Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Andrew and Lucia’s birthdays! Mimi, Papa, and the Reagens came over for walking tacos, with optional skyline taco meat, presents, and cake. With the nice weather we are still hosting outside when possible.

Birthday cakes, which were delicious. It was a bit windy outside so Andrew and Lucia were stationed just inside the house.
Andrew and Lucia’s view
The guests of honor

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.

Mountain Biking

No soccer games today, so Elliot and I took Lucia out for her first mountain biking. She was a little nervous, but had fun and said she wants to go again.

I forgot to get a picture on the trail, so this closing shot will have to do.

Lucia’s Dance Recital

Lucia took dance this past winter and spring, with everything online during the spring. There was no dance recital, so this evening the Reagens and the Liesses came over for her solo recital. Rose also got in on the action, as well as Mari and Hope, who requested that their video not be added to the blog.

Dance Class

Lucia is going to take the spring off from soccer and is back in her dance class. She loves dance and this year she wants to stay after every class to watch the older girls.

Lucia’s Tumbling

This afternoon was Lucia’s tumbling showcase. This semester she has been attending a homeschool tumbling class on Tuesday afternoons, led by old homeschool kids. She loves it!

She is in the background of this video.