Our Anniversary Trip

Well, we ended up having to postpone of trip until the next weekend because of a chemical spill that they had in a town near-by. Joshua and I were able to get away the weekend after that. We were both very excited to be able to spend some time together without interruptions. Joshua had to work until Thursday because he was going to be taking Thursday, Friday, and Saturday off. I was very excited as I packed for our trip. I was busy until we left on Thursday packing and getting everything ready. My mom came home early from the shop to watch the kids so that we could leave at a good time. Joshua and I had a couple of errands to run before heading out of town to Monument. Its about 10 to 15 mins away from home, but it was still nice to be able to get away for awhile. Joshua and I drove around a couple of lakes around there and stopped at an ice cream shop before eating lunch and heading to Castlerock. We have lived here for about 3 year (in July), but we have never been able to go exploring. So part of this trip was for us to look for some fun places to take the kids. We went to the outlet malls at Castlerock and looked around for awhile before heading back to Monument and checking into our hotel. Joshua and I were able to stay at Sundance Mountain Lodge. It was a nice hotel and was not crowded at all. We ate dinner at the lodge and then just relaxed in our room before heading for bed.
The second day found us heading out for Pueblo right after breakfast. We did get to sleep in this morning (very uncommon) and had a late start getting out, but it was so nice not being on a schedule. The drive to Pueblo reminded us so much of California and the deserts out there that we were so glad that we did not move there. It was hot too. Our first stop was the Pueblo air museum. This place is worth the drive there and Joshua had a great time. At first we were looking by ourselves as they were getting ready for a special event taking place the next night. Then we asked how to get into the next hanger and this older guy offered to show us. He was tired from the navy and Joshua had a great time talking to him. We spent most of our time there, which was fine with me. He also told us of a restaurant right next door that was built right by the runway. Of course we had to go there. We enjoyed ourselves and it made us miss the times in California when we went to the place there that was right by the airport. After eating, we drove by the Pueblo zoo and park. That is also a great place to take kids. We will definitely be back to Pueblo. We decided to head back to Monument and headed to our room where we rested and waited for the traffic to calm down by the springs before heading to the springs for dinner. For a special treat, I took Joshua to Olive Garden for our anniversary dinner. He had never been there before. We had a great time, although we were both stuffed from our filling breakfast and lunch. Then we headed back to the hotel.

The next day we were up early as Joshua had to get ready for a school event to advertise for the violin shop. When we got home and ate breakfast, Joshua had to rush to the shop to pack up his violins and other supplies in our car and headed out with my parents to the place the concert was held. I was able to meet up later with Joshua to watch the concert and later to go out to eat. My sister and her friend watched the kids for us. We did not make that many sales, but we passed out alot of cards. The main reason was that we are still "new" in town and not alot of people knew about us. Joshua and I ate at 3 Margaritas. The food was really good. We had a blessed anniversary and it was great to be able to spend time together- just the two of us.

Happy Anniversary, Daddy and Mommy!

Joshua and I are celebrating 5 years of marriage! I can't believe that it has been 5 years! Time has flown by so fast, especially when you have kids. My mom paid for us to go to a lodge not far from here in Castlerock. We will be staying 3 days and 2 nights (the longest we have ever been away from the kids). The kids won't miss us that much seeing that they have Grandpa and Grandma to take care of them. Joshua and I are looking forward to spending time together- just the two of us- no distractions. Thank you God for my husband and for the years we have together and the years to come.

Birthdays and Anniversaries in January

To wrap up our birthdays and anniversaries in January, I am going to write about what happened (sorry no pictures). For my birthday we all ate breakfast together, then everyone went out for a hike (except Stella who was taking a nap), leaving me to do whatever I wanted for a few hours. I do like to have some time to myself whether its to get stuff done or to just relax. Anyways when they all came home, we put the boys to bed and my mom made me one of my favorite meals. It was nice to just be with family without the kids interrupting. The rest of the day was very relaxed and we just stayed home. My parents did not do anything on the day of their anniversary. Joshua and I paid for them to go to Glen Eyrie for two nights, three days. They enjoyed doing that and had a great time. It was nice having a relaxing day and spending time with family.

Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma!!!

We are glad that we are able to help you celebrate another year. We love having you around to play with. We are glad that you are our grandparents. May God bless you with more years to come.

Mommy & Daddy's 4th Anniversary

Today is Joshua and mine 4th anniversary. We did not plan on going away as we already had a small trip that the two of us took when we went to Chicago. On Tuesday, Joshua and I had the opportunity to go out to eat together as our midwife appointment got canceled (she had a birth to go to). We decided to go out to eat at one of Joshua's favorite restaurant, The Airplane Restaurant (formally known as Solo's). We had a wonderful time together just the two of us. We don't get to spend much time together alone with having kids. Sorry I don't have any pictures. Today was my day to go into the shop and I did go for alittle while. I have been tired lately as I am nearing the end of my pregnancy. It sure does make it hard to do things and get things done. I helped awhile in the shop and it was nice to be near Joshua even though he was busy. Then I came home and took care of the boys. Joshua and I got to spend alittle more time together when he got home from work. I can't believe that it has been 4 years since we were married. How fast time flies. Some many memories. God has surly blessed us.

Midway Airport

We got up early and packed the rest of our bags then took them out to load them into the car. Jay and Ann got up at the same time so that they could see us off. We ate breakfast together and packed the car to go. It was a nice trip, but we were both ready to get home. We were going to miss Jay and Ann though. We hit alittle bit of traffic going into Chicago, but we made good time. Joshua and I took the rental car in and went up to the check-in counter. We learned that they were not going to be open for another hour, which was a bummer because we had nothing to do but sit around and wait. Before we knew it, we were checked in and at our gate waiting. We ate lunch before we boarded the plane and we did not have to wait long in boarding for our flight. We were able to upgrade for free and were sitting in the front row of the plane. We were able to see everything that was going on. As people were boarding the plane, two guys came on, not at the same time, to audit the pilots. It was very interesting and a nice smooth flight. The best I have ever had :)! We landed in Colorado and soon got our car and headed towards home. It started to rain and then as we got to Colorado Springs it started to snow. We arrived home and were so glad to get home. It continued to snow after we got home and ended up being quite a storm.Here are some pictures of the Chicago airport.

Our Last Few Days

The next day Joshua went by himself to Chicago. We got up early to beat the traffic in Chicago and ate breakfast together. Then I sent him on his way. Joshua made good time getting to Chicago. The first stop was Michael Darton's, a fellow violin maker, shop. Unfortunately Michael was sick with the stomach flu so Joshua could not see him, but was able to take pictures and have a look at the shop. Then Joshua traveled to the CPR shops. He spent a majority of the day at the two shops, partly because Jay and Ann wanted to do something with us the next day since Ann had the day off. Joshua ended up coming home late that night and we soon headed for bed. What did I do? I relaxed, went on a short walk, took a nap, and worked on some crafts.
Our last full day in Indiana was spent sleeping in and then eating breakfast with Jay and Ann. They wanted to take us to a violin shop that they found in a nearby town, so we headed down that way. Joshua had a good conversation with the maker there and Jay and Ann learned alot. After we left the shop, we headed towards Jay and Ann's sons house to see a violin that belonged to Ann's mom. Joshua played it and they all enjoyed that. It was getting late and we all needed to eat lunch so we soon headed home. We did not eat much since we were going to go out to eat for dinner. Joshua and I started to pack our suitcase and get ready for our trip home. We were so excited and ready to go home, especially since the kids had gotten sick while we were gone. Then we went out to eat and looked around at the gift shop. I bought two shirts for the boys. We did not stay up late since we had to get up early to head on our way to the airport.

P.S. Sorry I did not take any pictures during this time.

