We've adopted twins!

Yep, it's true.  We've added two little girls to our family and the big girls couldn't be more thrilled!  (Carter's at Scout camp all week so he's in for a big surprise when he gets home!)

The kids found these darling kittens... 

 . . . and before I knew it, we were all in love.  

The girls were taking Maggie, our dog, on a walk and found them at a nearby school.  They brought them home to show me.  They looked super skinny so Lauren asked our neighbors for a little cat food.  They scarfed it down.  It was kinda sad.  After that, they would not leave.  For two days, they lived on our porch.  On Sunday night, I took them to the local animal shelter and "surrendered" them.  The kids were heartbroken.  Since then, they have begged and pleaded to adopt them.  After much thought on my part, I agreed.  We went and got them today so they are officially ours!  :) 

The girls have named them Kiara...

and Nala... 

Needless to say, the girls are over the moon with excitement . . . they said, "It feels like Christmas at our house!"

Cody, Wyoming: Our Last Day :(

Laurie & I stayed home to do laundry & help my mom clean while the guys took all the kids to see the Buffalo Bill Dam.  The kids had great plans to cliff jump into the lake but they're all from Texas and thought the water was too cold . . . wienies!  :)  Lauren & Katelyn dipped their feet . . . 

But this is as wet as they got!  Keep in mind, all week we had been hearing about their plans to jump into the lake.  I told them it was cold but they insisted they would do it . . . if I had been there, I would have thrown them in!  :)

~ Lauren & Katelyn ~

When they got back, Laurie & I ended up taking them swimming at the Recreation Center pool instead. Later that afternoon, the guys took the kids to the local dairy farm (owned & operated by my parents friends) while Laurie & I made dinner & packed.

The kiddos help get the bottles ready . . .

 They all loved feeding the calves. . .

~ Lauren & Katelyn ~

 ~ Carter ~

~ Lauren ~

 ~ Taylor ~

 ~ Zack ~

~ Katelyn ~

There was also a pond at the farm with paddle boats!

~ Zack & Taylor ~

~ Lauren & Katelyn ~

After a nice dinner, my parents kid-sat so Laurie, Gary, Dave, & I could go see The Amazing Spider-Man movie.  We all got up early Saturday morning and headed back home.  We had a great week & it was so fun to share a piece of my heart with our dear friends!  Thanks for coming with us Groppe family!  We loved every minute! We also loved seeing many old friends.  We've missed y'all!  And a HUGE THANK YOU to my wonderful parents.  You're the best and we appreciate all you both did to make it all happen.  You gave us all memories that will last a lifetime.  I can't thank you enough.  Now, go get some sleep . . . you've got to be exhausted!  ;)  We love you!

Cody, Wyoming: Day Four

This great guy (a.k.a. My Dad). . . 

 . . . got us all up early to head to the Pryor Mountains.  It was a fantastic day!  We four wheeled a total of 65 miles!  

We started out clean. . .

 . . . and were all very dirty by the end of the day!

(Notice Taylor's face, it's nearly black!)

Our first stop was the ice caves . . . 

I love my dad's face in this picture . . . 

~ Grandpa & Tim ~ 

(Doesn't Tim look like Weird Al Yankovic?) 

~ The Groppe's & The Matheny's ~

Nothing beats a picnic lunch in the mountains.

~ Halli & Laurie ~

We then headed further up the mountains to see the beautiful view . . .

~ Katelyn, Taylor, & Lauren ~

~ The Matheny's & The Groppe's ~

 And the wild horses . . .

They are my favorite!

There's a little cabin at the top that is first come first serve if you're ever in the area, need a place to stay,  and don't mind if it's covered in deer mice poop!  :)

~ Zack, Halli, & Laurie ~

When we got off the mountain, Carter got a turn driving the Razor. . .

He was in heaven!  He loved driving it almost as much as Lauren. . .

. . . loved riding in it!


Thank you coach Lorenz for chauffeuring the girls all day and letting us all drive your Razor . . . Dave wants one of his own now!  :)  And Thank you Norm for all the great pictures!  It was so fun to see you!