More CO fun

On our way to the reunion, we stayed in Casper, Wyoming.  Our motel was next to this pretty awesome restaraunt. 

 We traveled to Breckinridge one day and got lunch and let the kids play at this fun playground.

 Then we all fit in the caraige for a ride.  Sarah got to sit in the front and help steer.

 This was one of the most looked forward to events for the whole week.  The Rockies Game! 

 David and I really wanted to watch the game, however, it was a really hot day and the kids were really bothered by it. David went to the stands and bought us all Rockies hats but Aleck wouldn't wear one. Sadly we spent most of the game in the shade of the stadium but with happy kiddos.  We got them ice cream which helped cool them down. 

 We went back to our seats at the beginning of the 8th inning where my Dad and Eric and Kevin were the only ones left battling the heat.  The Rockies were way ahead by this time so we decided to skip out early at the beginning of the 9th.  Overall it was a fantastic family experience.

 On our way back to the house, we found a beautiful waterfall.

 

 This was the mountain pass and it was beautiful!

 

 

...and a selfie!

Grandpa and Maci checking out the snow wall.

Family Pictures

Surprise Christmas in KS

 A few years ago, I made a string of stockings for the 12 days of Christmas.  I would print out pages from the song for Maci to color.  This year I found something much, much cooler.  This blog sodapopave.com had a free printout for each day, letters from 9 reindeer, the head elf, Mrs. Claus and from the big man himself: Santa. On the night of the 12th, we had Maci write a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox. The next morning she got a letter from Santa's Head Elf.  She was so excited each morning.  Whoever visited, also left their favorite treat. Toward the end of it, we had to get creative due to the fact we were moving Christmas to Kansas.

David has gotton a strong impression that we needed to be in Wichita for Christmas.  We were there just 8 weeks ago and were questioning why. But, knowing that it was a prompting, we decided to pack up the Pilot with Christmas and make the 17 hr trip again.  It was a bit tricky fitting everything into the back of the Pilot.  Thank goodness a large blanket covered the big items. We left Friday afternoon and got into Derby Saturday evening and stayed at a Hotel.  We then snuck into church, hoping they wouldn't see us.  Grandma and Grandpa were already sitting in their seats, so we sent Maci up to say hello.  She did and both folks did a double take when they realized who it really was.  Hugs and tears and a very grateful grandma, we all enjoyed church together.  Later, we were able to surprise Steph as she walked into the house.  And then the fun began...

 

 

Grandpa reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" befo.re bedtime on Christmas Eve

Christmas Morning!

David and I helped my mother put up her little christmas tree (3 days before Christmas). This little tree was filled with vintage ornaments, compliment of my grandma.  It was the cutest little tree! It was fun going through all the old ornaments but it made me miss my grandmother though.

Maci with her new presents, her new shirt, drawing board and the very exciting BIKE!

She was smiles the whole way. Even though it was cold and windy, she couldn't get enough.

So we surprised mom and dad and my little brother surprised us all by coming home from his deployment early, three days before Chrstmas.  It was so good to see my brother and that he was safe and hugging me! Christmas in Kansas was awesome! We were so glad we followed the prompting to go.  I believe my mother needed a little pick me up and we were lucky enough to help.