Fall fun

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, even if it is so short. Fall in Colorado finds me missing the amazing colors of the midwest, but loving the unique Aspen features in our mountains.
Last weekend we took advantage of the great weather to visit the Colorado Railroad Museum for a "Day Out with Thomas". Eli and his buddies Caleb and Micah and their families had a blast riding the train and exploring the sights.
This weekend we ventured west to the gorgeous mountains of Glenwood Springs and Aspen. We stayed at the Hot Springs Lodge in Glenwood, which is conveniently across from the world's largest hot springs pool. It was fun swimming in late Sept. in a 90+ degree pool! It was the highlight of Eli's weekend.
The highlight of the trip for me was visitng the beautiful Maroon Bells outside of Aspen. My pics just don't do it justice! Jon had to work at the college fair all day, so Eli and I enjoyed the chance to explore the outdoor "playground" (he kept asking where the swings and slides were). I told him that the playgrounds that God makes don't need those things. (I did end up appeasing his desire for a playground with a slide when we ventured back into Aspen).
On Saturday we rode the gondola up Aspen (Ajax) mountain to an elevation of over 11,000 feet. Although it was cloudy and drizzly at times, the views were still amazing.
After such an amazing weekend, it's hard to get back to work. But stay tuned for more fall fun as I'm hoping to get us to a corn maze/pumpkin patch soon.

Birthday Celebrations!

Wow, it's been over a month since our last entry. Guess we've been busy with life...and I've been exhausted with the first trimester of pregnancy. But at twelve weeks now, I'm finally getting some energy back!
September has been a fun month of birthday celebrations for the Mires "men". Jon celebrated his 30-something on Labor Day and his folks were in town for the holiday weekend as well. Grandma/MJ made him a "cake" (sourdough loaves, as Jon's been on a strict low-carb diet and didn't even enjoy his bday loaves) complete with 30+ candles!
On Labor Day we took in a Rockies/Giants game and Eli enjoyed posing in the player scenes, as well as the ice cream cone!
This afternoon we turned our back yard into a sports-themed toddler mayhem for Eli's 3rd birthday party. 20 of his closest friends, neighbors, church buddies, and daycare pals turned out, along with their families. It was quite a crazy time, but the kids really enjoyed the bounce house we rented. Fortunately, no one got hurt too seriously so we won't have to call Grandpa Cross for legal help.
Eli wore a "Big Brother" shirt for the occasion, as it's become nearly impossible to hide the "evidence" of my pregnancy at this point! He's still not sure what being a big brother is all about, but he knows there is a baby in mommy's tummy. Friday we will take him with us to the doc to hear the heartbeat, so hopefully that will help things sink in for him. We'll keep you posted on the excitement on our end!