Emery spending time with his Nana and Papa.

Nana reading to Emery about the "Biggest Pumpkin Ever." She is getting him ready for the big pumpkin patch near Holyoke in mid October.

Emery tried to help Papa get his fly tied to the end of his rod. But, alas, there are no fish to be found in Dinosaur Lake!

Sweet Beginnings

2008-09-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the pleasure of celebrating Hill's mom's recent nuptials with lots of family and friends. She and Hugh Rice were married in San Francisco on September 13th. Hill's Aunts and Uncles hosted a lovely reception for the pair. Aunt Persis put out a wonderful spread of food and sentimental...yet sweet and funny toasts were offered by Aunt Elizabeth, Uncle Chuck, Amy and Lauren. The evening was topped off with yummy cupcakes for all.

Here is to sweet beginnings and happily ever afters.

Emery could not be happier for his "Millie" and "Hugh Baby."

(And neither could we!)

Lillian Love

2008-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I think Emery has a thing for younger women.

Our friend's the Yender's have two beautiful little girls. Melaina is just six weeks younger than Emery and the two of them have played together always. But, last March when Melaina's sister was born, Emery became smitten with the younger of the two Yender ladies. If Lillian is in the room, Emery constantly checks in on her and makes sure she always has a toy to play with and sometimes even sneaks a kiss or two.

Sweet, huh?

Rubber Ducky Race

2008-09-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Every year the Yampa Valley Medical Center hosts a Rubber Ducky Race Fundraiser by sending thousands and thousands of little yellow rubber ducks down the Yampa River. It is quite a sight to behold as so many of the familiar bath toys take float.

Emery loved watching them come and go from a bridge about halfway through the race. Here he is with his buddy Caz.

We walked to the end of the race to see which ducky would win...it was not ours.

Four Years Ago Today...

2008-09-11T08:17:00.001-07:00

Devil's Causeway

2008-09-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

In our attempt to get in as much hiking as possible while Emery will still tolerate being in the backpack, we made the Flat Tops Wilderness Area our location of choice this weekend. The terrain was beautiful and the wildflowers were in full bloom. We chose the Devil's Causeway as our destination. As described in Hiking the Boat II, it is "a short, four-foot wide passageway over a cliff with 1,500-foot drops on either side, down to the valley far below." It was amazing and Emery loved the "exposure."

Emery and Hill approaching the Causeway...at this point Emery was on foot!

Emery sucked on the Camelback most of the 2 1/2 hour approach. He had a very full diaper!

Back into the backpack for the crossing.

The family...on the other side!

Emery and the Flat Tops.

Emeryism

2008-09-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight Hill was reading "Horton Hears a Who" to Emery for his bedtime story. Hill got to the line in the book that read "...So, gently, and using the greatest of care, The elephant stretched his great trunk through the air," and Emery exclaimed "I have a trunk!" And Hill said "You have a nose. An elephant has a trunk." And Emery said again "I have a trunk!" He then hopped off the bed and ran to the end where we have a beautiful wooden chest that Merl Davidson made for us for a wedding gift. We keep Emery's stuffed animals in this chest. But, at one point, we must have refered to it as a trunk because Emery hit the wooden chest and said "Right Here! Right here Emery has a trunk!"

Cookie Monsters

2008-09-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Every Wednesday my friend Molly and I do a "Tot Swap." Her daughter Sydney comes to play at our house every other week and Emery does the same...vice versa. It is great to have a couple hours to myself to get errands done or just get caught up!

This week while Syd was over, we decided to make cookies.

They were both a big help dumping in the flour and the sugar.

After some mixing (and a little taste test of the cookie dough) they are ready to go in the oven.

And Syd loves the results!

Emeryism

2008-09-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

While we were out and about today, I pulled up behind an Audi at a stop light. From the back seat Emery got very excited and said "The Olympics are on that car." (He saw the rings that made up the car's logo). It is simply amazing how his mind works!

Up, Up and Away

2008-08-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Steamboat has an annual Wild West Air Show on Labor Day Weekend. Emery is quite interested in planes these days (he gets that from his Uncle Chris), so we decided to take him over to the airport to see the flying vessels. There were small planes and military planes and even a helicopter...it was "wild!" Emery was very excited to see them but got frustrated when he could not "go up, up in air in an airplane!" Oh well. It was a fun morning outing with our friends the Yender's.

Rollin' on the River

2008-08-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

To kick off our labor day weekend, our family decided to venture out on an overnight float trip on our raft. We had a great time and Emery LOVED it. We floated a stretch of the Colorado river up near State Bridge. The river followed the train track and Emery got very excited every time a train would come by. (He and his cousin James share a love of trains!) It was a great time and we are anxious to try it again. Anybody want to come with us?

Almost full...can you believe that Hill blew the raft up all by himself? He was a little light headed. Tee, Hee.

Captain Willie and his first mate...Little Willie.

