Rockin' Rippkes

Glenwood Springs!!!

2008-09-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

OK-So we (Me, Parker, Grandma Haag and Papa Haag) went on a really fun trip at the beginning of September. Unfortunately Brad couldnt go b/c of hunting and work. We took the train from Downtown Denver to Glenwood Springs. It was a 5 hour trip but it was sooo much fun. Parker loved it and he did great. He even took a nap on the train. It was the first time for me and Parker on a train and it is definitley worth it. The scenary is AWESOME and you dont have to worry about anything!! Its GREAT!!!

He was so excited to get on that he wouldn't even stop for me to take a picture!!
We got to our seat and he was willing to say CHEESE!!
Parker made a friend on the train...She was really sweet and talked and played with him
He loved to look out the windows and watch for animals!!

Tired boy!!!

The first day we went to the Hot Springs!!
All sunscreened up and ready to jump in
1..2..3...JUMP!!!
Showing our muscles!!
Nap time...what a trooper!!!

The second day we went to the adventure park and to get to the top you ride a tram!! Parker was a little nervous at first and wouldnt let go of Papa but he liked it.
Hot Dog or Hamburger?
Dad and I rode the best ride ever...The flyer coaster...100x better then and alpine slide!!
we also toured some caves...the were really cool!!
Snack time!!! What an unbelivable view...we could see ALL of Glenwood!!!

The last day we just hung out and walked around town after checking out! Parker loved to watch the water from the bridge
waiting for the train to show up...Parker wanted to help with the luggage.

(that's is not all ours)
The conductor gave him his own conductor hat!!
A coal train went by while we waited...it was loud!!!
He slept for 2 1/2 hours on the way back!!! He fell asleep sitting up he was so tired...isnt he CUTE!!!

It's been WAY TOO LONG!!!

2008-09-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone-I know it has been a long time since i have blogged. We have been super busy and just havent had time to get it done. i am really going to try and get better.

Our lives have just gone crazy it seems like. Brad and I are Sr. youth counselors at our church and we really love it but it keeps us going ALL the time. My work is getting busier and busier every day it seems and Brad's work is really picking up too. But we are loving every minute and we sure enjoy any time that we get to sit down!!! :)

Parker is getting so big and SO fun. He is talking more and more every day. He has a new word every time I turn around. He is growing up so fast. I really wish he would slow down but i dont ever see that happening.

Grandma Haag buzzed his hair and he looks about 5 years old. Mom and I just about cried when she was done cutting it. He looks so cute and sooo much like Spencer. (my brother's youngest son) It really changed his look but it is great and his hair is out of his face. What a concept!! He still looks just like Papa Haag and mommy. It really doesnt even look like Brad was involved!!

Ok he got my looks, BUT he is definitly a daddy and Papa's boy. But he still wants mommy for certain things!! Which i just eat up!!

Being a mom is the greatest thing ever!! I always ask how can you love someone so much? and it just keeps growing more and more. ITS AWESOME!!!

Mommy and Parker hanging out!!
Showing off his new do!!! So handsome!!
Playing outside

I am going to really try and get better and Blog more often...it is really fun!!!

Family Day!

2008-06-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Every 2nd Saturday of the month is family day for the "Haag" family. Each one of us three kids take turns and pick what we do every month. It is very fun and we always do something different. Well June is our month and we did a picnic at a local park in honor of the fathers. It was a good time and we had lots of food and a big park to play at. We are very blessed to live so close to family and we love to get together with them as often as possible.

Strong boy!!!
Look at me!!!
His first chin up with alittle help from daddy!!
Arent they a good looking trio!!
Baby Reagan with Aunt Kendra
Another Cute trio
YUMMY watermelon!!
Yet again another cute trio!!!

We had a lot of fun. When it was over we all wanted to go home and nap...

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

This year Brad had trouble deciding what he wanted to do. It changed a few times from going to the Aquarium (downtown), to the Childrens Museum, to Bass Pro Shops and a few more. He finally decided that the public pool right up the street was where he wanted to go. So after Parker napped we headed up to the pool. We had lunch and then we got in the pool and didnt get out until we left about 2 hours later. Parker loves the pool. He is a little unsure at first but once he settles in it is usually a fight when we have to leave.

