Colorado Vacation - Part 3

We headed out of Crested Butte a decent time on Monday and headed to Silverthorne. We took a dirt road for about 40 miles over Kebler Pass - it was one of the most beautiful drives I've been on. For miles, the Aspen trees were thick right next to the road. Fall will be incredible there.

The bad news is I didn't get many pictures, as I was a little queasy! But here are some after the pass.

When we were just about to Silverthorne, we hit a traffic jam. This...and a surprise Blue's Clues DVD....were our saving grace!

It had just finished showering, and if you look close you can see a rainbow in the mountains!

Josh and Deneen came up Monday night and stayed overnight. Tuesday we hiked near Keystone. This is the same hike we did last year and it is so nice - right next to the water the whole time and pretty relaxing.

Throwing stuff in the river with Daddy

Me and my Daddy

Josh and Kailey = buddies

After Josh and Deneen headed home, we went back "home" for naps. But Craig and Dad decided they were up for another hike - and a strenuous one at that!

The travelers - what a great trip!!

(We are ready to go back)

Colorado Vacation - Part 2

After the wedding, we changed clothes and headed out. We had seen the trail for Judd Falls, so we headed there.

Then we continued on along Copper Creek. We wanted to get close to the creek, so dad suggested we climb down this hill. I was not fond of this idea, but we all made it! Surprisingly, going up was much easier.

It was worth it!

The next day (Sunday) we took a trail near Crested Butte. It had some beautiful views as well.

The wildflowers were a big hit!

This was the end of the trail - an old mine.

So we headed back down...

And across the big logs.

We had a minor setback when returning to the van. The slate in the road apparently sliced our tire, but Dad and Craig made quick work of this and within minutes we were on our way again.

Colorado Vacation - Part 1

We had an awesome vacation! It would be almost impossible to put it all in one post, so I'll take one thing at a time.

We stayed the first night in Denver with friends, Josh and Deneen. I only took one picture - good thing we saw them later in the trip!

One of the reasons for planning the trip when we did is that a long-time friend was getting married in Crested Butte. They were married outside with the most incredible view and gorgeous wildflowers.

Congratulations Andrea and Darrell! So glad we could be there for your special day.

Relay for Life

I didn't get this post done before we left on vacation.....I was a little busy!

We really enjoyed the Relay for Life this year in Ida Grove. Our Paulsen Team was bigger because several from Holly's family joined us. Her mom, Kelley, is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which made the experience so much more meaningful.

Kailey liked to stay about 15 steps in front of us...

Amy was in charge of the event, but she found time to "join us" (Kailey started these phrases..."Amy, you join us?" and "Amy joined us!")

And we all got to enjoy Sophia!

Me and My Umbrella

Aunt Diane gave Kailey an umbrella her own size. She LOVES it!

Kailey and Tanner

These two are buddies! They were born the same week and they play so well together. Tanner is about to be a big brother to TWIN sisters, so Kailey gives him practice with girl toys! We had the whole family over last week and really enjoyed our time together.





And....the outtakes..........