This is such a fun bunch. We shared lots of laughs, delicious food, Rubik's cube strategies, and even a rousing game of Pictionary. The girls beat the boys, hands down. We love you guys so much, and it was so great to catch up and be in one spot again. We miss you already!
Living here in Santa Cruz with Justin's mom & step-dad has been incredible. The girls get to spend heaps of quality time with their family, while surrounded by love and lots of fun activities. This weekend, the girls were pampered with pedicures and pink polish. This was the first time we allowed them to get their fingers painted, mostly to encourage Eden to stop sucking her thumb. I can't say that tactic worked tho. Either way, it was worth the wait - and a special memory indeed! Thank you Nana!!
Santa Cruz has its perks! The beautiful coastline, incredible weather - and surf contests galore. We take every opportunity to visit the ocean as often as possible while visiting, and this week we lucked out!! The O'Neill Coldwater Classic was underway! Steamer's Lane is a prime surf spot for surfers worldwide! Our girls were mesmerized with the guys paddling into the big waves. 
Eden was curious about every detail, and she was glad to know that girls can surf too. Maybe she will be a future contender. If only she could swim! What a wonderful place to call home!!
In only 3 days we made the 1700 mile trip from Denver to Santa Cruz - just in time to reunite with some wonderful friends! Thanks for waiting for us guys!! We always wish it could be longer....
This was our first visit to Las Vegas! We were amazed by the excitement, the grandeur of the casinos and the sex-saturated culture of that massive city. It's easy to notice the reason Vegas has been named "Sin City." We wandered part of the Strip, the 4-mile section of road that is lit up by amazing luxury hotels, casinos and restaurants to attract tourists. The girls loved the light+water show outside the Bellagio hotel, and the themed hotels that looked like castles or pyramids. The city was quite impressive!!
Having a cousin brings such adventure: like blowing bubbles in the backyard, sharing a bath, wearing matching pink shirts, running after horses in the grass, and vying for the best toys. I'd like to think the girls were great examples, but sweet little Jordan can easily get trampled underfoot. Besides sharing all the memories - we also shared a nasty flu bug with her too. I think only the 2 mom's escaped the sickness. 
Here's a big family picture - with everyone attentive and smiling!! A rare moment! Thank you JJK for the amazing trip & time together! We love you so much! (why are we so cute?)
Even our 3 year old Eden conquered this challenging hike - up steep trails and along the mile-long pathway to the very top (and back)! Everything was green and picturesque, exploding with color, yet cool in the canopy of trees above. We hiked under the Natural Bridge sandstone, and thru a small crevice in the rock. The view at the peak was breathtaking - overlooking the vast canyons below. The girls loved picking flowers, leaves, finding walking sticks, caterpillars, and taking rests along the way!
We loved being outdoors again, taking in the beauty of creation!! As the girls get older, its amazing to see them able to tackle physical activities like this, without a complaint. Sydney & Jordan had the best deal - riding in backpacks making cute faces for all.
This is the "crack in the rock" - which the girls were absolutely amazed by. Gotta love their intensity and awe. Thanks fam for sharing this gorgeous spot with us!!
This is called "Bug Buns"
And also her first "Pig-tails"
This girl has amazing locks! And she sat relatively still for me too. Isn't she adorable??