Mommy and Parker...Aren't we cute!!!
Parkers loves to jump in!!

Sitting with daddy...just for a minute!!

Fathers day was a Fun, relaxing day!! Brad is a great daddy and Parker loves him so much!!! He is definitly a daddy's boy. Brad loves being dad and it shows. He is very caring, funny, and loving. Parker and I wouldn't trade him for the world. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful man in our lives.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all you dads!!

The Sandbox

2008-06-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

We have a space in the backyard that the owners before us used as a dog run and a garden so we have taken that down in stages and this spring we had the brilliant idea to make a section of it into a sandbox. Parkers daycare provider has a sandbox and he LOVES it. He gets so mad when he has to get out. So we decided to give him one at home to play in. It was a pretty easy process because my husband is so handy and knows what he is doing. He is nice to have around. I think we will keep him.

Daddy and Parker working on the frame and digging out the dirt to make room for the sand.
almost done...just one more peice to cut

Now it is time to fill it with...2 tons of sand...
Even Parker wanted to help...LITTLE heavy!!
Even mommy got in on the action...look at those guns!!
ALL done!!!

We still need to make a lid for it but so far so good. Parker seems to like it and has fun playing and getting dirty in the sand. He is such a boy! I love it.

Cousin Makenna Sleeps Over!!

2008-06-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Makenna sleeps over for the first time at our house. It was a real fun time. Not too much fighting but they had their fair share. Bath time was a blast and Parker kept looking at Makenna like she was Crazy!!! They had fun and we cant wait to have her over again!!

Who is that girl??
CHEESE!!! (Isnt she beautiful?)
They are going to love this one when they are older!! hehe
All ready for bed...

These two are really a cute pair when they are getting along. They are getting better about being nice to eachother and they are more and more fun to watch play together. They still have their moments but for the most part they are really sweet to eachother.

Parker "CHIP" Rippke

2008-06-23T18:18:00.001-07:00

Yes you read that right!! Parker has chipped his front top baby tooth. He was at the babysitters and fell on the sidewalk. OUCH!!! When I went to pick him up I noticed it. Debby felt so bad because she thought he just got a fat lip and didnt even notice that his tooth had chipped. He is doing just fine and the dentist said that it wasnt worth trying to go in and shave it down. He said that it would be more of a hassel then anything. As long as he is eating good and not babying the tooth then we just have to wait for it to fall out.

He never smiled really big for us, the little stinker, this is the best we could get... He is still one of the cutest boys around. It gives him a little character.

Bouncy Ball!!

2008-04-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Parker got a spiderman bouncy ball for Easter and he loves to throw it and kick it and play catch but most of all he thinks it is so funny when he sits on it and bounces. He thinks it is so great!! So of course, the picture freak and video crazed mom that I am I had to capture it. He is just so cute!!

He just thinks he is so cool!! It is pretty entertaining to watch. It would keep him busy for hours!!

Here is a little video to just give you an idea of what he does!!

I guess a $2 ball is a pretty good investment!! Cheap entertainment. He loves it!!

I love BUBBLES!!!

2008-04-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

When Granpa and Grandpa came to visit Grandma brought bubbles. We didnt have time to try them out when Grandma and Grandpa were here but we tried them as soon as we had a chance. Parker loved them. He thought it was great when Stryder would chase after them. It would make him Laugh. He caught on VERY quick and was blowing his own bubbles in no time.

Watching mommy
Now it is my turn...Hey I am pretty good at this!!
I am a Pro!!

Grandma and Grandpa Rippke Visit!

2008-04-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Rippke came to Colorado for a quick visit. It was really nice time and we always love when they come. We wish they could stay longer but we will take what we can get. They got in on Friday night after a long day. On Saturday we went to Webster Lake and had a great time. Saturday night we went out to dinner with the whole family to celebrate Grandma Haag's Birthday. It was a nice weekend to just visit and hang out together, since we dont get to do that very often.

What is going on??
Grandpa Dave helps me across the wiggly bridge!
Looking at the water below
Walking with Daddy and Grandpa

I love this music!
Look at me!!
Showing Grandma the water
We love when Grandma and Granpa come!! We wish we could see them more often!! But like I said before we will take what we can get. This summer Parker will be going out to visit them in Genoa for a whole week. Mommy and Daddy will miss him a lot but I know he will have a great time and won't miss us at all!!!

