Boxing Day

Well it was a 4-day weekend of holiday adventure. The kids received some great gifts. Cale enjoyed some angry bird stuffed animals, Zibits, slot car tracks, hex bug habitat, and plenty more. Maya is now the very proud owner of a panda pillow pet, art supplies, and plenty of accessories for her American girl doll. Aden loves his play cash register, millions of squinkies, make-your-own volcano kit, and all of the candy. They all received some germ and cell themed stuffed animals that seem to be a big hit.

We had a lot of fun and ate a lot of food we would normally avoid. Now it is time to return to our routines. For Draper and Ruby this means continuing to nap in the sun.

Happy Birthday Maya

Of skateboards and pinball

Happy birthday Cale!

Happy birthday

Mountains o' Candy

Haunted Weekend

Maya

As usual I am neglecting to provide my family with updates about the lives of their grandchildren/niece/nephews. So here is one about Maya.

Two months ago Maya was dreading going back to school. She also was refusing to practice soccer with me in the back yard. It seemed it was going to be a rough start to the year and that she might not make it in the extracurricular activity we had signed her up for.

Two months later she loves school and has many new friends. Her reading skills have exploded, She loves soccer and plans on playing again in the spring. All three of the children recently took some swimming lessons and let's just say Maya is the most graceful of the three in her movements. I once heard Carrie's brother say he doesn't like swimming b/c he just sinks like a brick. I fear the boys got those swimming genes.

Maya loves scary stories; especially during this time of year. Last night Cale and I got to go on a ghost tour of Old Town. When we got home Maya wanted us to share some of the stories. She was fascinated but also woke up at 2am with a bad dream. When I first met Carrie she loved scary movies. Any sort of scary movie was usually followed by a night of restless terrified sleep.
It seems Maya has inherited those genes as well.

Children + Rattlesnake = Fun outing!

Self Portrait

Halftime refreshment

This Is Just Wrong...

Exotic locations

This picture may not look much different from any old Colorado mountain picture but it was taken a couple weeks back in Wyoming. This was the first day Maya and Aden (and Draper) have ever left Colorado. I hope they don't feel neglected. For now Wyoming is about the best we can do as far as inter-state travel goes.

Scout Camp

Cale and I recently spent a few days at the Cub Scout camp near Red Feather. He earned the right to own and carry a pocket knife. Watch your backs!

Happy Birthday Aden

Vacation Day 4 an 5

The 4th day of vacation was camping at Trappers Lake just outside the Flat Tops Wilderness. Sadly, Maya had a fever and a stomach ache so we only stayed one night. Also, despite the pictures, there was a decent amount of rain in the afternoon and over night. The next morning looked foreboding so it may have been for the best anyway.

Vacation Day 3

On the third day of our vacation we took a gondola up to the top of the ski area. Aden said he was 'freaked out'. On the top of the mountain we hiked around, admired bear scat, and discussed why we aren't skiers. Why don't they make giant winter resorts just for sledding?

Vacation Day 2

Day 2 of our vacation was busy. After our run in with the bear we went for a brief hike to an overlook at Fish Creek Falls. We then hiked to the base. It's no secret that there is a lot of water in Colorado this year and it can be a bit nerve racking have children near it. After the hike we played a round of mini-golf which was equally nerve racking but for different reasons. We then went back to the hotel for some swimming. That was followed by a trip to see Cars 2 followed by dinner at one of those 'diners' that pretends to be from the 50s. Finally, we returned to the falls to get a view in the evening light.

The Bear

This isn't the greatest shot but it's a freaking bear! I know people in the area see them all the time but this was the kid's first time to see a wild black bear. He was actually just sort of standing there waiting for us to drive off so he could get back to the overturned trash can that is just out of the picture.