Summer Travel Marathon - The Beginning

Okay, okay so I know it has been FOREVER since we have had a blog update.  I think I will let the posts speak for themselves as to how busy we have been this summer.  There will be a few installments, so check back for more of our adventurous summer. 

We kicked off the summer Memorial day weekend with our annual community Boatnik celebration (a.k.a. don't go out at night this celebration can bring out some very interesting people). Our first stop was the annual Boatnik parade.  Brooklyn was enjoying the parade at first but then the noise spooked her and she spent the majority of the time on dad's shoulder until mom came to the rescue with a lollipop.  Aiden loved every minute especially all the police cars and fire trucks.  Some of the trucks were a little loud but he still enjoyed those too.  I think the highlight though was bringing home quite a large supply of candy and I am not kidding about large supply.  It should get us through unitl Halloween. 

After the parade we headed down to the park to take in some carny food and rides for the kiddos.  Before we left the park we decided we needed to actually watch some of the boat races (this is what the Boatnik is based around).  Aiden loved to watch the boats speed by.  We had lots of fun but it was hot and we left very tired. 

On Memorial Day we headed out for a hike with our good friends the Ledesma's.  Let me just say it was and ADVENTURE.  Shae and I (okay mostly Shae) picked a fairly mild hike since we had young children and a pregnant lady.  Babyfoot lake was our destination and from our hiking book it was only about a 40 minute drive.  HA, about an hour later we are still winding up and down very narrow fire roads on the side of some steep mountain.  Luckily we had our GPS (even though some of us thought it was steering us wrong) and  about another 30 minutes later and 40 degrees cooler, we were able to find the base of the hike.  Yes there was snow there too. 

Next our adventure continued on foot.  It was a pleasant hike and not too rugged the kids did very well, even over some steep parts.  As we continued though we began to think we had gone farther than the map had said the lake was with no sign of it.  But as luck would have it again as we turned around to head back we caught a glimpse of what might look like water.  Low and behold we had found it.  YEAH!!!  We were so glad and the kids had a blast playing around and throwing rocks and whatever else they could find in the water.  Shae's only regret was leaving his fishing rod in the car.  Maybe next time babe, if we can ever find it again!

The next weekend we headed off to Denver for my brother, Greg's, graduation from the University of Denver!

As graduation ceremonies go it was very nice, but long.  Luckily Shae stayed back at the hotel with kids.  The speeches were good but the reading of the names was very long.  Greg was going to try to sneak out early but he ended up on the front row, #15 to graduate, which made it well you guessed it, long.  However nothing a good crossword puzzle couldn't take care of.  Good Job Greg! We Love You!

We did get to visit downtown Denver as well.  We found a store with great hats in it that the kids loved and some wonderful restaurants.  Greg and Sandi are great tour guides.  Thanks guys!

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!  One of the highlights of our trip was going to the Denver Zoo!  Besides the heat, we had a great time.  Aiden and Brooklyn loved seeing all the animals.  Zebra's were Aiden's favorite and of course Brooklyn's favorite are the elephants.  I personally enjoyed the lion taking a snooze while basking in the sun.  There was nothing ferocious about his guy.

The weekend after Denver we were also able to take a quick trip to Reno for my cousin Michelle's high school graduation.  Unfortunately we didn't take a lot of pictures and for some reason I didn't capture one of the guest of honor!  Congratulations Michelle!  We did get a couple with Jenny and Mike who came in from New York though.  It was so great to see everyone and enjoy some family time. 

Wow, congratulations you made it to the end of the post.  You must really love us!  Stay tuned for Summer Travel Marathon To Be Continued...the adventures aren't over yet!