Colorado, part 3

The final leg of our Colorado trip has to begin at the beginning.  For my uncle Jonathan, that was the Saturday before we all met in Estes Park when he started off on his bike and headed west.  I'm going to give you a second and let you digest what I'm about to tell you.  Do you see where this is going?  I actually know a person - and am related to him - who is fully capable and happy to hop on a bike and ride 633 miles (give or take a few) from Lawrence, Kansas to Estes Park, Colorado.  Think about that for a second.  Be impressed.  Be a little envious.  Be in disbelief.  But most of all be really proud, because Lord knows we all were (and still are!).  There are funny stories about the places he slept along the way, he treated himself to a hotel twice and "made do" the other two nights, which resulted in a funny story about being woken up to a sprinkler system that was apparently timed to start running in the middle of the night.  This was his arrival - on Wednesday - to our home away from home for five days.  I don't think I've ever seen my aunt so happy to see his face.  He's amazing; we know. 

So that was a great kick-off to a wonderful Fourth of July weekend which was orchestrated to celebrate my grandparents' Diamond Jubilee!  That's right.  One of their sons rode his bike 633 miles, but maybe more impressive would be that my grandparents have been happily (no exaggeration here) married for 60+ years.  It brings me to very happy tears to think about their journey, what they have accomplished over the years, the memories they have made in our lives, and probably most importantly the family they have created.  It's a good one, people; a really good one. 

BUBBLES!!!  And a brand new I heart NY shirt courtesy of uncle Tyson.

Maggie, Sadie and Lucy.  They eventually warmed to Lucy's enthusiasm.  Kind of.

Coloring and stickers.

 

Puzzle.  Difficult, difficult puzzle.

Painting fingernails and toenails with sparkly polish.  Lucy kept telling everyone she had "sprinkles" on her toes!

Snuggling and giggling with Papa.

Hiking.

 

  

There's nothing to say about this...except that we love him, so we're going to keep him.

 

 

Patriotic cupcakes!

 

Fishing.

 

 

Elk watching.



 

 

Lucy and Alia hand-holding.

 

Our cute kiddos.  And Savannah's gear is also courtesy of uncle Tyson.

 

Yoga in a restaurant.  Obviously. 

 

 

 

 

Water balloons in action; this activity could have entertained these kids - ok, Lucy - forever.

(Group photos courtesy of Cathcart Photography)

It was a weekend I was sad to see go...but more than anything, one I feel lucky to have been a part of.  Thank you for constantly being an example and reminding us what it's all about Grandma and Grandpa!