Buena Vista

As soon as John flew in, we headed to Buena Vista, to see his side of the family.

We had a lovely time and thoroughly enjoyed their soccer fields and 

climbing areas with amazing mountains in the background.  :)

Lily Lake

Grandma and Grandpa

Mom and Dad came up for a day while the kids and I were at the cabin...

Machen was happy to help "saw" for his chore

We hiked part of Twin Sisters with lovely Longs Peak in the background

A huge rainstorm caused all this last September and the kids affectionately call this

part of the trail "Mars."   Amazing the damage...

Grandpa rewarding hikers with a trip to the store for ice cream...

Going West

The kids and I made the trek west stopping along the way to see these lovely people. 

 Needless to say, we had a ball.

After re-grouping at Mom and Dad's, we headed up to the cabin.

After hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, we came across this on the way home.

Hiking Day#2: Alberta Falls

This guy was in front of the cabin one morning

Father's Day

Charlie's 9th Birthday

Charlie's 9th birthday began with 

breakfast out with Dad.

We worked on spelling at home

(Demaree always does our "birthday board")

 Gifts that evening...
He must make a face for every gift.

The surprise gift from Grandma and Grandpa: 

a whittling knife waiting for him

in Colorado.
(and shock that Mom is allowing this)

This gift earned the "this is the best birthday ever"

out of his mouth:  Metalbeard.

It's that blur in each picture that excites this boy.

(and leads him to write Lego Movie on

his arm regularly).

How thankful we are for the nine precious years with this guy!

Family Retreat 2014

Memorial Day weekend found us enjoying COPC's 5th annual

Family Retreat.  

We had a fabulous time, delicious food and encouraging teaching.

                                           The soccer game is always a highlight for my crew

Dem holding her own with the guys!

Troxel boys were a huge hit and my boys loved having them