A Colorado Memorial Day--Thanks, Dad!

In honor of Father's Day tomorrow, I thought I'd upload some pictures of our wet 'n wonderful Memorial Day vacation for dear ol' Dad. (I think Dad's feeling a bit lonely since my Mom's currently exploring France, Italy, and Greece with a group of high school students. The last time she called she was perched atop the Eiffel tower. Maybe we'll also get calls from the Parthenon and Pantheon?) :)

So without further adieu, here's Papa Kay with his favorite grandson. Aren't they cute all matchey matchey?

And let's not forget Jason, who is currently battling for the title of World's Best Dad by installing drip lines in the blazing heat.

And while he may not be a Dad yet, I think Eli is a future contender for the world's most adorable pop.

Memorial Day 2011 was spent in luscious Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Bridging the gap between Nebraska and Utah, Colorado was the the perfect meeting ground for a weekend of play. Here we are wandering our way up the Grizzly Creek Trail at a very leisurely pace since Talia insisted on picking every dandelion we passed.

Brooklyn invented her own system for exploring with her puggish cousin when she tied Zoe's leash to her backpack.

I thought Zoe's Mom (Aunt Callie) might appreciate the Kiwi connection with New Zealand. :)

I love how Zoe is being positively mauled by Talia in this picture while we all stand around and do nothing.

Love squeeze or a death grip?

Some unsuccessful attempts at a family picture. But hey, at least they're amusing!



Traditionally, our Memorial Day campout has involved tents and an occasional tick. This year we decided to upgrade to cabin camping until the cabin's proprietor had a personal emergency. While we were very sorry for his misfortune, we were ultimately grateful to "camp" at the Residence Inn instead. Due to a very wet spring, Glenwood Springs was positively overflowing. When we went to explore the cabin area, we discovered that it backed up against this raging river instead of the typically quiet creek.


Even when the kids were safely on the path, my heart pounded as I envisioned a child getting swept away by the muddy waters.

Hands are meant for holding.

Safely away from the rushing waters, we then stopped at a park for some play time.

Papa Kay gives the best Underdogs!

Early one morning Jason, Eli and I went to explore the gorgeous Hanging Lake Trail.

Under normal weather conditions, the trail is...

...difficult (but gorgeous.) Given the extremely high water levels in Colorado, the trail became downright treacherous. Fortunately, the views were also extraordinary.

Jason and Eli check out the stream as it verges on overflowing

Picking our way through the trail turned waterway.

Of course, this waterfall was the real deal.

Magnificent views from the top.

What a perfect way to spend the morning!



Even Eli, who was feeling under the weather, perked up for Hanging Lake.


Jason and I caught a few couple pictures as well. Earlier in the month we'd celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. Good thing we still like each other!

Years ago, Jason and I were both traumatized when we lost our camera following our European honeymoon. Good thing we have so many fun pictures since to make up for it. :)

Sadly, our poor little guy got tired of being toted during the trek down.

Break my heart!

With Eli tired and grumpy, we hurried home as fast as possible. Still, I can't wait to share this splendid piece of colorful Colorado with the rest of the family someday.

On the positive side, we figured out a great way to cheer up our Cheezstick--wrap him up in a giant orange sweatshirt.

Worked well until the topple.

After that, we let him wear Talia's jacket instead since his own coat had mysteriously disappeared. Warm and dry, Eli was a golf pro. Find the hole...

Drop the ball in...

And repeat. The club served as a nice prop.

The rest of us had plenty of fun playing as well, at least until the rain forced us to find shelter by the 25 cent ski ball machines.


It just wouldn't be Memorial Day without Papa Kay's flag shirt. Always makes me smile.

Truly Dad, Memorial Day has become one of our most cherished family traditions. Thanks so much for sponsoring such a wonderful weekend, and Happy Father's Day!