My First Fat Lip!!

2008-04-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

I know this will be first of many fat lips for this little boy but I guess the first one is just special because it breaks all in for what is to come. He just got it by falling after his feet got going to fast and his little body just couldn't keep up. His lip puffed up right away and so of course we had to take pictures to remember this moment.

Typical little boy...bruises and fat lips!!

Look at me Mommy!
I am a tough boy!!
What fat Lip??

Thank goodness that it didnt get too bad, BUT I know that there will be many more injuries in our future...Probably in our near future!

Elk Calling

2008-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

I know that some day Parker will be going hunting one day with Daddy and Grandpa Dave but I didnt think he would be trained so early!! Parker and Daddy practiced their elk calling and Parker sure thought it was cool to listen to. Grandpa Dave you would be so proud!! He jumped in right away and tried it himself. He didnt make much noise but he sure gave it his best effort.

Watching Daddy very closely!!
My Turn!!
I think I might have it... Dad and Parker practicing calls together

I know Grandpa Dave and Daddy are very proud and can't wait until Parker can join them on one of their hunting getaways. I am sure he will be the best elk caller around!!

Baking Cookies!

2008-04-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Parker had his first baking experience with Mommy! It was good, fun , and MESSY!! He really liked to watch the mixer and eat the dough. We had a lot of fun and we try and bake often, especially when mommy is off on Fridays.

Watching the mixer go round!!!
Having a little taste test!
Another taste test...
AND another taste test with mommy!!
Finally in the oven to bake!!

MMMM good once they came out!! Who knows we may have a master baker in the family someday!!

Parker's first Easter Egg Hunt!

2008-03-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

So many eggs, so little time!! Parker went to his first Easter egg hunt the Saturday before Easter at our church. It was a good time. Cousin Makenna was there and she raked it in too. It was inside this year because it was a little chilly outside. All the kids had a fun walking around looking for eggs that were just scattered all over the floor. Parker wanted to look at each egg first before going on to the next, so it was a little slow at first but once he got the hang of it he really had fun. He even helped other little kids get some eggs.

Waiting patiently with Makenna before the big Hunt
Helping other little ones put eggs into their baskets!! Like Papa says,

"he's already a little charmer"
Putting the eggs into his basket!
Look at how many Makenna got!!! WOW!
He would go anywhere to get 'em!

Paker Dyes Eggs

2008-03-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

It was fun, it was colorful, and it was messy!! Yep, we are talking about dying easter eggs. This was Parkers first time and he really liked the dipping part! It was a good time and all the cousins were together so everyone got to help!

watching Daddy dye the first egg!
Aunt Mackenie, Makenna, and Papa!!
Parker joining in on dipping!
Tired boy!
Even Cousin Spencer helped decorate!

Surprise!

2008-03-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mickey and Aunt Margaret turn 60 this year and they celebrate 38 years of marriage! So what do their wonderful children do? Throw them a surprise birthday party!!! Mark was the master mind behind it all but everyone had to be sneaky so Mickey and Margaret would not know about the big event!!
It was awesome and it went off with out a hitch and no body spilled the beans!!! They were really surprised and everyone was there except Megan, who was on her way back from a school trip to Washington DC. We really missed her but it was great to see everyone and meet all the new babies and see how all the other kids have grown. We cant wait to see everyone again. We sure wish it didnt have to be so long in between but we will take whatever visits we can!!

The whole crew waiting very patiently (even the kids) for the birthday boy and girl to get home!!
After the big surprise!!
Mickey and Margaret couldnt believe that all the kids were here!!
Everyone had a great time visiting and catching up!!
Happy 60th Birthday and 38th Anniversary Uncle Mickey and Aunt Margaret!!

A Fun Time in Phoenix!

