Swim Meet With A Movie

It was back to Denver last weekend - after making a stop in Co Springs to put in blinds, we headed to Jessi's for the night.  Evan and Kenzie were scheduled to swim in their swim meet Sat. morning but poor Kenzie woke up sick during the night..............

Evan still was able to swim though and it was fun watching him - he's a great swimmer and does very well for his age!

 Gwyn was in attendance too and is always smiling!!

 After the meet Gary and Jessi headed out for a date!!  Glenn babysat Gwyn and Kenzie (since she still wasn't feeling well) and I took Evan, Rayna and Kylan out for their birthday movie - since I had already paid for the tickets in advance, Jaime came along and used Kenzie's ticket!  We saw Finding Dory and it was cute as can be - lots of popcorn was eaten and we all relaxed in the recliners!!

 Glenn and Brad went fishing that night and the rest of us just relaxed and visited!  Sunday morning Jessi gave us adjustments and little Gwyn was extremely helpful with her "play" activator - cute as can be!!

 I wanted a picture of Gwyn in her 4th of July outfit for a summer frame but completely  missed all of her smiles as she just moves around too much!!  This is the best of the bunch which is still cute but normally she has a big smile!!

And then it was back to the mountains with Evan and Kylan for their 3 night stay with Nana and Papa!!

Back To Working On The House

The June and July calendar are busy - very busy - so in between events Glenn is back to work on the house.  He started the back splash last week and hopefully will stay on that till it's done!  A little bit of time here and there does add up!!

 The next picture shows the tiles and glass - it really does match the granite well and I can't wait till it's done to see the final effect!!

A/C Tryout

Although our 5th wheel has air conditioning, we have never used it!  First of all, you don't need it in the mountains and 2nd of all, we always wilderness camp!

But we sure got to try it out last week!  Our plans were to leave Sunday morning for a Colorado 4 night camping and ATVing trip - that didn't happen since the truck didn't get finished..............so Glenn then decided that we would take a 2 night trip to Pueblo for him to fish as long as the truck got done on Monday or Tuesday.

The truck DID get done on Monday so we headed down and picked it up, along with the new ATV trailer and packed up the 5th wheel Monday night.  We headed out at 6:00am Tuesday morning to miss rush hour in Co. Springs (although I couldn't believe how much traffic there was at that time of the morning!!)

The trip to Pueblo should have been uneventful but we had just turned off the interstate for the shortcut to the lake when a guy flagged us down and told us we had a flat tire on the boat!  It was not only flat but shredded!!  That is one of the disadvantages to pulling 2 rigs behind the truck - you can't see the tires on the boat!  Glenn quickly changed the tire and we were off!

We found a nice spot to camp (with electricity of course) and were amazed at what it costs to camp now - $24.00 per night for the electric hookups.  Glenn got everything set up, turned on the a/c and he was off to fish!!

 There was a little bit of shade but it was hot out!!  VERY HOT!!  In fact Pueblo broke a record that day for heat!  I had 103 degrees in the shade and the a/c didn't shut off for 5 hours!  How Glenn stood it out in that boat is beyond me!  He did come in mid-afternoon and take a nap but after an early dinner, went right back out!

Rabbits - let me tell you about the rabbits - there must have been hundreds of them because at any given time as I looked out the window, you could see a rabbit, usually several of them!  The little ones were the cutest of course!  One time I peeked out and there was a squirrel, a little rabbit and 2 birds all congregated together like they were having a party - by the time I grabbed my phone to take a pic, the squirrel had already scampered away!

 Glenn had a great time fishing because he was actually catching fish!!!!  Usually Pueblo Reservoir doesn't give up their walleye very easily - Glenn usually comes home with NO fish - this time was different!  He probably caught about 20 fish but could only keep about 10 of them due to the length!!  So we have 6 packages of fish in the freezer - HOORAY!!!

I spent 2 1/2 days reading - in the EARLY morning I would take a walk but after that I was basically confined to the camper because I just don't handle the heat very good any more!  I read 3 books, a magazine and a Readers Digest!!  Plenty of snacks and food kept me going all day!

