The Vaille Family

Blog continued at new link

2010-07-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have run out of allowed space for pictures on this blog spot. I will continue our family picture journal at the following link: http://summitvaille2.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 20

2010-07-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful sunny day at the beach!

Uncle Jamey helping Lexi boogie board.

Heeeyyyyy

We spent 8 hours playing at the beach today.

Uncle Jamey and Aunt Lauren love their Nieces and Nephews

Ellie, Grams and Pops

I can't get over the amount of plastic they waste cleaning the beaches. They claim it has something to do with the thickness of the bag needed for the hazardous material only coming in one size, but it really bothered me.

They did a great job cleaning, but it sure is a ton of waste. Only filling the bags with a couple of scoops of sand, duct taping them closed and on to waste another bag.

Miles in his hot tub of the day.

The kids stayed in the pool until Gram's stuffed potatoes and Pop's steaks were ready to eat.

Crabbing with the gang.

I can't get over how curly Jeremiah's hair is in the humidity.

Yay for cousins! Saturday, June 19

2010-07-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Cousins!! Kylie, Taylor and Ellie got to the beach this morning!! They brought their parents Aunt Allyson and Uncle Brian too.

They got their suits on and we hit the hot tub, the kids were so happy to have someone to play with.

Again, today the beaches remained a beautiful white with no sign of tar.

Aunt Courtney and her kiddos got in later in the day and we all played at the beach.

They love to caught small fish, snails and crabs to put in their fish bucket.

We all went to dinner at the Crab Trap. The older cousins got to sit at their own table. They loved hanging out with out us boring old adults around. They even ordered calamari and ate it all!

Lexi and Ellie are good pals.

Uncle Jamey wanted to play on the playground so he took Miles with him. After playing a little he feed Miles soda and crab at the "big kids" table which included Miles, Jamey, Lauren, Garrett and Corrie.

Friday, June 18

2010-07-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

We all slept in until 9:30, had Jamey's famous sausage bread the headed to the beach.

Why is Miles always the one sitting while everyone else digs his "hot tub"?

One snow cone please.

The footprints wash away, but the memories, last a lifetime.

We saw no oil today.

Miles caught a snail and named her Rachel after our baby sitter. It makes me smile to knowing they love Rachel as much as we do.

Jamey and Garrett cooked us burgers for dinner.

Dinner by the pool with an ocean view.

That's exactly how I feel :)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

2010-07-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

Yay, Dad arrived last night! We were all thrilled were to see him and go to the ocean with him.

These folks who were cleaning the tar off the beaches were very friendly and informative. They were locals hired to clean their own beaches, so they really cared about how well it was cleaned. We all listened intently as they explained what they were doing to help with the spill.

Heading into the ocean.

Playing in the water with Uncle Jamey and Aunt Lauren.

Trying to catch fish.

The water and beaches were pretty clear of tar, we had to hunt to find some to show Troy what to look out for.

Chilling in his favorite spot, his "hot tub".

One of the several groups of sting rays that passed really close to shore several times a day. A few times I was in the water and it was so amazing.

More digging making Miles his hot tub.

white beaches, green ocean, blue sky

Hanging with Uncle Garrett.

Handsome green eyed boy.

After a wonderful chicken alfredo dinner prepared Corrie, we went crabbing.

Are we ready for a good time?

Sometimes, the waves come up quicker than you can get the crab...................

but with a little help and a lot of excitement from a couple of fun Uncles............................

he can be caught.

We caught a few of the little guys, Lexi was the winner with the most catches of the night.

Time to let them go.

What a wonderful day, full of giggles!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

2010-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Every morning, we enjoyed breakfast on the balcony over looking the ocean.

Today the water was clear of oil, we only saw one tar ball all day.

Watching the working boats. The waters were closed to all boat except those helping with the oil spill. We saw many boats, but all were moving very slowly as they worked to remove oil from the water.

