Colorado Vacation Part 1

I took so many pictures during our trip to Colorado, but wanted to share a few with all of you.
-beautiful big storm clouds; yet they seemed to avoid us.
-family: Aunt Stacy, Gma Laurie and Papa, and cousins
-Chrsysler's and Herrman's: kids and moms just like always!! (not pictured- Andy was working and Craig was taking the photo)
-Toy Story 3: Pam and Rachel were Craig's babysitters when the first Toy Story was created!!!

Colorado Vacation Part 2

Here are a few more photos from the trip:
-Vail Pass - chilly, windy and perfect!
-took the boys to see our first apartment in Arvada (sure was cuter back in 1991!)
-stopped by our old house in Denver
-Denver skyline and Blake standing under his street!
-playing cards and dinner at Beau Jo's (favorite pizza place, ever!!)

All At Once

So... we have much to share! There are at least 8+ new posts for you to look at! I went a little crazy with all the things that we wanted to update you with. Some are from the end of the school year (yes, I know school ended in May), some are of the boys and the games they play, there are a few summer activities and our vacation. Enjoy! :)

American Pastime

Baseball continues to run deep in our house. Craig II was able to play in a summer league for Red Mountain High School. He was on the JV team. It was a very short season ( June only), and a very hot season (110' at the last game), but a season that Craig grew from and will take what he learned with him for the next adventure

Lest We Forget

Blake's spring flag football team, the Dolphins, won their age division...again! This team is amazing! They work so hard together and it shows. They encourage and support each other no matter what. Their coach is a quiet force behind it all. It has been a fun experience for Blake. We look forward to the team playing again in the fall (we take the summer off becasue of the heat...it's still 105'+ for the first game!)

Estes Park

As part of our vacation to Colorado, we visited Estes Park. I have always loved this little town. It has become quite the spot for visitors, so it wasn't as small as I remembered. We had fun, non the less. My mom-in-law's (Laurie)parents live in Estes, so it was good to see them too. We made a trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park to see the waterfall and rocks (one of my favorite stops). It was so green and the air was fresh! The boys even made sure to get in some fishing; both Papa and Great-Papa Duff made sure we had fun (thanks Chris for the numerous tangle rescues). Craig II's first catch was....a pine cone! The boys thought it was fun even if the fish really weren't biting.

Colorado Nature

Our "home state" of Colorado has been blessed by God's creation! There were beautiful things to look at all around us. Animals, flowers, rocks, mountains, water, trees and sky. "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31a

Civil War

This past school year (5th grade), Blake's class did a research project on the Civil War, and the Underground Railroad. Each student was given the opportunity to learn about the routes the slaves took when they were escaping north. The large photo of the quilt was made by his entire class. Blake is standing by the square he created. Blake's patch was the symbol for the slaves that it was safe to cross the Cincinnati River. Once across the river, a slave was free! The class even presented a small historical play. It was a real treat to see so many students in costume, having fun and learning at the same time! Thanks Ms. G. for a great year!

Hoops Camp II

Once again this summer, Craig II and Blake participated in Champion Hoops Camp (a basketball camp our church hosts; about 150 kids attended this year!) Craig II was able to be one of the coaches for the younger elementary kids, and Blake played on a team in his grade division. Both boys experienced some good life lessons through this camp; win or lose. Melvin Adams, a former Harlem Globetrotter was a huge part of the camp again. All the kids love him; he is great with them and even the grown ups that are in charge try to learn a few things too-even though I still can't play the game - sorry Dad :)

Coors Field!

While on vacation this past week in Colorado, our family went to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies!!! This was such a great time for our family. We saw so much, and learned a lot too (did you know they mow the grass twice on game days, and that the the Denver police have a holding cell under the field for unruly guests?) Both the boys were thoroughly intrigued with all the information and sights. I think Craig II can see himself being a player one day, and so can we!

Toot His Own Horn

This past school year, Blake participated in band. He played the trumpet. He did really well, even though he ended up not being as excited about it at the end. When asked why it wasn't fun anymore, he said "Mom, it's just not as fun as the drums!!" So, we shall see what the new school year brings. We are proud that he hung in there and was able to perform at a few activities and events at school.