 The last evening was much cooler and Glenn and I took a nice walk around the campsite - there was a pretty sunset and we enjoyed sitting outside with our drinks and appetizers, wondering what all the working people were doing - ha ha.

No pictures of the fish because Glenn would clean them before he ever came back to the camper  - they will be good eating the next few weeks!!

Fathers Day Cont'd.........

I don't usually do a Father's Day gift for Glenn but had decided to do a photo book of the building of the house!!  It came out really nice - Glenn loved it but did say it made him tired just looking at it as he remembered the long, long process of building!!

 Kylan decided he wanted to spend the night with us so he came home after the BBQ at Jaime and Brad's property!  It was late already when we got home but we did get to play a couple of games the next morning!

He stood by the chicken coop a long time just waiting for the chickens to come out!

 And of course he had his mandatory cup of hot chocolate!!  We enjoyed it on the deck!

Glenn and I dropped him off early afternoon as we were headed to Co. Springs to buy a new ATV trailer AND to finally pick up the finished truck!!

Father's Day

What a  gorgeous day it was!  Even though we didn't get to take off on our mini trip, we did have some plans as Jaime had called the day before and invited us to a BBQ at their property.

Jaime and the kids stopped over in the afternoon as they hadn't seen our basement yet and the kids stayed with us till we headed over mid-afternoon.  It was really pretty warm by then - one of the hottest days we've had!

My white peach daiquiris tasted great!  We sat around on their new deck that Brad had built outside of their camper and just enjoyed the day!!  Another family arrived and we visited and had a great meal.

Brad is checking those steaks to make sure they're cooked perfectly!

 Jaime is all smiles after she poured the wine!

 Then we all headed down to the pond so some of them could fish - I knew then it was going to be an awesome sunset!!

 The colors started changing and I started snapping pictures!!  I usually don't post a lot of the same thing but I just couldn't help myself - they turned out so pretty!!

 And the colors continue...............

WOW - I was just amazed at how pretty that sunset was!  And to our backs, was the full moon that was rising - what a spectacular night!!!

A New Toy!!!!!

During our ATVing the other day, I made a decision - it was time to get a different ATV!!  We had fell in love with the Can Am's a couple of years ago and have talked about getting one with the actual seat for me - it's really hard to hang on at times since I'm not on a separate seat now, just right behind Glenn!

So we peeked at Craig's List on Thursday night when we got home and found a couple that would work!  We headed into W. Pk on Friday morning as we had to pick up the truck in Co. Springs (even though one part hadn't come in, I told them we HAD to pick it up as we had a trip planned on Sunday.)

Wouldn't you know it, we found exactly what we wanted!!  We rode it around the block and gosh it was nice - it had the extra seat for me, lots of extras for Glenn and twice the horsepower of what we have now!  So a deal was made and we picked it up on Saturday morning!!

We are SO excited to try it out!!

Unfortunately the rest of Friday didn't go as well - after getting to the place to pick up the truck, they told us it wasn't safe to take it - Glenn talked to the technician and decided it WAS Ok to take it but of course it wasn't ready.  So ran a blind appt while we were waiting for the call that FINALLY came - they would NOT release the truck - had it tore apart and of course failed to tell us.

To say I was livid was an understatement!!  Trust me, they will NOT be getting a good review from me.  So of course we couldn't leave for our camping trip as we have to have the truck to attach the 5th wheel - pretty disappointing.................

Hopefully we can still get away in a week or so - can't believe how busy our RETIRED schedules are!!

A Day To Ourselves

Today was ATV day - that's right, we took the day off and headed out to ATV!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks for Glenn as he was trying to finish the last of the outside projects on the house for the final outdoor inspection.  I think he actually did a lot more than what was required but it was things that had to be done anyway!!  The outside chimney and bottom of the house are not only completely rocked but also grouted - it looks fantastic!!  He also got the new shingles on the back of the house sprayed with the finish and they look great too!

