Oh what do you do in the summer time? part one

We've been busy this summer. This is just a preview of some of the fun things we did. More to follow.

Crazy Hair Day at School

She wanted a mohawk....

This was the best I could do :)

Planes, Trains and Mexican Food

Last week was spring break for the kids. My husband had to work, so we did some things around here and tried to have a fun time. He was able to get Friday off though, so on thursday night we headed up to Denver and stayed in a hotel with a pool. The kids love to go swimming. Then on Friday we explored as much of Denver as possible in one day. We started off the day by going to Hammonds candy factory. The kids had a good time watcing how candy is made, and eating a bit of it too.

Next we headed to the Capitol building and did the tour there. I was worried that they might think it was boring, but they all had a good time. Though, my son was a little nervous about going all the way to the top. He enjoyed himself when he got there. We then picked up a couple $5 pizzas and found a park for lunch. After that we headed to the Air and Space Museum, but surprise, they were closed so that they could refinish the floor...but it turned out okay. They had pulled most of the airplanes out of the hangar and allowed people to walk around them for free.

Because we didn't spend as much time at the Air and Space as we had been planning we went to a park for a bit to let the kids run around and so that we could decide what to do. We chose to go to a museam that said it was about alternate forms of energy, it was a bit of a let down because many of the exhibits were not woking and it was very small (but it was free so we didn't complain too much). We still had time on our hands so we went to the Colorado Railroad Museum. The kids had so much fun there. The kids really liked one of the train engines and just let their imagination run wild.

They were very sad to have to leave. To end our day we headed to Casa Bonita, which is a fun restaraunt that has a cliff diver show and other fun things for the kids to do. We thought the kids would fall asleep on the drive home, but they were too wired from the day...it was too bad they can't drive. I know my husband and I were very tired. It was a great day!

What 15 years can do!

I was married 15 years ago. The last 15 years have been fun and hard, happy and sad, and mostly great! I feel so lucky to have a wonderful husband. He works hard and is patient with me and my many flaws. He is a good father and husband. I love him!

Gratitude

Today is Thanksgiving. This is my favorite holiday of the year. I love spending time with family, and eating yummy food. I think the reason I love this holiday so much is because it is one of gratitude. As I take time to realize all of my blessings I realize how grateful I should be. One thing I have been trying to work on this year is being grateful for my "trials". I realize that I really don't have many trials, and am blessed beyond many of this world, but I do have some and they do have a way of giving me a workout. As I try to focus on the things that my trials teach me I am slowly learning to be thankful for them as well as thankful for the many blessings that I've been given. I wish you all a very happy thanksgiving!

Pumpkins

This year we planted pumpkins in our garden. If you've ever planted pumpkins, you know that the vines really spread. We had pumpkin vines growing up our corn stalks, and into our other garden boxes! Our largest pumpkin this year was 37 pounds. One funny thing was that as we started carving them, they smelled like cucumbers, and they didn't have the stringy inside. I guess they may have cross pollinated with the zucchini a bit.

The world is shrinking!

I have made an observation that I am not sure how the scientists have missed. The world is definitely shrinking. I am now able to get to know the most amazing people from all over the world just through blogging. It must be the shrinking of the world.

Today I had the wonderful experience of meeting one of the bloggers that I follow. My friend Crash came out to Colorado, and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet her. I've been following her blog for a couple of years. She is an excellent writer, and very entertaining. I love to read her blog because she just has a way of brightening your day. It is really fun to meet someone in "real" life that you've only known through their writing. Let me tell you, if you ever get a chance to meet her, take it! We probably could have talked all afternoon. She is a real joy. I don't have any photographic evidence, but she does, so maybe I'll get the pics from her. Hopefully she'll have reasons to come back to Colorado more often. (or maybe I'll get out to Utah).

And on another note, I just want to say how much I appreciate all the veterans of the USA. It is hard to put into words the deep feelings that I have for those who take on the responsibility of protecting my freedom and that of my family. Thank you doesn't seem like enough, but it is all there is to say. So, THANK YOU!