Navy Pier

I have been checking the weather before we went and the only nice day was Tuesday, all the other days were suppose to get rain. So I talked to Joshua about us going around sight seeing and spending time together for our anniversary. We decided to go to the Indiana Sand Dunes and Navy Pier (in Chicago). I have pictures of the dunes, but you are going to have to wait until I get them developed. I used a cheap camera so that I did not ruin my good camera. We were one of the only ones at the dunes which made it nice. We walked along the beach and enjoyed each others company. Then we headed towards Chicago. The pier was nice and we had a great time walking around. We went into some of the shops and even rode the Ferris wheel they have there. They also had alot of stain glass out for show and had some beautiful pieces. It was a nice, relaxing time and the weather could not have been more perfect. It was warm with a light breeze, and the sun was shining. We did not really enjoy Chicago because of all the traffic and how busy it was. Soon it was time to eat and we decided to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. The traffic was so crazy and you had to pay for parking to go anywhere. We finally made it and enjoyed a nice dinner. Then we headed back to the house.

Our Trip

We started our trip on Monday by getting up early, packing, and driving out to the airport. It was a hard time for me emotionally leaving the boys. The first time I have left them for 5 days. We eventually got to the airport parked the car and took a shuttle to the airport. Arriving early, we walked around the airport before going over to our gate and sitting down. I have not been on an airplane since I was pregnant with Paul, but was very excited about taking this trip with Joshua. When we got to Chicago, we were both tired and ready to get to Indiana where we would be staying with relatives. Soon after getting our bags and finding our rental car, we headed out in traffic with our car. It took us awhile to get to Indiana and then we had to stop by a store and buy some food to eat while we were there. Finally we made it and got settled in. Jay and Ann, my cousins, wanted to take us out to eat for dinner and we enjoyed visiting with them. Then we were more than ready to get to bed.

Joshua and I with our cousins Jay and Ann Nichols

We're Back

Just wanted you all to know that we made it back safely. We had one day of warm weather and then it turned cold. When we arrived back in Colorado, it started to rain and then snow. I will try to post pictures of our trip later, the boys ended up getting sick while we were gone.

Birthday Recap

We had a wonderful birthday/anniversary week.
On Paul's birthday we went to the indoor playground and played for awhile, then it was time to go home and take a nap. My sister and I got the boys things together for after their nap because we were going to eat dinner at the shop. The boys love to go to the shop and see grandpa, grandma, and auntie mar. Peter's new found interest is the wood that is stored at the shop. He loves to carry it around and stack it up. Paul loves to walk around and play with the dishes in the front. All too soon, we started to head home. He loved opening presents and playing with his toys and balloons.
On my birthday, we again went to go play on the playground and listen to a story at one of the bookstores around here. Then we went home and took a nap. My sister took all of us out to eat for dinner at Denny's. That's all I wanted to do for my birthday. My parents had the day off and spent their anniversary getting their car fixed. My dad ended up driving up on the curb really hard when the roads were icy. After dinner we all went back to the shop and Joshua took the boys and I home. We stopped by Micheal's, which is my favorite store, because my sister gave me a gift card there for my birthday. We had a great day.
Then that night the boys ended up getting sick with the stomach flu. So we have been sick ever since, all of us fighting different things. Please pray that we will soon be feeling better and recover fast.

Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma Steed!

Happy anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma Steed! We hope you have a blessed anniversary. You both are very special to us. We are glad that we get to help you celebrate. May God bless you with many more years to come.

Air Force Academy

Joshua and I went away over night for our anniversary. We both wanted to go back to the Air Force Academy. The last time that we went was with a family from church and we wanted to see more of the Academy. We looked around the visitor center (you should go by there if you are ever in Colorado Springs), it was really cool. Then we walked over to the chapel (about 1/3 mile walk). They had an awards ceremony going on there. It was really cool to see. They had a military marching band and they had all the cadets stand in formation. They even had a special guest, John Glen. We did not get to see him in person though. About half way through, we had to leave because I was getting hungry. We were going to walk back though because they were going to land a plane there in the grass. Joshua wanted to see that. We ended up taking too long and we missed it. There was not too much more to see, so we left to go driving around Colorado Springs.