Lexi loves her new buddy Corrie. Good job Uncle Garrett, she is a lot of fun and fits right in with the fam.

Arrrr, give me all your Popsicles Matey.

It is a little weird at first seeing all the 4-wheelers go up and down the beach, but we got use to seeing them and knowing they are working to clean the beaches helped.

The kids love digging in the sand!

Look at the those curls!!

Making a sand angle.

Once again, the kids ended there day outside in the hot tub. I still can't figure out how they spent some much time in a hot tub when it was 90 degrees outside.

June 15, 2010

2010-07-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Miles up and ready to swim, only he forgot the bathing suit part.

We woke to oil washing on shore. In this picture from the balcony you can see red strains of oil.

Tanker were close by pumping up oil.

We decided to spend this sunny day at the pool.

Jeremiah swimming on Dolly the Dolphin.

Miles could not get enough time in the hot tub. I guess it reminds him of being home.

Lexi riding the turtle.

Taking a ride on Ali the alligator.

Garrett grilled steak and fresh shrimp while the kids swam. We can upstairs and ate on the balcony.

Kids were all sound asleep at 9:00.

June 14, 2010

2010-07-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

The kids slept until 9:00 and after breakfast on the balcony overlooking the ocean, we went down to play.

Letting the waves roll over him.

That looks like fun Jeremiah, I think I'll do it too.

There were several groups of workers cleaning the tar balls off the beach. We did not see very much tar at all today.

Relaxing

So much fun!

Uncle Garrett and Corrie got in today, we all swam in the ocean.

While Grams, Miles and I were out once, a school of sting rays swam right by us. It was cool and scary at the same time.

This is the life!

Catching crabs

New friends.

President Obama visited the area to see how the oil spill was affecting the beaches. The road in front of the condo was closed for 2 hours waiting for the Presidential motorcade to pass. We waited upstairs in front of the condo on the 6th floor to see it pass.

Luckily we only had to wait about a half hour and in about 45 seconds all 45 cars in the motorcade had passe.

Playing ball in the condo with Uncle Garrett and Corrie.

Sound asleep in the closet after a long fun day in the sun.

We made it to the beach!!!!

2010-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

After screaming with joy for the last 45 minutes of the drive to the beach, we finally made!

As soon as we got there, the kids were in their suits and ready to head to the beach.

On the board walk.

White sand!!

Playing in the sand.

The water was beautiful and clear.

Grams watching us play.

My boy watching the waves come in.

More digging in the sand.

I see a sea shell down by the sea shore.

Miles loves jumping the waves.

Dancing for joy.

Digging holes

Getting chased by the waves.

There were some tar balls washing up by not too many.

One happy girl!

A fabulous first day in Florida.

Visiting Uncle Jamey and Aunt Lauren

2010-06-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

After 3 nights in Shreveport, we headed to Jackson, MS to visit Uncle Jamey and Aunt Lauren.

Yay! We are so happy Uncle Jamey loves toys too!

Aunt Lauren even got out her old doll house for us to put together and play with.

Uncle Jamey got us Blue Bell ice cream bars, yummy!

We went to see Shrek 4 at Jamey's work then got pizza for dinner.

Aunt Lauren made us this great pallet on the floor in the guess room.

They made us sausage bread for breakfast. What a great visit. Thanks guys! We love you!

beach bound baby

Here we go.

Swimming in Shreveport

2010-06-28T14:59:00.002-07:00

The kids and I spent the day at the science museum Sci-Port playing and watching an Imax.

We met Grams, Aunt Elyse, Uncle Matt, Tatum and Asher at East Ridge for some afternoon swimming.

Jeremiah loved the slide.

After watching him jump off the diving board several times Lexi tried it too. They both enjoyed jumping over and over again, awww the memories of my childhood.

Lexi and Tatum had a blast swimming together.

Dinner by the pool is great!

Nothing goes better with pool food than iccees.

