Pagosa Springs, Colorado

We just returned from THE FUNNEST trip to Pagosa with my brother and sisters and their families! It took me a couple of days to actually appreciate being home -- I just wanted to be with everyone in such a beautiful, fun, no-cares environment forever! I am copying Sheree's highlights of the trip because she did such a great job of remembering everything! Thanks Sheree! My new banner photo on my blog is one of my favorite views in Pagosa. Someday I'll actually get a family photo with that gorgeous background! For now the memories suffice!

Highlights of the trip:

Sitting around the campfire every night
Riding in the Jeep Willy--No seatbelts even, the kids loved it.
Hiking to Box Canyon and swimming in the river
Reading on the porch
Good music
Hiking to Williams Falls--beautiful!
Lots of games of Hearts, War, and B.S.
"I Like Big Butts!"
The little boys and all of their antics
French braids
Tie Dying shirts for all the kids
Putting together a little duathlon
Riding the four wheelers
Painting rocks
Fishing
Beautiful runs and lots of excercise
Afternoon rainstorms
The kids Magic Show
Monopoly
Lots of bug spray
Kids playing Haunted Mansion and Carnival
Great food
Building a trap and catching a chipmunk
"Take me to the River, Throw me in the water!"
Hummingbirds
Arm Wrestling--Bekah rocks!
Bocce
Going to the General Store in the Jeep
Oh and the memorable Mtn Biking adventure!

Echo Tri, Year 2

The Echo Tri was awesome this year! Last year the swim really freaked me out -- read last year's post here -- This year I participated in an open water swim clinic which was really helpful in giving me an opportunity to get comfortable swimming in the lake without the race day adrenaline. I took the whole family up the next week and they kayaked across with me as I swam. It was GREAT! So I was really looking forward to this year's Tri. It was a lot of fun and I was so happy that I actually enjoyed the swim. I beat my time in each event too. Dan is always so great to get up at 5:00 a.m. and drive us the hour to the race. But Bekah even got up as well. Then, Surprise! Mom and Sheree showed up too. Thanks Fam!!! You're the best! Great photos are courtesy of my mom who never goes anywhere without her camera!! Thanks Mom!

Great Summer!

This has been such a great summer -- very relaxing with lots of fun as well. Here are a few of the highlights:

Chores, Water Fun, Thanksgiving Point, Kayaking while Mom practices swimming in the lake, Pool Fun, Doughnut Falls.