"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun." -Unknown

We had a relaxing weekend, where we spent most of our time outdoors! It was quite nice and very refreshing. Plus, Kyle and I got to see some places that we had yet to see! First off, on Friday night Kyle and I went and had some delicious Portobella Pizza for dinner and then settled in for some movies. It was nice to have no plans and just be able to sit at home and relax! Then on Saturday, Kyle and I went to Golden, CO.  Golden is such a neat city. We really enjoyed getting away from the hustle and bustle of Denver, to a more laid back community. We traveled up to Golden Gate Park. We drove around in the mountains and  did some sight seeing. The views were breath taking and everything was peaceful. Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Today, we kicked off our morning by making a visit to the zoo with Brandon and Austyn. I was really excited to do this because I had heard so many great things about the zoo. Well- the zoo did not fail! We had a great time. I can not remember the last time I've been to a zoo that was this cool. Austyn loved it. I have to admit, my favorite part was watching Kyle look at all the snakes!

Now, after the zoo comes my favorite part of the weekend...the beach! Yes, a beach in Colorado! Not exactly a "real" beach, but it will do for now. Word's can't even begin to describe how happy I was to hear about this place from Julie. Of course, as  soon as we got there the weather turned so we couldn't stay for long. But I will be back and can not wait to spend some sweet time where I feel most at home! Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the beach..but I will next time:-). We plan to spend some major time there in the future!
After the beach, Kyle and I had a cookout with my brother and Austyn. I am coming to find that we have at least one cookout per weekend. But we love it! It's one of our favorite things to do in the evenings with family. And who would pass up the food?! It was a delicious dinner- veggie burgers, brats, asparagus, and potatoes! We had a great time with them both!

Hope you all have a great week- we can't wait to see what this next week holds for us:-)

""Freedom is the oxygen of the soul."- Moshe Dayan

First of all, Happy 4th of July to everyone! And thank you to those who have/are fighting, so that we may all celebrate our Independence!
To start off our week, it was my birthday on Wednesday. The big 2-4! Kyle took my out to one of my favorite restaurants, Maggianos. We had a great dinner and he surprised me with some great gifts. He then took me to go see the new Twilight: Eclipse movie. I was so excited to see this, and of course the movie was awesome! It was the perfect night!

This weekend was full of golf! Kyle, my brother and I decided that on Monday we would actually go to a course and play, but until then we would practice because none of us have played in quite awhile. So on friday night, we went and played some miniature golf. The course was pretty cool. Kyle was the only one to get a hole in one. And as you can see from the pictures below, he was very happy about it! After the game, we decided to go to the batting cages. I haven't played softball in quite some time, so after a few swings, I knew I was going to be severely sore! And sure enough...I was! Luckily, I have a great fiance who can give some awesome back rubs when needed:-)

On Saturday, we had a cookout with Matt, Julie, the girls and Brandon. It was great for all of us to hang out together. There was a ton of food. Matt and Julie surprised me with some birthday brownies since they didn't get to celebrate my birthday with me. It was so sweet and the brownies were delicious! After we ate, we went down to one of the lakes nearby and watched the fireworks. The girls were pumped to see them.

On Sunday, Kyle and I started our marriage classes. We were so excited to start this because it means that our wedding is quickly approaching. We can not wait. And we are both so excited to take these classes and learn about marriage, family planning, etc. Afterwords, Kyle and I went out with my brother to go to the driving range. We had to practice before our big match!

Today, Kyle, Brandon and I went and played golf at a Par 3 course. We had a blast. Unfortunately,  I didn't do so well. But the guys did!  Then Kyle and I met up with Matt, Julie and the girls. They again surprised me with some birthday gifts and gift from my graduation. It was so thoughtful of them. (Thanks Matt and Julie!) We finished the night off with some great ice cream from a place called "The Red Trolley".  We sat outside and talked. Then the girls started playing with Uncle Kyle before we called it a night.

Also--my last single bridesmaid is no longer single!!! My best friend from high school got the bling!Congrats Michelle and Evan! We are so happy for you and excited for your future:-)

A life without love is like a year without summer. ~Swedish Proverb

Kyle and I had such a great weekend. On Friday night, we hung out with Phoebe and Sylvie.

 They were so much fun. We made dinner, painted nails. rented movies, and ended the night with ice cream. What could be better? Then on Saturday morning, I finally received my letter of intent for teaching this year. I signed it and sent it back immediately! I was so excited. This has been a moment I have been waiting for my entire life.

Later, Kyle and I went downtown to cheer on USA. We sat on a rooftop deck and enjoyed some nachos and barbecue chicken rolls! We were sad at the result of the game, but still proud of our team. That night, we went out with our good friends Mista and Landon.

We went to the Rio, then walked around town before ending up at our apartment to end the night with a game of Taboo! Of course, the girls won:-). 

Today, we spent some time with Phoebe, Sylvie, Matt, Brandon and Austyn at the water park. We had beautiful weather and the kids had so much fun. 

Phoebe and Sylvie were loving the pool. Before we knew it, Phoebe started going down the big slides with Matt. And then Sylvie started going down the kiddie slide. Austyn loved splashing around and trying to kick his feet to swim.

 Austyn sure had a great day at the park!

Kyle and I loved being able to spend so much time with our nieces and nephew this weekend. It's really fun being able to do so much fun stuff with them. They are constantly making us laugh and always keeping us on our toes. Everyday they surprise us and make our hearts melt. We are looking forward to the summer ahead!