Hi five Asher.

The crew all showered and ready for bed after a fun filled day.

Our 1st day in Shreveport

2010-06-23T21:40:00.001-07:00

Gampaw invited us on a boat ride down the Red River. The boys were happy to see Lexi who had already been in Shreveport for 5 days.

Thanks Gampaw, for the fun adventure.

Lexi was a pirate and took control of the boat.

Captain Jeremiah

The guide was very interesting and entertained the kids as well.

Louisiana condo

Miles turn as a pirate.

After teh boat ride, Lexi took us to the water fountain park she had played at earlier in the week with Gampaw.

Miles loved it.

Yay! Uncle Garrett came in town.

Aunt Elyse and Asher came to see us. We are happy to see anyone who brings icees and balloons!

Asher is such a sweetie!

The kids' discovered the water hose and since it is rarely warm enough to play in the hose in Colorado it was a real treat for them. They sprayed each other until after the sun went down.

Day 2 on the road

2010-06-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks again Uncle Weber, we had a fun time hanging at your pad! We are sorry you can't join us on the beach, but very proud of you for working so hard in school!

Loving on Creasy

Playing on Weber's porch before we head to Shreveport.

On the road again at 10:45 am. The "present" Mom wrapped helped to keep the kids entertained.

"Don't worry about a thing"

We arrived in Shreveport at 6:30. Again, these boys were great all day in the car!!

Road Trip here we go!

2010-06-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I left Summit County at 5:30 am on Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

Gayle meet me in Denver with the boys in their pjs.

1st stop Oklahoma City, OK

The boys were WONDERFUL the entire 12 hour drive!!! We only stopped 3 times for food, gas and bathroom. We arrived in Oklahoma City, OK at 6:30pm. Since Uncle Weber was in class and the boys had been so good, we had ice cream sunday's for dinner before heading to Weber's house.

We were all happy to see Weber!

Miles loved rolling around in his big empty living room.

Jeremiah and Uncle Weber played some DSi XL

Thanks Weber for giving up your room for us for a night!!!

South Willow Falls

2010-06-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Troy and I had a weekend with no kids as Lexi flew with Gampaw to Louisiana and Jeremiah and Miles went to Wyoming with Grandma Vaille.

Troy had been wanting to hike to South Willow Falls for a while now so we thought this was the prefect time to do so.

It was a fabulous day hiking and enjoying each other.

With all the snow melt the water was raging.

Pretty sweet view!

Denver Zoo

2010-06-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

We met Grandma, Aunt Mandy and Harlynn at the zoo to celebrate the start of Summer!

hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil

Field Day

2010-06-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah was nice enough to let his brother ride when they played battle ship in the gym.

Lexi playing with her friends.

Silly girl.

Miles trying to balance a cup of water on his head.

Camping in Montezuma

2010-06-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend we camp at "our spot" in Montezuma.

Jeremiah loves helping chop the wood for the fire.

Troy helping Lexi aim Jeremiah's BB gun.

Jeremiah gives his sister a hand.

Chilling by the camp fire.

Lexi was determined to eat the corn on the cob even with 2 missing front teeth.

Miles the ham.

Yahtzee anyone?

Dinner at the park

2010-06-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Daisy cross-over ceremony

2010-06-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Our Kindergarten Daisy girls starting of the ceremony with a skit.

They "baked' the new Brownies in the table oven.

And surprise, the new Brownies are good and ready. Lexi was great popping out of the oven.

Our 5 new Brownies!

On my honor.............

Congratulations Lexi! It was a fun year with your Daisy troop and now you are a big Brownie!

Family hike

2010-06-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Starting off the hike to Mason Town on Mountain Royal.

lunch break

Digging for gold in the mine tailings.

Snow still on the trail in late May.

Enjoying the view.

We took a side trip to another old cabin and where we had to break through the snow.

It's a little cold with shorts on!

