Just for fun...

Ike, Ellie and Robert Frost

This was Ellie the night Ike was coming into the Texas coast. We were on the webcam with Vicki and Craig. Ellie wanted to hug them. So we gave her a picture to hug while she watched herself on the computer. -I just thought it was cute.

I went to Goodwill yesterday to kill some time and ended up picking up a couple of books for the kids and one kids book for myself. It was a copy of Robert Frost poems. I remembered in 7th grade how my teacher, Mrs Leach made us memorise some of his poems. At the time I hated it but later grew to be thankful and appreciate the poetry.This was my favorite, so I thought I'd share it with whomever ...

The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
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And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
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I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
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peach canning

The kids here are enjoying my freshly canned Colorado peaches.They are so yummy. I think I like canning and will try some other things.

Drive through Middle Earth

A little sweetness to start the day...

It was a beautiful day here on Saturday. We decided to take a drive on one of Colorado's Scenic Byways. The path took us up Mt Evans and through this beautiful Forest of Bristle Cone Pines, which date from 1500 -2000 years old. It really did make feel like we were somewhere in Middle Earth, I was almost expecting for Hobbits or Elves to peak out from around the ancient tree trunks. But we didn't seethem or any wildlife for that matter.. it was pretty cold and windy up there. close to the top...

Below, is Summit Lake close to the top of Mt Evans.

Pumpkin Bread time...

Okay, so this may seem a little soon to some of you southerners, But, Its 58 degrees here. I broke out my fall decor today and lit a harvest Yankee candle... Then Ethan started talking about muffins.. And it got me thinking... So tada...
And I am so glad. This is only the second thing that I've baked here in Colorado that actually turned out great. Thanks to a high altitude cookbook I found online. I ordered it today and hopefully will have more yummies to come.... Although, that may not be good for my figure... but oh how I've missed baking. It is one of life's pleasures that need not be forgotten. Carpe Diem ...right? I wish I could share this with you all. It is soooo Yummy. Nikki and 2P I know y'all would love this. Maybe a cup of coffee/tea and some good conversation...anyone?

Richard Runs a Marathon!

Yes, really Richard ran a Marathon On Labor Day. We are so proud of him. He accomplished his goal! My Squash and Zucchini are doing really great!

Oh yeah.... she's so stylin'
Surprise! Vicki and Craig came in town on Thursday. We had a fun few days running around town with them.
Here's Rich coming around the final curve before the finish line at America the Beautiful Park.
Vicki (as Ellie says... Bicki) and Craig(Keg) on a Rampart Range Road overlook.

Rocky Mountain Adventures...

Can I tell you that .... I LOVE WHITE WATER RAFTING!!!!... We had so much fun! I had to take a little dip. Although it was cold and misty ... the water was so inviting!

I don't have any rapid pics because I was a little busy paddling during those dangerous moments... but I did sneak the plastic wrapped camera out during the calm.
My parents just concluded a 5 week journey through the Rockies. They hiked , camped and enjoyed driving across some of God's most beautiful creation. Cheers to retirement!
One last Olympic picture since we are drawing to a close. i have to say... I enjoyed it more this year than any year in the past. The sports were fantastic. I love seeing athletes compete that I never get the chance to see.... like gymnasts, swimmers, decathletes etc.... I can't wait for '12 to see Phelps collect again. Its been great but finally I will be over my O.S.D (Olympic Sleep Deprivation) Congrats to all the athletes out there and those aspiring to be!

Did I say? : I LOOOOOVE WHITE WATER RAFTING! It was so fun!

Garden of the Gods visit with Grandma

Our little climber.

We had such a wonderful visit with Grandma. Or as Ellie calls her, Pokey. She is already soo missed.

Tribute to the Olympics '08

We went over to the Olympic Training Center today. It is one of three in the Nation. I guess you could say that we were inspired. Like much of America we have been glued to the TV watching Michael Phelps conquer the world. And of course enjoying all of the other events along the way.
On your Mark!
we couldn't beleive how much smaller the gymnastics floor actually was than how it looks on TV. EThan tested the springs out.

Ethan's First day of Pre-School

Ethan getting his first hair cut at the Barber a few days before school starts Last night we went up to Crystal Park (beautiful Mountain community) to visit Aunt Linda and Uncle Johnny. Daddy took us all on an ATV ride. SO fun! Oh did I mention we are having a blast with Grandma visiting? Ellie has decided to call her : "Pokey"
Okay, so this is this morning right before E and I went to school. He loves his new red backpack and and even took an apple to his teach for the first day of school. (His Idea)

Here is Ethan in his class room WIth his teacher Mrs Abbs. He was ready and said to me ..." Mommy, I thought you were leaving!" Over all he did really well, just a little bit of nerves before we went in. I can't beleive my little boy is growing up so fast.

Young Pro tour visit with Natalie

Yahoo! We were finally able to catch up with Natalie, our neice, last night in Fowler , Colorado. Natalie has been touring with Young Pros Rodeo group. They are a part of the Joshua Cowboy Ministries. She has been traveling all over the west. Teaching her roping skills and doing Bible studies with youth around the country.
Ethan preffered to check out thebig truck rather than the horses. He was scared that they would make loud noises.

Camping at Ruby Mountain with Mimi and Papa

My parents bought a Airstream and drove on up for a holiday in the Rockies.We took our pop-up and the Airstream for a little camping trip to Buena Vista. Apparently pronounced "byoona vista" by the locals. We had a great time. We hiked and explored and fished... The kids had fun.. so did Ethan and Ellie.

Breakfast at Ruby Mountain campground. Ellie chasing Chip monks
Mimi and Papa At the top of the Agnes Vaille Falls hike.
Ellie and her love of horses. She was so excited to get to go pet some here at the YOUNG LIFE camp right outside the Mt Princeton trail head. Richard decided we could take the off road trail up the mountain. I got a little vertigo and had to get out and walk down. Mom and I enjoyed the hike down the Mountain- which I prefer by foot rather than vehicle. I just do not like to be in Cars that high up with drop offs. No thank you!
Say cheese!
Feeding the chip monks at St Elmo. Ethan and Ellie loved it!

Mimi too.
Richard, "Getting the fly wet"...
ETHAN getting the "fly wet" .. Aunt Tammy should be so proud!
Agnes Vaille Falls.
Another great hike named after a courageous frontier woman.