back in the mountains

We are trying to enjoy the end of our summer break by taking advantage of family time whenever/wherever we can. This father's day Cole's gift for his daddy was to go on a hike of Jeff's choice. Jeff choose to go up to Mt Evans...of of Colorado's 56 fourteeners in hopes to "hook" the kids for future climbs. This one fortunately can be driven up almost to the top leaving a half mile walk to the very top. Needless to say, I think the kids are hooked. They seem very eager to conquer more peaks!

checking out the view

the very top...14,250 feet above sea level

76 degrees at the bottom at 10 in the morning...46 at the top!

big horned sheep greeted us at the top...the highlight of the day!

An amazing and peaceful day.

michigan...part four (and last)

Saving the best for last...camping in Manistee (a childhood favorite of mine)with my family - the whole family! So many emotions I feel writing about this place that feels like "home" and to be able to now share it with my two babes and my nieces and nephew. Amazing and full of gratitude that it could happen again this year.

until next time...

Michigan...part three

Hopefully you are not tired of my Michigan posts yet...probably only one more. It gives me such joy to go through and pick out my favorite photos, remembering all the fun that was had. We so look forward to our trip every year, anticipating months in advance and reminiscing months after. When I first moved away, out to Colorado I wondered if there would ever be a day that I did not feel homesick...I now know after almost 13 years I don't think that day will ever come. That is not to say that I do not love living in Colorado. I love it here, it is my home and I am very happy here, but I love and will always miss Michigan.

We are now onto the 4th...a neighborhood parade,then spending the day with my Aunt,Uncle,cousins and their kids. Ryan and Cole had a blast tubing for the first time and taking a ride on the boat out to the big lake. It was amazing and joyous to watch the excitement and smiles on their faces.
Thank you Auntie Esther and Uncle Dick!

We also spent an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa...telling jokes and visiting.

love you both.

michigan...part two

Our next adventure brought us to Grand Haven. This has traditionally been a day at the beach...in the water, a walk on the pier and the finale at the front porch for ice cream. I love and miss the water so much!

the kids were so brave and proud of jumping off the pier (along side all of the teenagers)

and you can't go to grand rapids and not eat a Yesterdog...or three or four.

Michigan...part one

We just returned from a few weeks in Michigan...our hearts our filled and our souls are smiling. We enjoyed many many of our favorite things to do while back in town including an afternoon at the Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens with Marcus, Liz and Izzy...it really is one of the best!

We also had a sunny afternoon at the neighborhood park...why don't we have those spaceship things in Colorado playgrounds? They are super fun.