We spent some time here talking about how life was in the "old days". The kids all agreed they would not want to live in a cabin with one room.

Cub Scout cross over picnis

2010-06-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Troy cooking up the burgers and dogs for a group of hungry Scouts and their families.

Waiting for their turn to cross over.

Congratulations Jeremiah, you are now a Bear Cub!

A perfect mountain day!

Let's build a fort!

2010-06-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Dad can build one of the best forts you have ever seen!

Jeremiah made this sign for their fort. Troy and I felt honored to be the only adults allowed.

Jeremiah had a great room for building forts.

Missing both front teeth now!

May 14......more snow

2010-06-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Crawfish boil in the mountains

2010-06-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Our friend and neighbors, Kelly, Eric, Cade and Naya have a few crawfish boils every year.

The kids' favorite part was playing with the live crawfish.

Until Dad started chasing the kids with the crawfish.

Hello Mr. Crawfish

What to slide?

You go girl!

crazy hair pajama day

2010-06-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

The kids had crazy hair AND pajama day at school.

Jeremiah makes one scary monster.

another spring ski day

2010-06-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Miles and I enjoyed another day on the hill with our neighbors Naya and Eric.

The kiddos pumped and ready to go.

Miles and Naya had a blast racing each other down the mountain. Miles was ahead here, but Naya didn't let that boy stay in teh lead for too long.

Making Mr. Snowman

2010-06-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Spring snow is prefect for making snowmen.

Hot tubbing to stay warm

2010-06-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

When you wake up to 9 inches of fresh snow on April 24, better get in the hot tub.

But 1st you have to shovel a path to get there.

Spring freshies

2010-06-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Two days after skiing in our t-shirts, we got 8 inches on snow, so Miles and I hit the slopes again.

I decided to take him up Pali and try some of the steeper runs on this powder day.

It was fun getting to the run.

But then Miles fell and got a face full of snow.

He was cold and unhappy with me for bringing him to this "big hill".

After a good cry and realizing Mom was not going to carry him down the mountain, he got up and tried again.

Check out all that powder!

Spring Skiing

2010-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

April 21 was local's day at A-Basin.

Miles and I hit the slopes with no jackets.

The rest of Spring Break 2010

2010-06-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

After returning from Moab, we spent the rest of Spring Break week playing at the park, swimming and hiking with friends.

Riding bikes at the amphitheater.

Hanging with friends.

Lexi missing one front tooth.

Jeremiah trying to help his little brother learn to ride his bike.

Jumping in!

splish splash

Snack time.

Hiking

Living on the edge.

Jeremiah and Magnus enjoying their picnic lunch.

Way up high above the neighbor hood.

Miles was showing the older kids the "catapus" he found.

James is a great, helpful friend.

Sunday in the great outdoors

2010-05-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

It was a chilly 58 degrees when we got up on Sunday morning.

Rocket launching time.

Blast off.

"Let's do it again!"

Which way is the treasure?

We found it!

Crazy drive

Crushing rocks......

"I like to sniff the flowers. Mom, you come sniff this flower" - Miles

The sand here was so fine, Miles laid down to make a sand angel.

Checking out our "old" camp spot.

That view brings back lots of great memories of camping with Troy. We have been camping in this spot since my 1st trip to Moab in 2000.

Our 3rd day camping

2010-05-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, ALL of us slept in until 9:00! We were one worn out family from all the fun in the sun.

"My favorite part is sleeping in the tent, and glow sticks, and rock climbing, and playing, and having a good sleep" - Miles

Geocaching among the rocks.

Wow, what a view.

Miles has an amazing memory! He remember this hike from our trip last year and requested we do it.

Playing in the sand.

The water is a rarity in Moab so it make for a nice hike.

You can never get tired of watching rocks splash.

"I love Moab camping!"

All the huge rocks are amazing. It is so fun to explore!

rolling, rolling, rolling

Making race tracks back at camp.

