No, we didn't go into hiding or drop off the face of the Earth. In fact, it feels as if we have been driving all over the face of the Earth.
After the pool party, we spent a couple of weeks just hanging out by the pool and having a good time. Usually, I curtail the girls' activities, but Emily is hoping to make pointe shoes soon, so she took a two week intensive with Nikoloz Makhateli and then continued with twice-weekly classes.
We went camping for the 4th of July near Breckinridge, so that Jeff and his friends could compete in the Firecracker 50. Jeff did finish the race this year, but he did so injured. Coming around a tight corner, he endo-ed and hurt his shoulder, bruised his ribs and suffered some cuts and scrapes. I wish I had pictures to document the trip, but I managed to leave the camera safe and sound at home.
On July 12th, I packed the girls and Aunt Judy into the car for a trip to Florida. We were met in Kansas City by my brother-in-law, Steve, and his daughter, Hannah. Hannah continued on to Florida with us for some cousin bonding. Luckily, she has many siblings, so she was used to the elevated noise level. Jeff met us in Florida and was able to visit with his family and go snorkeling on Shell Island with us. We were extremely fortunate to meet up with our former neighbors at Shell Island. They moved last summer and we have missed them tremendously. Aunt Judy and Jeff traded modes of transportation, so he and I were able to take turns driving on the 24 hour ride home.
After the pool party, we spent a couple of weeks just hanging out by the pool and having a good time. Usually, I curtail the girls' activities, but Emily is hoping to make pointe shoes soon, so she took a two week intensive with Nikoloz Makhateli and then continued with twice-weekly classes.
We went camping for the 4th of July near Breckinridge, so that Jeff and his friends could compete in the Firecracker 50. Jeff did finish the race this year, but he did so injured. Coming around a tight corner, he endo-ed and hurt his shoulder, bruised his ribs and suffered some cuts and scrapes. I wish I had pictures to document the trip, but I managed to leave the camera safe and sound at home.
On July 12th, I packed the girls and Aunt Judy into the car for a trip to Florida. We were met in Kansas City by my brother-in-law, Steve, and his daughter, Hannah. Hannah continued on to Florida with us for some cousin bonding. Luckily, she has many siblings, so she was used to the elevated noise level. Jeff met us in Florida and was able to visit with his family and go snorkeling on Shell Island with us. We were extremely fortunate to meet up with our former neighbors at Shell Island. They moved last summer and we have missed them tremendously. Aunt Judy and Jeff traded modes of transportation, so he and I were able to take turns driving on the 24 hour ride home.
While in Colorado, I took the girls up Pikes Peak. Sometimes, it's nice to play tourist in your own backyard. I was thrown to the wolves when it came to mountain driving, as Jeff was not able to join us for the jaunt. That whole work thing got in the way.
We stayed in Colorado for only 5 days when it was time to pack up the truck again and head to Minnesota. Hannah needed to get home and I had some parents and a brother to visit. Hannah was hoping for a new baby sister for her birthday, but Josie Ann wanted her own birthday.
While in Minnesota, we went fishing and just hung out. We were able to see my brother and meet his girlfriend and her two adorable children. The weather was actually comfortable while were there and nothing like the 90-100 degree days that the Colorado Springs and Denver areas were experiencing. On our way back home, we stopped at Trader Joe's and the Mall of America. While the girls and I were in Minnesota, Jeff did another race-the Laramie Enduro. He suffered some road rash with this race, also. It may not seem like it, but he really can ride his bike.
On our way back home, we stopped in Cheyenne and had a lovely visit with the Ramsays.
But, the kids and I missed Jeff and our own beds. So, I shoe horned the kids into the truck one last time (when you only get to go to Trader Joe's a few times a year, you make sure to buy the place out) and we arrived home late Sunday night.
I am now in the process of trying to sort through my house and get ready for back-to-school activites. It's amazing how summer feels like it will never get here, and then in the blink of an eye, it's gone.
Enjoy these pictures from our summer of fun.
