Ypsilon/Chapin Hike

This hike was amazing for so many reasons.  The views were
spectacular.  The hiking was HARD for two reasons - lots of rocks
instead of actual hiking and the altitude.
We only hiked several miles but traveled 2000 miles UP. And we felt it.
We all hiked together and then my brothers and I went on to Ypsilon,
which is 13,000 feet, while the others hiked up Chapin( which is a mere 12,000 feet!).

Amelie had a pretty sweet ride... Uncle David took her up.



Charlie struggled on this hike - it was hard and he's learning
some endurance lessons.  John stayed with him as they traveled
slower than the rest of the crew...

 

My view from Ypsilon looking at everyone climbing Chapin.



I have great brothers - they went slower for me and still let me come!

 

 

 

The marmots were everywhere and Jonathan touched this guy's tail.

Colorado - Wild Basin

After partying in Omaha, we headed to the glorious mountains of Colorado.
I love that my children are making memories in the same cabin I grew up going to.

For girly girls it's not impossible to be both practical and feminine.

 

Boys camped out one night

 

Our daily schedule is usually to get up and hike, return to reading
 and resting on the deck and a more leisurely afternoon.
Keeps us busy but with plenty of rest time.

Day 1 we headed up the Wild Basin trail.  We did most of it
last year but couldn't go all the way to the falls because they'd
had so much rain.  Not this year...

 

 

 

 

Omaha

I took a million pictures but a few highlights....

We began with an outing to the Omaha Zoo with
Grandma Jean and Uncle Jonathan.  I have fond
memories of visiting here as a child and it was
a treat to experience it with my own children.

 

 

 

Then the kids got to FINALLY meet their
new nephew, Eli.  He's about the cutest thing ever.

 

Grandpa Dartt discussing the possibility of getting some of that chocolate.
 

The festivities began and included a rousing game of pickle.


Saturday we managed a lovely swim...

 

 

 

Saturday evening was the formal party for Grandma Jean's Birthday-
lots of good food, beer and company.

 

The Birthday girl - 85 years young.

 

Sunday afternoon was spent at the lake and was the highlight

for my kids.  They swam for seven hours.  Fishing, boating, water guns, etc.

They couldn't get enough...

My cousin, Tyler, teaching Charlie how to fish

 

Battling Uncle Jonathan

 

The boat and tubing were a huge hit

 

4 Demarees!

 

First fish!

 

Little Dem got quite the ride!

 

Off to Colorado for more fun!

Scenes from June

New glasses (just for distance).

 

Beeke's visit

 

Phillies and baseball non-stop.

 

Seven

Charlie turned seven on Sunday.
It came and went despite my not being ready.
  It was a celebration complete with baseball gear,
best friends, everyone at church lunch singing
happy birthday and a new bike.