Of course Emery had to take a turn on the oars.

We camped on the banks of the river. It was a nice beachy area and Emery loved playing in the sand.

We stopped and splashed in the hot springs along the way.

Our little sailor got pretty tuckered out from the trip. The waves of the river must have rocked him to sleep.

New Hair

2008-08-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Emery got into the costume box and found Hill's Elvis wig. He put it on and came running up the stairs shouting "New Hair, New Hair." It might have been his most comedic moment to date. We had to share the picture.

Hahn's Peak

2008-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Last year while Annie was off in Santa Fe with her girlfriends, Hill and Emery climbed Hahn's Peak with our friend's The Carberry's. And ever since, they have been wanting to get Annie back to the top. So, this weekend we headed up to North Routt and finally did it. It is about an hour drive from Steamboat and the whole way there, Emery said "Climb a big, big mountain!" The wildflowers were so beautiful the whole way up and Emery was very excited throw rocks from the top.

Last year with Joe, Jenelle and Sam. We miss you guys!

Our two mountain men!

And one with their mountain mama...

Hill and Emery watching a rock fall that Emery just threw from the top.

I'm smiling because we are about to head back down.

Swinging at the base of Hahn's Peak at Steamboat Lake Outfitters...not bad for a days work.

Cousin's Visit

2008-08-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

We had the extreme pleasure of having two of our nieces and one of our nephews (Trudy and Dennis' 3 children) come visit us this summer. They each came for about 10 days. Each of their visits were as different as the each of them. We hope that this is a tradition we can continue...and that our other nieces and nephews will come to visit soon!

Josie (7) came and stayed with us from July 3rd - 13th

It was Josie's birthday the first night she was here. We had a Hannah Montana birthday party and a Cookies and Cream ice cream cake from Stone Cold Creamery. Josie's parents found it quite funny that Emery's vocabulary had two extra words after his time with Josie...Hannah and Montana. Hill also got to hear much about this Pop Star in disguise and was amazed to learn that Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana were actually the same person!

Josie loved hiking and asked to go for walks every day. Here she is after a hike to Fish Creek Falls.

Josie was able to read lots of Emery's books. They had alot of fun lying in bed before his naptime reading books together. Josie was such a big help.

Lauren (4) stayed with us from July 10th - 20th

Hill took Lauren and Emery fishing every night while she was here. Although they never caught a fish, they had alot of fun trying. The pond where they went was next to the train tracks so they put lots of pennies on the tracks. Lauren loved to search for the flat pieces of copper the next day.

Lauren LOVED her Uncle Hill's motorcycle. She wanted to ride it more than anything. When we dropped her back with her parents, the first thing she said to her daddy was "I'm going to save my birthday money and buy a motorcycle!"

Lauren loved to play in the water with Emery. One afternoon they decided they needed their goggles on. She and Emery were the best of buds.

Austin (9) was here from July 30th - August 9th

Emery wanted to be everywhere that Austin was. He really looked up to him the whole time he was here. Austin was very patient with Emery...even if it meant having him sit in his lap while he tried to eat!

We took a trip out to Cheryl's farm while Austin was here. Here he is with Blossom the miniature donkey.

Austin was a big help in the kitchen! Every day he picked the menu for the evening and helped me prep the ingredients while Emery was napping. This is a picture of him from his last night in Steamboat. We made chocolate molten lava cake...his absolute favorite!

Take me out to the ballgame...

2008-08-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Auntie Amy treated us to a Rockies Baseball game. Even though the Rock Stars could not pull out a win against the Padres, Emery loved every minute of it. He is a big fan of playing every sport, but his favorite these days does seem to be baseball. Every night at dinner he says "Emery eat all his supper...grow big, big...hit a ball...run the bases!" He must have gotten his love of the game from his Uncle Toby.

It was a great evening and one filled with lots of memories. It is pretty surreal sitting with your son at his first baseball game.

That is alot of grass! I want a yard that big to play in!

Can I please go down to the field and run the bases?

Thanks, Auntie Amy, for my new baseball hat. My Great Gramma Austin is going to be upset with me wearing it backwards!

Can't you just see the awe in his eyes? Watching him watch the game was more exciting than the game itself!

We made it through the seventh inning stretch...and to the bottom of the ninth. What a special evening!

Santa!! I know him!

2008-08-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

While we were in the Springs visiting family, we took some time to head up to the North Pole. It is an amusement park with lots of rides and of course a chance to visit Santa. Emery had a blast. However, all the rides went in circles...so Mom and Dad left feeling a little queasy. Oh the things we do for our children! Emery got right on Santa's lap and guess what he asked him for? A "lellow" puppy. We will see what the elves can do about his mamma's allergies in time for Christmas.