Day 2 in Moab

2010-05-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Day 2 in Moab the kids were up at 7:00am ready to play. It was a chilly 40 degrees but Miles had no time for warming up by the fire.

There was rock climbing to be done.

Once the sun came over the valley, the layers of clothes started to come off.

Rockets are always fun.

Now, where did that rocket land?

Crushing rocks.

You can go any where with a some determination and a little direction from Dad.

As the day went on and the sun baked the rocks, Miles looked for shade to cool off.

They spent hours playing with the ants.

As the sun went down we played a family game of baseball.

Smores!

Lexi preforming for us.

Another AWESOME day camping with my family!!!

Spring Break in Moab

2010-04-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

5:30 pm on Thursday, we found our camp spot for the trip.

"It's winter at my house but it's summer here." Lexi was excited for warm weather.

As soon as we got out of the car, the kids were off to explore the area.

"Camping is one of the funnest things in teh world, but unloading is the unfunnest"

Jeremiah was not happy about having to stop playing and help setup camp.

Getting dirty as quickly as she can.

Troy found this crazy bug when he moved a rock.

Everyone getting a closer look at the bug.

Practicing his aim.

Daisy field trip to Krystal 93

2010-04-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

We took our Daisy troop to visit the radio station.

They learned all about how to make commercials for the radio by mixing voice, sounds and music.

All 17 of the girls were on their best behavior, listening quietly while Chris talked and raising their hands to ask questions. We told them several times what great Scouts they are.

Thanks Krystal 93, we learned a lot.

Easter weekend in Wyoming

2010-04-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

We took our annual Easter trip to Grandma Gayle and Grandpa Dale's.

Can't take a trip to Laramie without eating at the Chuck Wagon.

I'm not falling for that this time Uncle Bryan!

But Miles will.

Amara is ready to die Easter eggs.

Diving into the coloring process.

Why are you blushing Troy, you won the contest this year.

Okay Jeremiah, let's crack these confetti eggs on each other's head on the count of three.

Tricky Dad, that's a REAL egg.

Jeremiah was a great sport as he is with most of the jokes his Dad plays on him.

Miles got the confetti one.

Harlynn is getting so big and starting to take a few steps on her own.

We all got to celebrate Harlynn's 1st birthday on Saturday night.

Helping their cousin open her gifts.

Happy 1st birthday Harlynn!!

Harlynn and Amara checking out the toys.

Easter morning the kids were over joyed to see that the Easter Bunny had stopped by leaving eggs all over. The hardest than EVER was waiting for Amara and her family to get their before the could collect the eggs.

Wow!

Look at those cheeks. Marly is Amara's precious little brother.

Once they finally got to hunt eggs, Miles filled his basket fast.

All tucker out from the Easter events.

Chocolate, don't mind if I do.

Ok, let's try to get a picture of all the grand kids that are present.

Easier said than done, Amara had other ideas.

I will get away.

And she did.

So the bribery begins.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for anther fabulous holiday! We love you!

Another great day for beachin at the Basin

2010-04-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Having had such a good time the weekend before, we beached again.

A-Basin really is the local's mountain, we always see many other families beachin.

Gampa and Gamma joined us for so fun in the snow and sun.

Good place for a break.

Beachin at the Basin

2010-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors planned a beach party on a warm Sunday in March. Eric and I went to the Basin at 6:30am to drop off a car, at the best beach spot. We then came home to get everyone ready while waiting on the sun to warm up the mountain. Aroung 11:00 we made it back to the Basin.

Jeremiah and Lexi love the freedom they get to ski with their friends while beachin.

Lexi has to try everything. Here she is on this snow skate.

James, is great with Miles!

Jeremiah and Magnus ready to go for some runs.

After the mountain closed, all us parents were still hanging out and having a good time, so the kids began to hike the mountain for more skiing.

