Fall ATV riding

Last weekend we went to the "other side" to enjoy a little fall ATV riding. P, Uncle L & Aunt J, A and E&P came with us also. So in all we had 16 people and 7 ATV's. Since the drive was longer, we stayed in a cabin at the Y rather than having to bring our campers.The view from the deck of our cabin. Looking east towards RMNP and the continental divide. The deck was smooth and large enough for us to ride our bikes on.C and I even found the one snow patch leftover from the snow the week before.

Hanging out in the cabin, enjoying the free time and company.Our big adventure was C locking herself in the bedroom. She had gloves on, so she couldn't turn the knob to unlock the door. So P came to the rescue.The moon coming up over the mountains. Enjoying some quality time with P after our adventures at the swimming pool.Saturday morning we got up and got ready to ride. We rode all morning and then stopped for lunch just off the trail in a small meadow.


M enjoyed the trails through the trees, with the fallen aspen leaves on the path. So different from the roads we usually ride all summer. It was an amazing time, even though M&I had a close call with a bridge. All turned out alright, even though M was a little shook up and I warned her to slow down as we crossed the next 3 bridges.

After lunch, C and I were getting tired of riding, so we took the rest of the girls back to the cabin and showed them how to play mini golf.

I think everyone had a fun time, enjoying the beautiful weather, the beautiful trails and the beautiful cabin.

My goal this summer was to learn to ride my bike. The porch had a lot of room to ride around and around. Look how good I've gotten in just a few short months!

Fall Craziness

Every now and then you just need to go a little crazy......

Decorating a gord for fall.
Rock star or is it hip-hop?!
D spoiled us with a new book that came with some fun toys. If you listen closely you can hear C playing with her trains, "Chugga, chugga, choo-choo!"

What is more fun and crazy than bubble wrap?

Hope you all enjoy the craziness of life.

Taking time to play

G came out in September, to be here for eomotional and spiritual support to M and the rest of us. While he was here and after the goodbyes were said, we took some time to play and enjoy God's creation in Colorado. M had a memorial service to attend at the Y for a former co-worker, so while we waited for M, C and I took G to play minuature golf.Then we walked around the grounds patiently waiting for M.
We then headed into RMNP for a picnic lunch.
We even had some visitors while eating. About 3 ducks decided to see what was so inviting at our picnic bench. One even got brave enough (after getting a taste of dropped chips) to swipe at my sandwich sitting on the bench. M spent the rest of the lunch scaring the ducks away while C and I tried to eat in peace. However, after lunch when they were back in the water, C and I enjoyed watching them!
After lunch we took the short hike around Sprague Lake, enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery.
Trying to convince C that rock climbing is fun....I don't think I achieved my goal!
Thanks G for coming out to spend a few days with us. We love you!

Celebration of Gramma's Life

This past weekend we celebrated the life of G. It was a hard weekend of good-bye, but we know G is in Heaven with Jesus.Saturday the family said good-bye at her grave site with flowers and songs.

Walking with D.

Two beautiful girls!

On Sunday, friends and families had a chance to give their final good-byes at her Memorial Service. After the service the family released balloons in G's memory.

M, C and I put tattoos on her right arms to honor G and remember her fight against breast cancer.

G's sisters.

What a beautiful family!

Random sock buddies...even in the midst of our mourning we had some humor. All the sisters, daughter-in-laws and granddaughters wore mismatching socks to G's memorial service in honor of her love of themed parties (she threw a mismatched sock party for Aunt J upon finding that Aunt J hated socks that didn't match exactly!). Socks were chosen at random out of a bag and M found that by chance her matches were worn by D's aunt and cousin.

The Leivestad cousins with Granny Marie.

The Lalonde cousins.

Family of boys!

Memories of Gramma

G was loved by all and will be greatly missed. She was a big part of our hearts and lives. I especially loved camping with her and sitting around the campfire!

G and her twin boys sharing a birthday party.

I love you and miss you G!

Below is the link for an amazing video that Uncle B put together for G's memorial service.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQMlgnD3Hs

Time with Family and Friends

G has been sick for a long time, but at the end of August we knew time with her was short. I always love to go visit and entertain her. The last few times I have helped clean because so many people have come to visit G.

Making sure all the floors are clean and spotless.

G and P on their back porch, which is one of G's favorite spots.

Sometimes the visits would get late into the evening and C or I would start to fall asleep. Here Uncle S is busy talking while B rocks C to sleep.

With lots of family and friends visiting, there was no shortage of good food. C especially loved the chocolate cupcake!
Reading with Cousin A while M&D visit with G in her bedroom.

Labor Day camping

Since we were staying close to home for Labor Day weekend and I was begging to go camping, M decided to let me camp in the backyard. The first thing to do when camping is to get the tent up. But then you have to take all your favorite blankets to it.Ready to spend the night?You bet!I slept really well and had lots of fun. M on the other hand was kept awake by the wind howling Friday night and the coyotes howling the next night. So we slept inside Sunday night and woke up Labor Day in our own beds!

Too funny!

Yesterday on the ride home from Y school, M and I were discussing various things. I asked her a question and her answer was, "I don't know." I corrected her, "You're the Mommy, you know everything!" She just laughed and replied, "Remember that in 10 years."

For some reason she wanted to share that with all of you!

Corn Fest Parade

At the end of August was the annual Corn Fest Parade in Loveland. My cousins and I went to it.

M thought this float was kind of cool. She liked the kids swinging in their harnesses from the crane.

Even D's work had a float! He wasn't on it though--he was content just to watch with us.What parade would be complete without an old-fashioned fire truck!What a fun day!

Turkey, turkey, turkey.....

M has lots of wildlife visit her office. This summer it has been the summer of the birds. The IT Director put out 6 bird feeders to attract all types of birds. The last week or so it has attracted more than we expected.M thinks she found Thanksgiving dinner!!!