So this morning we packed up the ATV and headed to the national forest outside of Florissant - we had a fun day just riding around and enjoying nature!!  It's still sad to see all of the dead trees from the fires but they do make for neat pictures!!

 They sky was very hazy today - there was a lot of wind that was blowing in smoke from the Ca., NM, and Az. fires.

 We stopped for a nice picnic lunch mid-day and sure enjoyed driving on the trails!  Since we didn't get to do much last summer, it was very special!

Now a couple more days of work and then we're headed for our first camping trip this year in Colorado - can't wait!!

A "Keppy" Weekend

I was excited to hear that Gary didn't get mandated to work on Friday, his day off, which meant the family could head down from Denver that morning!  Jessi had the day off as they originally had plans to head to western Colorado for the weekend but that didn't work out!

It has been quite a while since they have gotten to spend 2 nights and 2 days with us - between Gary and Jessi's work, it just doesn't always work out!

So they arrived mid-morning with a full carload of kids and suitcases AND HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS!!!  We popped them in the oven and ate them warm - oh gosh they are good - Jessi makes the best rolls ever!!

It was a nice and relaxing weekend - the kids found plenty to do and we even took a short walk with Gwyn in the backpack!

 The kids rode their bikes but decided it's just too hilly to make much progress!  They loved playing on the rocks!

 Jessi even got in a quick nap on Friday while the kids and I had a tea party on the deck!  As you can see by the towels hanging on the deck railing, they used the hot tub too!

 Friday evening we started playing Rummikub - I had forgotten how much I loved that game so we not only played it Friday night but Saturday night too!! 

Jessi and Gary were excited to get in the hot tub Friday night after all the kids were in bed - I had turned it up and after they were out there for a while, I heard Jessi yelling at me - so went out and discovered it had not heated at all and was at a balmy 96 degrees which is what I keep it at when the kids get in!!

I tried and tried to turn it up and it just wouldn't heat - then figured out it was on systems lock which means it locked at the prior settings!!  The  press button computer panel is not user friendly at all so Jessi and I decided we would work on it Saturday!

The guys and Kenzie headed out Saturday morning to go rock hounding!  Jessi and I were so excited to sit on the front deck with our special coffee and just relax!!  I did take a picture but guess what - had my thumb in the wrong spot..............

We made a list of what we needed to accomplish while the guys were gone and by golly, we got through it!!  Since Jessi was here, she changed my profile picture on Facebook and put a picture of Glenn on Facebook and changed his cover picture!!  I just don't use it enough to remember how to do it all!  But the item that I will appreciate the most is the hot tub settings!!

Jessi read the manual and we wrote it all out in MY language and in simple terms - then she made me practice how to go through it all and I passed the test!!  Hopefully it won't get put in systems lock any more but at least I know what to look for and how to correct it!!

The guys came home tired and a little sunburned but they had fun!!  Mango daiquiris were on the menu for happy hour that day!!

Gwyn loved being outside!

 We had lovely weather most of the weekend with some rain to cool things off! 

Since the kids showered after being in the hot tub, Jessi decided to give Gwyn a bath in our large kitchen sink - she loved it of course!!  (and this picture makes me realize how much I want Glenn to install the backsplash!!)

The Keppys headed out first thing Sunday morning as everyone had plans - what a great weekend!!

They Are BLOOMING!!

Finally we know spring has arrived because the lilacs are blooming!!!  I stopped at an undisclosed location to cut a few stems off but they weren't budded out enough and never opened after I brought them home!  But I went into a friends' house in W Pk last Wed. and she had a huge bush that was just gorgeous - I asked her if I could have a few to take home and I've enjoyed them immensely!!

They were some of the best smelling lilacs ever!! 

Now it's time to get another batch before their short season is up!

Lasting Friendships

Since there are only 3 members of our "Choir Girls" left in this area, we don't get together quite as often as we used to!  But we were thrilled to hear that Clara from Wichita was heading this way and we made plans to see her!

