July 4

July 4 the party was over and the immediate family was left.
We had a fabulous time playing in the sprinkler, enjoying yummy grilled food and sparklers
and ending the day watching fireworks over the city of Denver.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Party: Round 2

Saturday my parents hosted a mini reception and it was lovely.
We had a fabulous time catching up with friends and cousins,
enjoying the lovely yard and lots of laughing.
 

 

 

 

 

The Party

We all descended on my parents to celebrate this couple, who
quietly were married in March.
We had a lovely evening catching up, playing games,
dancing and lots and lots of laughing.
 

 

 

 

 

This two wowed the crowd with their
dance moves and lip sync ability.

 

 

Flattop Mountain

Every year we do that one killer hike that pushes us
(and the kids tell us how miserable this is and how
their death is imminent).
This year was no exception.
It was HARD.  It was 5 miles up and with a gain of several thousand feet.
(The top is 13,000 ft.)




But the views are AMAZING.
The teenager below was having none of it.

 

Yes, that's SNOW ahead.

Machen.


I love this pic of blue and white...

 

 

We saw a bunch of marmots, including this family.

 

Finally THE TOP!



The inevitable hike down.
Tough view.

 

 

Cabin Life

We do other things besides hiking while at the cabin.
Lots and lots of reading.  Harry Potter was a huge hit this summer.
 

Lots of croquet.

 

 

 

Many games are played around this table.
It's not THAT sunny.  We start to go a little crazy after a while.  :)


And more reading...

 

Twin Sisters

Since this trailhead is only minutes away, we end up here almost every other summer.
Not to mention the views are incredible.

 

Longs Peak
 

 

 

Ute Trail

We hiked along the Ute Trail (starting above 14,000 feet).
The views were amazing but the cold wind brutal...