2008-03-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

On February 27th GRandma Haag, Parker and Mommy flew to Phoenix to visit with Great Grandma Foster and Aunt Patti and Uncle Bob. It was a great time and Great Grandma loved having us there. We went shopping, had GREAT dinners (THANKS Bob), watched movies, went to the paork and just hung out. It was great. The weather was beautiful! It was 70-80 degrees the whole time we were there. Needless to say it was really hard to come back to 40 degrees!!!
Parker loved the plane rides. He did great both ways. He loved to play in the pool even though it was VERY cold. He also loved Aunt Patti's and Uncle Bob's dog, Brandy, he thought it was great to chase after her.
The whole trip was a blast and we sure wish we could visit more often. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone again!!!

Looking out the window as we took off to go to Phoenix!
Saying "Hello" to fellow passengers!
The first time Great Grandma saw Parker he was 3 weeks old. He was a lot bigger this visit!!!
He tried on Great Grandmas fashionable sunglasses!!
Aunt Pattie had to adlib on the bib...OOPS!! I forgot one!!
Parker loved to have his feet in the water even though it was only 60 degrees!! BRRRRRR!!
He thought he was pretty cool!!
We went and had lunch with "Aunt Debby"
He was really pooped every night!! So much to do, the poor guy could barely keep his eyes open at the end of the day!!
Snuggling with Great Grandma!!

So Big!!!
Walking through the Park with Uncle Bob
These flowers (weeds) were everywhere!!
They are beautiful...but i guess they are actually just weeds!!
We went to a park and played and had lunch. Grandma really had a good time!!

We had a great time visiting with everyone and were very sad to leave but Grandma plans on coming to Denver this summer so we will see her soon!!

Reagan's first couple of hours in her new world!!

2008-03-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

Reagan was not much of a crier at first but after awhile of being poked and proded...she changed her mind about that. She got weighed, and measured and given a bath. She did so good, of course!!

Her weight actually went down to 6lbs 7oz...I had and itchy trigger finger!!
This was while the nurse was taking her vitals!!
She was not happy!! We all wanted a picture of her screaming!! nice huh!?
Getting poked in her heel!! Poor baby!!! she didnt seem to mind!!
Her sponge bath!!! NOT Happy about it!!

She looked just like Makenna (Big Sis) when she gets mad!!! :)

Reagan Kathleen has Arrived!!

2008-03-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

Yes you read right!! As most of you know Reagan Kathleen Erickson arrived on Feb 24th, 4 weeks early!! We were all very surprised and excited. She was 6lb 7oz. She was tiny but did very well from the time she was born. Mackenzie did wonderful!! She pushed 3 times and she was out!! It was amazing!!
She is beautiful and she is getting bigger and bigger everyday. She looks a lot like Jon! Mackenzie is doing great and Makenna loves being a big sister! Parker loves to "hold" Raegan and give her kisses and hugs too!!

The whole family is so excited to have another wonderful addition to our growing family.

Right after she was born she went right to Mackenzie's chest!

Mommy bonding!!

Hello World!!

Mom and Dad Admiring their BEAUTIFUL little girl!!

Proud Auntie Sarah!!
Chillin' with Grandma Haag!!
MOMMY!!
Aunti Kendra!!
Proud Dad!!!

Parker takes his first steps!!!

2008-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

YES! we aren't lying...Parker has taken his first steps!! It happened just like everyone said it would. Just one night he was standing next to the couch and he just let go and walked towards me. Of course, I screamed and that scared him but everyday he gets better and better. it is so cool to watch him grow and learn new things everyday!!!

Walking to Daddy!!
Going back and forth..this is so FUN!!
Getting braver and braver!!

He is still learning but everyday he does more and more. He still likes to lunge once he is close enough. Just like everything else it will just click. For whoever is a parent that is the coolest thing to watch. He is such a blessing and everyday we thank God for letting us raise such a wonderful, fun little boy. We don't know what we would do without him!!

Here is a little clip of Parker walking...

So COOL!!!

Fun weekend with Family!

2008-02-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

Grandma Rippke, Aunt Jenne, and Cousins Grant and Mackynzie cam for a visit to Denver. It was GREAT!! We had a really nice time with them and Parker Loved having his cousins here to play with. He thought they were pretty cool.
On Friday, Brad and I watched all three kids. It was great, we had a great time. We were very tired but it was worth it. We had dinner, took a bath and played. it was really fun and we wish we could have them over more often.
Grandma and Jenne went to a movie that was produced by one of Jenne's sister-in-laws and is nominated for an Oscar. Pretty cool huh?! On saturday we went to rec Center and went swimming. the kids had a great time even though the water was COLD!!! That night we went to Casa bonita which was also a good time. The kids were very entertained and tired by the time we got home. On Sunday they headed home and we, as always, were very sad to see them go. We can't wait to see them again...HOPEFULLY very soon!!!!

