Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker
Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Day 2 - 12 of our family vacation

found us in Denver. The Monday after our encounter with the "Tomato", as Jessica calls it, found Chris flying back to Phoenix to work. He returned the following weekend and we stayed there until Thursday morning. While there we visited Estes Park. A beautiful mountain community bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. There we walked the streets and enjoyed the clean, fresh air and family. Did a little shopping and took a lot of pictures. The boys (Wayne and Chris) went on a hunt for a micro brewery but were unable to find it. They did however find the New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins where enjoyed a day of beer tasting and bonding. Not to mention the small circus bike Wayne decided to try out.

While Chris and Wayne took in a Rocky's game and a theme park, I enjoyed spending time with my sister and the kids, playing, watching TV and tye dying shirts. I too took in a few baseball games as well, only the star of the ones I watched was a 7 year old little boy who often calls me Aunty Shanny. Only wished I could have seen my oldest little man in one of his games. I promise Austin, next time I'm all over your games buddy. I have to catch at least one before you graduate from High School.

How I love to visit them but wish they lived closer! It's so hard to say goodbye.

Thank you all for the wonderful time we spent with you. I can't wait until we are able to do it again!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Denver

We made it to Denver and the kids were excited to see one another. Ashylnn missed our arrival by about a half hour. Chase, who was asleep on the chair in the living room awoke with a smile to find his cousins, Aunt and Uncle standing before him. Never before have I gotten such a big hug from my little man.

Then next morning we awoke to an overcast day. Who knew what adventures would await us for that day.

That morning started as all others. Kristin and Chase played and Diane took Ashlynn to a banquet for gymnastics. Chris and Wayne went out to run errands and then grab everyone lunch. When they got home the excitement began.

Chase came running in the front door crying and Wayne followed him asking if it scared him.
"What?" I said.
"The Tornado sirens," replied Wayne in a calm collected voice
"The WHAT?"
"Tornado sirens"
"You have Tornadoes?"
"I guess."
So the tourists that we are ran to the front porch to hear the sirens.
"Holy *&^%," cried my husband
and as we turn there it is the vortex of a beginning tornado.

The mother that I am grabs the kids (and pets) and takes them to the man box in the basement. The man my husband is runs to the basement and grabs the camera. After hiding in the the man box for a few minutes I snuck out to see what is happening. I have never seen before, nor do I care to ever again seen a tornado that close!!

Lucky for us the Tornado touched down about a mile from Diane and Wayne's. There was some minor damage and minor injuries reported as well.

According to Wayne there had only been a hand full of Tornado's in the 4 years they had lived there. In the week I was there, there were at least that many.

Thank goodness for basements!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Summer

is here and school is out. Kristin is now a third grader and I am one year closer to retirement. Not that I'm counting or anything. =)
The last week of school is always fun. Packing my room, at least this year I don't have to move rooms and our annual school softball game against the 6th graders. 4th year and we are still undefeated. This year was the closest though, 11 to 6. Not to mention classroom parties and best of all NO homework for either of us.
Friday found Kristin and Chris at the annual Girls Scout Father/Daughter. This year was a sock hop. Kristin looked so cute in her Poodle Skirt while Chris was dashing in his Blue Jeans, Van, and white t-shirt. Only wish we had made it to Flag for his class ring.












On Saturday morning we packed the Santa Fe, hooked up the trailer and headed to Denver to visit Diane and the kids. 14 hours in the car pulling is a long time. The girls did an amazing job. They watched movies, sang, played games and ate. They were happy to be there though.
Cooler weather here we come.