More Slothowers

2008-08-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the opportunity to gather with Hill's dad's two sisters and brother. It was a wonderful time to reconnect and spend some time with family. It is hard knowing that Emery will never get to know his Grandpa John, but he has three great uncles and three great aunts who will love him and want to be sure they know lots about his Grandpa and his love for life...and the game of golf. We thank Salle Hill & David and Peter & Ellie for the invite to come and join the family and the chance for Annie and Emery to finally meet Betsy & John.

(Emery was fed a bite of blue cheese right before this picture was taken and it did not agree with him. Sorry about his sour face!)

Great (Big) Grandma Love

2008-07-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

We were able to have dinner with Hill's grandmother from Montecito after her week in Aspen spending time with her nephew and children. We had to post this picture because they both look so happy. Emery is so lucky to have three great grandmother's that adore him so!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Emery!

2008-07-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! Our little guy is already 2 years old! What a joy it has been to watch him grow and become his own little person. He is an absolute blessing. We are looking forward to this year of "terrific twos!"

We asked what Emery wanted to do for his birthday and he told us "go bowling!" So, that is what we did. Emery's godmother Cheryl and Randy joined us at Snow Bowl and we had a great time. Josie was with us, too...it was a party!

Emery started his day off with candles in his peanut butter pancakes.

Bowling with two year old can prove to be interesting. Emery would roll the ball to the end of the lane and then a grown up would give it an extra push to get it down the lane. They put the gutter guards up for him...but they proved helpful for the parents as well!

Emery got lots of fun "Cars" themed fishing gear (fishing pole, life jacket, sunglasses, tackle box, power bait, etc.) from Randy and Cheryl. He was so excited! Now, if he can just catch fish as well as his daddy does!

We went for Italian food after the bowling extravaganza. He got tiramisu for his birthday dessert. He thought it was quite yummy. It may be the only time he gets a dessert laced with sugar and espresso right before bed!

Emery and his fairy godmother Cheryl.

He does love her so!!

One big happy family...2 years and lots and lots of love. (Thanks, Josie, for taking the picture!)

Ahoy, Maties!

2008-07-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Emery's buddy Caz was born just two days before him on the 7th of July. So his mommy Clare and I decided to have a joint birthday party for all their little buddies the day in between their birthdays...July 8th! It was a pirate theme, and the kids sure were excited! Six of their friends along with their mommies joined us to celebrate. Yummy salads were provided for the ladies and finger foods for the kiddos. And of course...a pirate ship cake made by yours truly.

Emery is in awe of his mama's handy work! (Or trying to figure out just where he can swipe his finger in the icing!)

Here is the end of the birthday song and a good shot of Emery "blowing" out his candles. He had been so excited to blow out his candles for so long! For at least two weeks before his birthday he would wake up and say to us "On Emery's birthday...he blow out the candles!"

July 4th!

2008-07-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was filled with family, friends and FIREWORKS! Hill's sisters Amy & Lauren along with family friends Greg, Beth & Izzy and Annie's niece Josie were all able to be with us to celebrate the good ol' U S of A! Our day included a home town parade (many floats opted to throw water instead of candy...Josie was a bit upset!), barbeque and some of the explosive stuff!

God Bless the USA!

Emery and his father picked up his first fireworks this year. If you look closely, you will see it is labeled "Little Pyro Bag." I am sure Uncle Bryson is so proud!

Hill letting the children play with fire. I don't know that Josie is loving the smell of her sparkler!

Josie and Izzy doing their best Statue of Liberty impression.

Auntie Lauren, Emery and Josie lying on the grass of the Routt County Courthouse lawn watching the fireworks being launched over Howlesen Hill.

Aunt Nat-Lee!

2008-06-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Annie sister Natalie came and stayed with us this past week. She missed out on Emery's first year and a half of life as she was helping to save the world as a Peace Corp volunteer in Mombasa, Kenya. Her time there was unfortunately cut short due to political unrest. But, what's their loss is our gain! She is an amazing aunt and Emery simply adores her. This is the second time since the first of the year that she has come and stayed with us. She and Emery have the best of times together. Emery learned sign language from lessons she provided us before she left. The two of them are silly and it is fun to watch them interact. She will be off to her new job at the Utah State University in Logan soon, so we are glad to have spent some time with her before she leaves again!

They got thrown in jail because they were having to much fun!

Emery and Natalie on top of Emerald Mountain. Natalie and I had to take turns with Emery in the backpack on our way up. He is getting so big! Natalie left shortly after we finished this hike and called me when she got home to let me know her calves were talking to her!

Real Estate

2008-05-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, we put our house on the market just in time for the summer selling season. Our current home is beautiful and in a great location, but we want all four walls and a yard that we maintain. We will see what this Ski Town's real estate market has in store for us. And if it doesn't sell...there would be worse places to be stuck.

We have had many visitors here in the two years since our house was built. But, if you have not been up or would just like to see some pictures of the place, here are some for your viewing pleasure.

And if you still need more, here is a link to the virtual tour...

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1530552

Our Family

2007-07-12T20:43:00.000-07:00