Camping at Pickle Gulch

Each year our ward had a camp out. Since Jordan was in town at the same time as the camp out I had someone who wanted to go. Since I don't have a tent I asked the Hughes family if they had one we could borrow, and if any of the older girls wanted to go. I was excited that Emma wanted to go. Jordan, Emma, and I had a great time.

Movies in the park

During the summer our town has movies in the park. I thought this would be a fun activity for Jordan and Emily. We were able to see two movies, Ice Age, and Ghostbusters, as it turned out, Ghostbusters was a little too much for Emily and we ended up leaving a little bit early. Both nights were filled with fun and games.

The screen is huge.

Movies in the park would not be complete without glow sticks.

Jordan sitting in the VIP section before the VIP's arrived.

Tumbling down the hill

I love this pic of my nieces.

My mom was able to join us for Ice Age.

The best wife ever

Well, maybe not the best wife ever, but certainly the best wife for Mark. Mark loves, loves, loves, Star Wars, and he also loves sugar cookies. What could be better??

Denver Zoo

I took my Mom & Dad, and Jordan & Emily to the Denver Zoo. We had a lot of fun checking out all of the different animals.

Jordan (age 11) and Emily (age 5)

I guess this peacock felt unsafe with everybody around him.

The polar bears are quite big.

I love this picture of Emily, she was having so much fun.

Souvenir shopping is what Emily liked best!

Summer Vacation

Instead of Mark and I taking a vacation this summer, vacation came to us. My parents came out in July for a few weeks, and Jordan and Emily came out the towards the middle of July. Emily stayed for two weeks, while Jordan stayed for one month. It was fun to have family visiting. Here are some pictures of what we did.

My mom made this scarf for me. Whenever my parents are visiting my mom always wants to go to the craft stores. This works out well for me as I can pick out yarn and patterns that I like and my mom can have a few more projects to work on.



I love this picture of my mom and dad. It was taken at Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs, CO.

Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak

On July 6 we took my parents to Garden of the Gods, and up to Pikes Peak.

Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs which is about 90 minutes from where we live. The outstanding geologic features of the park are the ancient sedimentary beds of red, blue, purple, and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that were deposited horizontally, but have now been tilted vertically and faulted by the immense mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Pikes Peak massif. Evidence of past ages; ancient seas, eroded remains of ancestral mountain ranges, alluvial fans, sandy beaches and great sand dune fields can be read in the rocks (www.wikipedia.com). Garden of the Gods was very mellow, relaxing good time. We hit the gift shop and the cafe for lunch afterward.

My mom and dad at Garden of the Gods.

Mark and I.

Rocks

Pikes Peak, which is at an elevation of 14, 110 ft., was the exact opposite of Garden of the Gods. The road leading to Pikes Peak is shaky at best. There are sections of the road that are not paved, and many sections have no guard rail; one small mistake and you will tumble down the mountain. To call the road leading to the top two lanes would be generous.

Mark pointing out that we could easily drive off the cliff.

A view out of my window on the way up to the Peak.

Mark, please pay close attention.
We made it to the top.

My Dad really felt the effects of the altitude at the top, and to a lesser extent my Mom & Mark did more than I, although I could really feel it. I ended up driving down the mountain. Mark said he would never go to the top of Pikes Peak again. The road was scary, but something I would do again.

July 4, 2010

July 4th was such a fun day this year for Mark and I. My parents arrived on July 2 and will be staying with us for a couple of weeks. It was nice having my mom here on July 3 to help with the preparations for July 4. On July 4 we had my parents, and the Hughes family over.

The day started out pretty good weather wise, but turned out to be windy, rainy, thundering, and quite cold. Due to the clouds, lightening, and rain the firework show in our town was canceled, but our neighbors came through with a small, illegal show that were able to enjoy.

My mom and dad hanging out in our backyard.

Howard cheering on the Giants.

Emma and Sarah playing in our backyard.

The clouds moving in.

My mom trying to keep warm while waiting for the fireworks to start.

Setting off poppers on the corner.

Our Lou Boy on the 4th of July