We had dinner at the Shining Mountain Resort - the golf clubhouse - and it was fun to catch up and enjoy the good food.  Another place to put on my list of places to eat now - it was good!!

Then we all headed back to our house for dessert and a tour of our house, since nobody had seen it since we've moved in!

What a great visit we had!

One More Item Crossed Off the Long List

Because it was winter when we received our Certificate of Occupancy, the inspector told us there were 4 items that had to be finished when spring came around..  Well, spring is here..............

Glenn has been working hard to finish up the shingle siding on the back of the house, grading in front of the house (which required renting a bobcat for a day), all of the outside stonework on the chimney including the bottom of the house and the front deck.

He had just put up a temporary deck to get us by but knew it had to be extended - and the results are amazing!!  I can't believe how much better the new deck looks, especially with the stairs another direction now - I love it and it's the perfect place for coffee in the morning!  Great job Glenn!

He Keeps Me Laughing!

Oh Glenn - some days are just funnier than others!

So it starts to pour rain - typical this time of year - and Glenn had been outside finishing up my car - he was underneath trying to finish up quickly before the water started running under the car and he JUST made it out in time!

I guess he decided to walk to the bottom of the driveway to make sure the water was running through the little ditch in front of where we drive up - and of course he has no idea where the umbrellas are so he grabs the only thing he can find in the garage - the beach umbrella!!  Now that was quite a sight watching him walk with that and I got my laugh for the day!!

Memorial Day Weekend

I always think of camping when Memorial Day Weekend comes around but of course since we're retired, we don't HAVE to worry about camping on that busy, 3 day weekend! 

This year the Savages came down - well, I more or less told them they needed to come down as we were in dire need of Robby's help!!  Since the lower level is finished, we needed the speaker system installed and hooked up along with the TV, DVD player and dish.

They arrived late Friday night to miss the traffic!  The kids were up extra early on Saturday morning but Glenn was up early too so it was no problem!!

After a pancake breakfast (one of their favorites as Papa always makes them in special shapes) they were excited to grab the baggie full of "fun things to do" and start selecting one at a time!  Painting is always a hit but it's time for me to buy some new paints as they cleaned up what I had on hand!!

 They kept us hopping all day with their activities while Robby worked on the sound system and Glenn worked on the car (which needed some repairs).  We took a short walk in the afternoon and saw the inside of our neighbors' tepee which was really cool!!

That evening we made snack pizzas - Jill reminisced about making them back in 4-H when I was the cooking leader!  Ah, such memories!!

 The kids went to bed early that evening as they were exhausted - Jill and I shared most of a bottle of wine and we all watched a movie!

Sunday morning the sun was out so that was nice!!  Parker couldn't get enough of the hot tub all weekend - Aleah did join him on Saturday but Sunday he had it all to himself!!

 Tea parties are always fun, especially when cinnamon rolls are served - notice they are almost all gone!!

 We headed to the play park late morning - it was breezy at times but the sun felt fantastic!!  We climbed up the hill to the little gazebo and walked down to the library - always a nice walk!!

 The kids had fun playing on the slides!

Jill and I actually watched a movie Sunday afternoon - the kids kept themselves pretty well entertained and we LOVED watching the movie in the lower level with the surround sound that Robby installed!!  He did a great job on all of his tasks this last weekend - not sure what we would do without him!!

After dinner, they headed back to Ft. Collins - nice to know school is OUT so Jill doesn't have to go to work this week!!  Another great weekend for the memory bank!!

8th Grade Graduation

Can you believe our oldest granddaughter Rayna is graduating from the 8th grade?  Now that does make me feel OLD!!

Rayna has turned into a beautiful teenager and it was sure fun to actually see her in a DRESS (she is kind of a tomboy) and heels for the ceremony!!

The service was very nice and each teen wrote a short note about why they picked the people they chose to hand over their diploma.  Most of the teens chose their parents as did Rayna and she wrote a sweet note about them!

 After the graduation ceremony there were refreshments served and picture taking!

 Proud grandparents!

Congratulations Rayna!  Now it's off to high school!