Welcome Home

So when we arrived Saturday night we had this waiting for us-

Luckily our friendly neighbors with chainsaws cut the tree up for us...which was our neighbors by the way...and it was mostly at the curb when we returned. But J and I spent today picking up leaves and bark and this is what we have waiting for the city to carry away for us.

It's been a looong week. I subbed the last week of summer school, helped out at Vacation Bible school, had our first meeting for our Summer Reading Program, tutored, and had a Book Study over a "teacher" book- Understanding By Design, which I wish I read 10 years ago. PPHHEEEWWW. Now I am officially on Vacay for the next 6 weeks.

He's such a trooper, that James. It was 110 with humidity and he helped me rid the yard of bark, branches, weed the garden and trim our bushes and Dogwood tree, so I taught him to climb a tree. Shhh, don't tell Matt. Once he gets in it he hollers like a monkey, too. It's so funny, until he falls out....

Since it was so hot this morning, after we mowed we went to one of our city pools- Indian Mounds. It rocks. We had two hours of frog slides, raining umbrellas, water spouts, and yes people- swimming underwater to the ladder as he dove in. It was an H2O miracle.

Well I am going to attempt to stay awake for a movie- wish me luck!

TrAnSpOrTaTiOn VaCaTiOn

As we wrap up ourrvacation today with Marge in Glenwood Springs, we'd like to spend some time reflecting on all the fun we've had.

Day 1: Badlands

James weathered the 12 hour trip great. He's definitely a Road Warrior. We climbed rocks and had a picnic dinner here Sunday night. When we drove through the Badlands Loop on our way to Mt. Rushmore the prairie dogs poked there heads out to tell us hi.

Day 2: Bear Country and Mt. Rushmore

Bear Country was a blast. We drove through the park and were able to wave to all the animals as they walked by our car. At the end we got out and got to see all the babies up close. When we drove into Keystone we stopped and rode the ski lifts up and the Alpine Slide down. We also took a helicopter ride around Mt. Rushmore before we hiked President's Trail James rode shotgun and our pilot dropped Bear Grylls and his crew down for one of their episodes of Man vs. Wild.

Day 3: Glenwood Springs and Marge

After a night in Cheyenne we made or way to Marge. We stopped in at the Denver Children's Museum and in Georgetown so James and Dad could ride the train and I could shop.

We finally made it to Marge and Eric's place. It's beautiful. They have done so much work to it. The kitchen is beautiful.

Day 4: Whitewater Rafting and Ironbridge

While we went on our rafting trip Aunt Marge took James out and rented him a bike. She rocks. We also had a blast in her pool and riding the trail near her place to through rocks in the roaring river. Eric was nice enough to get Matt onto the Ironbridge Golf Course for 18 holes. Matt can't say enough about it!

Day 5: Maroon Bells, Ashcroft and White House Pizza

Marge drove us up to the Maroon Bells where we saw some of the most spectacular scenery ever. James through rocks in the lake and then we drove to Ashcroft, our first ghost town! It rained in the afternoon so we napped and played Old Maid and Hot Potato. For dinner we went to White House Pizza. This was the best pizza I ever had.

So our vacation is coming to an end. We have 1 day left and we can't thank Aunt Marge enough. She really is a fabulous hostess and a great aunt.

Farm Photos

"Mom, thank you for taking me to the farm."

"You're welcome, James"

"It's excactly what I needed,"

The rabbits: Muffy and Tuffy

James and his livestock.

Uncle Kevin and James on the 4 Wheeler.

We're Here!

Everytime we leave, we wonder when we will come back...in an hour? a day? next weekend? We eat, dream and wish for Grandpa's Farm. We drove up yesterday to surprise Grandpa- I'm not sure who was more in heaven, James or our intended target.

Getting Our Shtuff Together

So I am starting to pack up food and things to do for our LOOOOONG car ride. James has like 2 bags of interesting things to keep him occupied in the car. So that part of our trip planning is done. Next I need to make lists of things to pack and clean out the car. We are so PUMPED about this trip it isn't funny. Here is the map we made for James...Each day the car moves a few centimeters closer. In fact this map is like his most prized possession right now.





















It's was a rainy afternoon, so Matt and I took J-Boz to see Up. It was marvelous. The animation was incredible and the storyline rocked. James has spent the last 24 hours feeding his imaginary bird, Kevin.

Take'n a Ride on the Slip-n-Slide

I remember these being longer! All this ride was missing was the huge mud pile at the end, the sticker bushes to run over and the sharp rocks/ road bumps underneath. Ah the memories.

I tried to convince Matt to whip out the Speedo and strap on a swim cap, but he was not having it! I flew over the stop wall. Had to stop before I popped it. Come on over. It's the perfect day!