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

First off, I want to start by wishing a Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Today is a day that I wish I could have spent with my dad, however, I am so happy to know that he had a wonderful day Motorcycle riding and doing what he enjoys. I am so thankful for him, and miss him everyday! Also, Kyle and I wish his Dad, Jack a Happy Father's Day! He and Mary Kay are currently on their bike ride. We were happy to read their blog today  and see that all is still going great. Keep following their blog at http://www.spokinhome.blogspot.com  and if you haven't yet, read a little about why they are riding. Their adventure has been very exciting and filled with great stores. We are so inspired by them and have continuously found ourselves trying to do something for others, just as they are.


Earlier this week, Kyle and I celebrated my brother's 28th birthday with him! Kyle made some fish, chicken, potatoes, and green beans! It was a delicious meal:-). We then finished with a chocolate fudge birthday cake. We had so much fun hanging out with Brandon and Austyn. They are really two peas in a pod. Here are just a few of the pictures from our night.

Brandon and Austyn

Austyn LOVES his potatoes..just like his Aunt Sarrah:-)

Austyn helping blow out the candles on Brandon's yummy cake!

Sugar high!

On Saturday, Kyle and I met up with Matt and Julie and took the girls to a festival that was going on in the area. There were so many vendors. We ate some Greek food, and it was so good! It was the first time that I had ever tried it. The girls had so much fun and it was great to hang out with them. They are absolutely adorable and are always making us laugh. 

The girls ready to go jump around!

Today Kyle and I went with Matt and Julie to their friend's, Steve and Monica's for a Father's Day cookout. We sat outside and talked for hours! We even started a tournament of Washers. We can not wait to hang out with them again!

Oh..and guess what?! 6 months till the wedding! We are so excited!

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want. ~Bill Watterson

Kyle and I decided to take a weekend to just- RELAX! I have to say, this was our first time of doing this since we've moved to Denver and it was great. We didn't have to be anywhere or do anything. On Friday night, we went and had a delicious dinner at Shells and Sauce. I had Chicken Marsala and Kyle had Lobster Ravioli! We then rented a movie and called it a night. On Saturday, we started to work on our Save the Dates (I promise, they are coming soon!) Then we went downtown to a festival.

After the festival, we went to my brother's (Brandon's) house to hang out with him and my nephew Austyn. After playing with trucks, kickball and looking at bugs we said our goodbyes and then headed out to see our good friends Mista and Landon. Yet again, by 10 Kyle and I were ready for bed! On Sunday we had a cookout at the park with Brandon and Austyn. It was beautiful out!

When we got to the park, Austyn decided he wanted to learn how to start the grill up. So he helped Kyle get everything going!

As Kyle cooked, I layed out in the sun and Austyn started wrestling with Brandon. It was adorable!

 Austyn also wanted to start a baseball game. It is amazing how far he can hit the ball! I can't wait to watch him when he is older!

After eating a great meal of burgers, chips, salad, and fruit, it was time to call it a day!  Kyle and I went home and watched the Blackhawks game...which was a WIN:-) Then we headed down to the best ice cream place in Denver and finished our night off with an M&M cake cone and a Carmel Irish Stout waffle cone. It was a relaxing weekend- just what we needed.......

 Even Stella would have to say so!

Also...keep following Kyle's parents at Spokinhome.blogspot.com  as they continue their bike ride from Colorado to Indiana. Their blogs have been very eventful and inspiring! Keep them in your prayers as they make their way home!

Spokin Home - My Parents Adventure

Well, this is Kyle checking in.  I figured it was about time I add something to the blog since my name is in it.  My parents left Denver this morning at 7AM on their journey back to Plymouth.  It sounds like it was a pretty eventful day, but I’ll let my dad describe it over at www.spokinhome.com.  Sarrah and I drove down to Larkspur, where they were camping for the night, to take them some dinner and hang out one last time.  We had a lot of fun and it was sad to say goodbye, but I couldn’t be more proud of them for what they are doing.   The whole idea of this ride started a couple years ago and to be honest I never thought it would come to fruition, but it has and it is awesome.  They are doing the ride for many reasons, but the biggest is to motivate people to do something for others every day.  They are specifically riding in memory of my nephew Noel and to raise money for a scholarship in his name.   You can find more information about this over on their blog. 

I will admit when I first talked with my parents and read about the whole “Do Something For Others” I sort of overlooked it and didn’t give it much thought, but today that changed.  I was walking a couple blocks to get my haircut and just as I started I passed an older lady that was having trouble carrying her groceries and I looked back real quick and continued to walk.  I walked a couple more steps and then thought about my parents ride and why they were riding .   I turned around and asked the lady if she needed help and the look on her face was one of relief.  I told her I was headed the same way and I’d carry them for her.  They were heavy and we walked a long way, but she was very nice and I know very appreciative of my help.  I only tell this story because I am not sure I would have done this a month ago.  I may have, but I think sometimes we get selfish and can only think about what we need to do for ourselves.  I probably only walked out of my way 10 minutes today, but know Josephine is happy I did.  Next time you come across an opportunity to do something for others don’t pass it up.  If you need motivation just think about my parents pedaling across middle America on their bikes.  

Here are a few pics from tonight.  My brother, Phoebe, and Sylvie also came down and are camping with them.