Camp Wildcat…

One thing is for sure, my family sure knows how to have a good time! No, not good, GREAT!! It’s an environment where letting loose and being yourself is more than encouraged (it’s expected). They are a group of sweet, downright crazy, life-loving individuals! It’s a hard group to truly describe but a group that I am blessed to be a part of!

The morning after Mike left to go back to Indonesia the kiddos and I loaded up in my parents RV and headed to the great and magnificent Western Slope. The destination: Camp Wildcat. For many, many years it has been a tradition to spend the 4^th of July camping with my dad’s side of the family (the life-loving crazy people). We arrived with ATVs in tow and parked along the circle of other ATVs, Razors, RVs and an airplane hangar.        

We set up camp and headed in for the festivities. That night’s game was Giant Jenga where all of us little and big kids took turns taunting each other and laughing as the large 2x4s toppled to the ground. A great start to the long holiday weekend.

Friday, the 4^th, began with an awesome accomplishment when both Hannah and Mason learned to ride their first motorcycle (a 50) with the help of their Uncle Paul. It was a bittersweet moment because they really enjoyed it and did so well but I know Mike would’ve love to have been there -- such a big milestone. After the, oh-so competitive, Olympics (teams of two competing against each other playing various games and sports) we finished the day by atv’ing up a large hillside to watch the fireworks. I was a little teary because last year we spent the 4^th in Indonesia with great new friends but it felt like we were still so lost at that time. We have come so far!!

Saturday we all traveled to Paonia, Colorado for the Cherry Festival (cheers to delicious cherries, right my Tembag friends!?). Paonia is a beautiful and quant little town nestled amongst orchards and vineyards – super gorgeous! The Cherry Festival had local vendors, food, music, games etc. They had body pumper balls where you slide into large inflated balls and bump the crap out of each other. It was hilarious!  

Sunday we loaded our atvs and headed to Escalante Canyon. A gorgeous, dry, canyon marked with ancient Indian carvings that are overshadowed by graffiti from derelict visitors. It was a beautiful, hot and dusty ride. Most of us adults continued on and zig-zagged through the canyon viewing historical sights until we met up with the rest of the group at the infamous “Pot Holes”. These “Pot Holes” are natural made pools where the river rock has been hollowed by the swirling, rushing water. They are perfect for swimming in with a little beach on the side. We all played in the river, dousing each other, as the little ones floated down a perfectly made water slide from one pool to another. Another great finish to a beautiful day!

Monday came quickly and it was time to pack up but before we left, the kiddos and I, got to visit their grandparents who live just a hill over. We enjoyed catching up over a cup of coffee, a horseback ride, a tractor climb and hike up a large hill. It was a blessing to see them!

The RV was loaded, gassed up and away we went back to Denver. On our way we stopped on the top of Vail pass. Another favorite place of mine as it was where Mike took me snowmobiling for the first time. A memory that I hold dear to my heart. We reveled in the outstanding luscious view for a few moments and then journeyed back.

It’s been a tremendous, fun-filled, packed vacation with still more yet to do. I am looking forward to participating in a photoshoot for a dear friend of mine who owns a boutique that sells items made from survivors of sextrafficking. Excited for the opportunity to help a great friend and amazing cause.

As always to be continued!!!!!....

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Mountain High and saying goodbye...

The month has come and gone for Mike. I am stunned at how quickly it has gone! We’ve missed getting together with so many friends and family of his, so we hold them closer to our hearts and know that we will be back, of that I have no doubt.

The last week before Mike left we spent time up in Winter Park, Colorado. One of the bigger ski resorts and my very favorite place to go in Colorado!! It is so, so beautifully breathtaking! I swear part of John Denver’s song Rocky Mountain High was directly inspired by it's beautiful peaks and valleys and the grace and solitude they provide.

We rented a cabin and were able to catch up with several friends and family during our stay. Nothing more perfect than a gorgeous mountain home on a fantastic hillside with a picturesque million dollar color wheel of sparkling white from the high-peaked snow, lush light green from the grassy hills and deep green from the tall timbers. Again, the most beautiful place on earth!

Our days at the cabin were spent bike riding (and falling), playing corn hole, soaking in the hot tub, fishing at the local pond but the part that for me that was most fun was all of the adults pairing up with libations in hand and then speaking about a historical person or event and even acting it out (inspired by Drunk History -- look it up on Comedy Central, you won’t be disappointed). My niece's new husband stole the show and all of our bellies were in pain from laughing so hard – tears and all!

It was an amazing trip and much needed but on Wednesday we had to take Mike to the airport to head home. It was something I was dreading ever since we landed. I just knew it would be so hard. Together we packed his bags and made sure he had his itinerary. The drive to the airport was quiet as we held and squeezed each other's hands and the kids slept. We arrived at the entrance for the airline and we all hugged and kissed him goodbye with tears. Hannah cried almost all the way home. I know it's only 28 days until I get to see him but it's just so far away!! I was doing pretty good until I got home and went into the bedroom and it was empty of all of his stuff and it really hit me hard. (Soon baby, we'll be home).

Now the journey for me and the kiddos continues and we are headed to Delta, Colorado to spend time with more family and friends for the 4th of July! A holiday I have never appreciated more!

As always, to be continue...