Snowshoe adventure with Gamma and Gampa

2010-04-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

We invited Gamma and Gampa to join us for a hot dog dinner in the woods.

After snowshoeing to the spot, we all gathered wood for the fire.

Getting the fire going.

Entertaining Gampa.

Can you help me with my gloves Gamma?

Thanks for joining us on this fun adventure!

Love you Gampa!

Jamey, Lauren, Weber, Garret and Corrie visit

2010-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jamey, Aunt Lauren, Uncle Weber, Uncle Garrett and Corrie came to Colorado for their spring break.

The kids were overjoyed to see their Uncles.

Jeremiah, our little shredder.

Miles and Lexi ready to so far their skills to Uncle Jamey.

Uncle Jamey and Aunt Lauren

Me and my brother having a good day on the hill.

Playing with Uncle Garrett

Snugglung Uncle Jamey

Silly Lex

Another good day, this time at Breckenridge.

We love Aunt Lauren!

Wii boxing is serious business!

Uncle Jamey tucking Miles in bed.

Uncle Jamey, read me a book too!

Jamey has a new little ski buddy.

WooHoo!

Leadville Ski Joring

2010-04-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Only in the little town of Leadville would they have ski joring at their winter carnival.

For those of you wonder what the heck ski joring is, "Ski joring entails a horse and rider pulling a skier down a snow-packed road over jumps while spearing rings in a timed competition"

Yes, they pack all this snow on Main Street and people line the streets to watch the races.

These crazy teams fly down the road and over the jumps at 40 mph.

None of the jumps look pretty but we only saw one guy fall and he got up and kept going.

Snowshoeing at 12000 feet

2010-04-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Snowshoeing the Continental Divide.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in March.

Just after a storm left fresh snow.

I love being able to go out close by and snowshoe such an amazing place with no one else around, just us and the mountains.

Dad did it, so I'm going too!

I gotta try this.

Everyone else is doing it.

They slid down this hill for a while.

Back home we must go.

Pinewood Debry 2010

2010-04-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

This year the pinewood derby was as 2 night event.

Jeremiah went for style this year, Lexi made a crayon car with the help of Dad and Troy went for speed.

Getting ready to head to the big race.

That's one hansome Wolf Cub!!!

A few of Lexi's friends also have brothers in Cub Scouts.

Den 8 acting silly before the flag ceremony.

Jeremiah with some of his best buddies.

The girls always have fun too.

Miles loves all the yummy food from popcorn to cotton candy.

To all of our suprise, Lexi's car was super fast. She got so excited everytime it raced!

Congrats Lexi, 1st place in the sibling race!!

Troy got his wish and beat Gary, their Cub Master. He placed 1st in the parent race. It really is funny how much time some of the Dads put into their cars.

Miles is so proud of his big sister.

The 2nd night was a the Summit Speedway with the Pack from Breckenridge.

Jeremiah was picked to carry cars back to the starting gate after each race. This was the highlight of both nights for him! See and touching every car was "really cool"

Both Troy and Lexi placed 2nd in their races at the Summit Sppedway.

My little snowshoeing buddy

2010-04-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Miles loves to get out and enjoy nature.

He loves snow!

We recently went on this nice snowshoe which opened up to great views.

Woo Hoo! We mad it all the way to the top!

The last part to the top was pretty steep so on the way down we sat down and used the mountain as our slide.

Hanging at the Basin

2010-04-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

While Jeremiah and Lexi were at school, Miles and I joined Jason, Kelly, Jadie and Carson at A-Basin for a little skiing.

Chilling on beach.

Miles has a blast doing laps on the magic carpet.

Hanging with their pals after school.

Sledding at night

2010-04-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Jason and Kelly can in town with their kids Jadie and Carson the 1st week in March. We took advantage of the full moon and the fresh snow by sledding after dark.

The kids LOVED being out at night playing with their friends.

Dressing up

2010-04-13T11:37:00.000-07:00