Glen Eyrie

The second part of our journey found us driving around looking for hiking spots. We never really did any hiking, but we saw some very pretty spots to hike. We did stop by a visitors center and had a great talk with the lady who volunteered there. Then we drove around looking at some of the castles in Colorado Springs. By that time we were ready to check into our room. The grounds were gorgeous. We could not believe that this was someones house. We were very excited about staying there. We checked in and headed to our room. The room was on the 3rd floor and we had to walk up 2 flights of stairs. The room was very well done. There are pictures of the rooms, castle, and grounds below. After awhile we were both hungry and went out to eat. Then we walked around looking into some of the stores. We were both very tired and were ready to head back. The next morning we woke up in time for the breakfast that they serve. It was nice because we had a late check-out time, so we did not have to hurry. We finished getting ready for the day and packed. Then we loaded everything into the car and looked around and in the castle. We then decided to go to Garden of the gods and eat lunch there. We also walked around there too. It was getting close to the time to go back home, so we looked around for a place near by to rest and relax. Then we went home. I sure did miss the boys. I also hope that you enjoy the pictures and movies of our trip. Don't forget to look at Glen Eyrie on-line.

Happy Anniversary, Daddy and Mommy!

It has been 3 years. I can't believe that it has been 3 years. You know what the coolest thing about being married and have God as the center of your marriage? Each and every day you fall more and more in love with the person that you married. I love Joshua so much more now than I did 3 years ago, and my love continues to grow for him. I can't believe I married such a incredible man. God has truely blessed me and my marriage. I think that this year has more of an impact on me because the other two years of our marriage where after we had two boys. Although they were special more focus was put on our sons than on the actual anniversary. This year Joshua and I were able to go away over night (our first time since we had both boys). We stayed at Glen Eyrie, one of the castles around here. If you want more information then click on Glen Eyrie. I would recommend looking at the website. The views they have there are wonderful. We had a wonderful time. Our first stop was the Air Force Academy. There we looked at the vistor's center and saw a military parade. Then we went looking around Colorado Springs (we don't have much time for just looking). The hotel that we stayed at was wonderful! I can't believe that it was someones house. The next morning we looked at the grounds and then went to Garden of the gods before heading home. I know that this is the condensed version, there will be more to follow (hopefully tomorrow). God has blessed us with our marriage and relationship with each other. It was great to have the time of just the two of us. I did miss the boys.

Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma!

Today is also Grandpa Bob and Grandma Marie Steed's 32nd wedding anniversary. They had taken some time off work a few weeks ago to go some where for the night for their anniversary. I was glad that they were able to do that. We sure did miss them though. Its not the same without grandpa and grandma around. We love you and pray that the Lord will bless you both with many more years to come.

Joshua and Amy

Joshua and Amy met in October of 2004 at Heritage Bible Church. They slowly formed a friendship through different church events. On Dec. 4, 2004, Joshua asked Amy's dad if he could court Amy. In doing so Joshua became part of the family, becoming the son Amy's parents never had. Joshua came over every weekend to see Amy and their relationship grew. Joshua could often be seen over at Amy's house whether it was visiting her or helping her dad with some family project. On May 28, 2005, Joshua asked Amy to marry him, in which she said yes. They became very busy with wedding plans. The Lord brought them through alot before they were married. Joshua, with the help of Amy's parents, was starting a violin shop and had to wait until the shop was making enough to support Amy. The Lord was very faithful and the day soon approached. On April 22, 2006, Joshua and Amy became man and wife, rejoicing with each other and those they loved. After their honeymoon they moved into a one bedroom apartment in Riverside, California. Joshua and I just celebrated our second year anniversary. We were both very exhausted from my just giving birth to Peter and trying to adjust to having two kids. My family put together a dinner for us and helped us celebrate our anniversary. It meant alot to us to be able to celebrate even though we were tired.