The kids all ate together and had a great time sitting at the little table. It was a little too small for Grant but he was a great big cousin and sat there anyways.

Parker loved when Grant would chase him...Man it really got him moving and they would just giggle!!!

Bath time was a lot of FUN!!

(They are going to LOVE this when they get older) hehe!!

The kids loved playing together the whole weekend!!!

We can't wait to see everyone again soon!!

Christmas in Genoa cont...

2008-01-21T19:58:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day consisted of sleeping, playing, watching movies and just hanging out!! NO CAR!! It was wonderful...very laid back and just some time to be together. Christmas Eve we did go to church which was very nice. It was a candle light service, it was beautiful.
Christmas day was nice and relaxing. We couldn't ask for much more. That night we had dinner with everyone and then opened presents. All three of us got nice things and Parker loved the paper most. It was a lot of fun to watch him and the other kids playing with their new toys and gifts.

snuggle time with Grandpa Dave
Grant and Mackynzie showing off some of their new toys
Parker loving the paper!!
Daddy's new camping/hunting mat!!
Crazy Aunt Jenne and Aunt Teresa!!

It was a fun time!!!
The next day we left for Denver!! Parker did AWESOME! We drove 5.5 hours before we stopped for lunch and that was because mommy and daddy were hungry. We had a real good time in NE but we were so happy to be back home. We look forward to the next time we go out to visit.

Another day of Driving!

2008-01-21T19:38:00.001-08:00

On Sunday we got back in the car and took the three hour trip to Moville, IA, which is where Brad's dad grew up and where his Grandparents still live, for The "Rippke Christmas".
We go to the senior center in Moville and eat lunch, have a gift exchange and just talk and hang out. The food is really good and the family is really fun!!! We had a really nice time and everyone loved Parker and I got to meet cousins that I had never met before. It was a really nice time and Brad and I came out with some pretty good gifts from the white elephant exchange.
After a nice afternoon in Iowa we drove back to Genoa. Parker had a breakdown but who could blame him.!? We had been in the car for 18 hours in the past three days. We were all ready to be out of the car!!!

Some of the Rippke clan hanging out!!
Great Grandpa and Grandma Rippke and all the great Grandkids!!
4 Generations!!! We know what Brad is going to look like!!
Hanging out with Great Grandma and Grandpa Dave

We hope to get back to Iowa and visit again Soon!!!

Christmas in Genoa!

2008-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

This year Christmas was GREAT!! It was filled with Family, Friends and a whole lot of driving. We left for Genoa, NE the Friday before christmas and Parker did awesome. He didnt fuss at all!! We stopped in Lexington for lunch, then we hung out for a little bit and then we got back on the road. Seeing Genoa was a great site and we were very happy to be there.

On Saturday we were back on the road and on our way to Lincoln to visit Great Grandma DeVore. We went to Valentinos, the best pizza/italian buffet ever. It is so good and we ate A LOT!! It was Awesome. After lunch we went back to Grandma DeVore's house and just hung out. She has a ton of toys to play with and all the kids had so much fun playing. After a funfilled day in Lincoln we headed back to Genoa.

We can't wait to go back and visit Great Grandma!!

Playing with Cousing Mackynzie!
Great Grandmas with all the Grandkids
I love this rocking dog...Mom can I have one??
All the boys playing!!

No More Wondering

2008-01-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

I know you all have been lost without updates from the Rippke's and you are wandering what we are up to and how the little man is doing! Well no more wondering!! We have finally become bloggers. Well it will actually be me (Sarah) doing the blogging but i am really looking forward to it! I hope you all enjoy what we blog and our main goal is to keep in better touch with our family and friends.

You all mean so much to us and we wish we could see all of you more often. But because life gets in the way and that is just impossible anymore. We thought this would be the best way to keep everyone updated on our very funfilled, Crazy life!!