Celebrating 20 Years

Steve and I recently celebrated our 20 year wedding anniversary with a trip to Colorado. Several months ago, Steve found out that a band we wanted to see was going to be playing at Red Rocks, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to plan a little anniversary get-away. We had THE BEST time!

All good trips start with an airport bev, do they not?

We landed in Denver and drove west to Golden. Such a cute, fun little town with lots to see and do.

View from our balcony at The Table Mountain Inn

We didn't see any real bears, but this guy was in our hotel lobby. Very soft and I had to get a pic!      

We had fun exploring the little downtown area. Clear Creek runs right through it and up to the Coors Brewery.

The water was freezing, but I had to put my toes in. Look at that clear mountain water!

Of course we had to make a trip to the Brewery. We didn't take the whole tour, but we participated in a tasting, visited the gift shop, and got to read quite a bit about the history of the brewery.

We also enjoyed walking around the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden. We learned that it's a pretty elite school for science and engineering majors, and there were several beautiful buildings to see, tucked into the mountains.

The highlight of our trip was our night at Red Rocks. As we were walking in, this guy was casually grazing next to the parking lot.

Had to get a photo with John Denver (and of course quote "Dumb and Dumber")!

Steve had been to Red Rocks before, but this was my first trip. When we got inside, before we stopped for anything else, we went to the top to take in the views. It's indescribable - completely breathtaking and nearly brought me to tears. The photos don't do justice.

After the opening act, we went into a lightning delay (within 5 miles). We were worried they would end up cancelling the show, but eventually the Avett Brothers were cleared to come on stage. It rained for most of the show (and continued to lightning, but luckily they played on). We sang and danced and enjoyed every moment in our RR ponchos!

Incredible

We decided to drive up to Boulder and spent part of a day there, first walking around the University of Colorado campus. We couldn't get inside the stadium, but walked the concourse and could peek inside at some spots. It's a neat stadium right on campus.

We then went to downtown Boulder - what a cool place! We parked and walked the mall area, which is filled with tons of shops and restaurants. We spent a long time in this idyllic, three-story bookstore with tons of nooks and crannies.

Then we found a great spot at a little pub across the way and pondered about whether we could lease the apartment space above the bookstore.

It is really hard to believe we've been married for 20 years. We met as 19-year-old sophomores at Iowa State (really as freshmen, but we didn't actually know it at the time) ... the time has flown by. Lots of moments haven't been easy, but they've been worth the work. I'm so proud of the life we've built and the girls we are raising, and that we've made the effort to choose each other every single day.

Here's to the next 20 ... can't wait to see where they take us! ❤

CGS2023

The girls had another best-week-ever at Camp Grady Spruce. They went back to Color Wars again this year with some same friends from prior years.

They love being at the start of the alphabet because that means an earlier arrival time and bunk selection. Emma choose one near the corner of the cabin.        

Sara chose one right in the middle of the cabin. Our goodbyes this year were pretty quick - they were ready for us to go so they could get started with their week!     

I love that CGS keeps us in the loop during the week with a photo app. We looked several times a day to see if photos had been added.

Night One! They don't spend tons of time together at camp, but I like knowing they are there together-ish. 

        

Emma and Greyson were there together again.

Color Wars!

Lake Time! Both girls did canoeing and paddle boarding. Sara also learned how to wakeboard and really enjoyed it. One day, they boated out and swam off the boat at Devil's Island.  The daily free swim is fun, too, and Emma said she had a pretty huge belly flop off of the blob.                                   

Practicing Lip Sync

 

Dancing at the Social

Games!  

Final Campfire Skit

 These faces say it all! I love these little glimpses into their personalities really coming out and shining at camp. When I ask them to take pictures, the girls are so reserved, so it's fun to see them just having fun and being kids.

     

Cabin 4 

Cabin 10

The End ... they are always so sad when it's over, but they leave tired and fulfilled, already planning for the next summer. Steve and I really missed the girls this year and realized how much our "social" life depends on their busy schedules and activities. We enjoyed our quiet time together, went to several happy hours, and ate good food ... but found ourselves always wondering what the girls were up to at camp. We survived, though - ha! - and more than anything, I'm so glad they love getting off the grid and enjoying the great outdoors at CGS. I know it will always have a special place in their hearts!

Soccer Shots

A couple of weekends ago, Emma played a *hot* tournament with her new coach (sort of the new team - it was a mix of girls). She is still not 100% happy about the move, but we really feel like it's best for her in the long run. One of the parents got some great action shots. Emma is wearing #18 in these photos ...

This girl gave it everything she got, and they just missed the finals, but had many great moments over the weekend. I always love watching her play.

When not playing a sport, Emma has spent lots of time the past few weeks playing Rummikub. In fact, the box hasn't been put away since G&G were here over Memorial Day. We have all taken turns winning, but Emma seems to have a corner on the market!

 

This summer will be filled with more soccer, plus summer leagues for softball and basketball. And probably lots more Rummikub.

Sara Spotlight

Sara has had quite a start to her summer! She spent many Saturdays throughout the school year volunteering with a special needs dance class, and their recital was the first Saturday of June. I was so proud to watch her lead her buddy in the dance - she was so poised and mature. 

This program has opened her eyes and her heart this year, and she's hoping to continue next year.

Her buddy's mom gave her a thank you gift in the form of a Lululemon gift card, which was the icing on the cake!

Sara also applied for a job with the city to work as a swim teacher assistant. There are not tons of jobs for 14-year-olds, but this is one of them. 

She filled out lots of paperwork, took it to the city, had to do a drug test, and is ready to get started after camp!

She was also super excited to get all of her high school cheer gear! Her team had a pool party with big/little reveal and gifts, and their coach handed out all of their new swag.

The girls had fun bonding before heading off to cheer camp at TCU. 

I only heard from Sara a couple of times during camp - they were up early, practiced all day, and then back in the dorms late. Sara was exhausted, but had a great time ... and was so excited to text me that she was awarded All American for the second year in a row!

On Saturday, I went over to TCU to watch the team perform. They've come a long way in a short time and I'm excited to watch them continue to grow. 

Wolfpack!

All American

Also on Sara's summer to-do list: online driver's ed (just the course portion). She works so hard and is turning into the most amazing young lady. I love being part of her journey.