Colorado Trip

My uncle Tom, who lives in Colorado Springs, has not been doing well. His mental and physical health have been declining and I had the opportunity to go visit with him for a few days at the end of last week. Susan stayed home on kid duty and I spent my days visiting with Tom, making time for a hike each day.

Susan playing at the creek with the kids.
Lucia chasing after Elliot.
I camped in Colorado. It felt like our RV trip to pull into the campground after dark and have to find my spot.
The view from my office. I worked on Eastern Time, so I had a couple of hours each day to get some work done before heading in to visit with Tom. I was fortunate that the weather was still warm.
My first good view of the mountains.
Uncle Tom, resting
Tom liked to hold hands and one of my primary responsibilities when I was there was to make sure I was available for that.
Meanwhile, life went on at home and Susan had to get all of the kids to their activities. here, Andrew is running in a XC meet , maybe at Southeast Polk.
My first hike in Colorado Springs was to Garden of the Gods. I tried to stay pretty close to town.
Susan also had to get up early with Oreo, who insists on waking us just a little earlier than we would like.
During this time, Mari also submitted her application to work at Coldstone Creamery. With soccer and XC winding down she will have more free time, and she is saving up for a new phone.
Soccer fans.
Red Rock Open Space in the foreground, with Garden of the Gods in the background.
Susan and the kids enjoying a fire.

First Cross Country Race

Today was the first Cross Country race for Andrew and Mari. Cross Country and Soccer have been lifesavers during the pandemic because they are all outside and it gives the kids a chance to exercise and see their friends. Mari, Andrew, and Elliot are all running this year. Elliot’s first meet isn’t for a couple of weeks.

Mari making her way up the gradual uphill.
The start of the boys’ race.
Andrew on a downhill.

Lucia and Andrew Birthday Party

This evening we celebrated Andrew and Lucia’s birthdays with the Reagens, Liesses, and Elsie and Abbot from next door. Lucia wanted walking tacos and Andrew always has Skyline, so we made walking tacos with Skyline taco meet (and some regular taco meet for those who prefer it). It was a fun night with good food and good company.

Andrew’s 16th Birthday

Today we mini-celebrated Andrew’s 16th birthday. He was supposed to have a cross country meet out of town, so we didn’t plan anything. The meet was cancelled because of the weather and his team arranged a duel meet with another local team. Andrew ran a great race and we picked up a mini chocolate cake for afterward.

Andrew and some of his running friends – Jackson, Luke, and Carter.
Blurry Cake

Favorite song:  IDK
Favorite color: Orange
Favorite food:  Pasta
Favorite band:  IDK
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Favorite sport: XC
Favorite movie: IDK
Favorite Subject: Social Studies