Summer in Colorado is a wonderful time ushered in by the geese flying north to visit Brittany, my younger daughter, and millions of flowers, both wild and domestic, coming into bloom. When my family lived here, we took the "Spring" picture with everyone standing on the front porch including me after running from the camera to join the group. In keeping with that tradition, the Ortons posed for the traditional photo when they visited this year. Please take special note of Amaya's wonderful vampire teeth. RRaarrahhh!!! Another "usual" picture in front of the aspen trees in the front yard.

Britt and the children arrived early enough to attend the yearly Greeley Stampede Parade that starts with 50 (or so) Texas Longhorn Steers marching down the parade route accompanied by several cowboys...there are no restrains on the steers!! Everyone waits in anticipation. The crowd is completely silent as the herd passes preparing us for flag bearers for which we all stand. This year they included a replica of the space shuttle...I thought cousin Derek would like to see that.

We visited Estes to escape the heat and to check on the Nana Bear Soap display. Mostly we wanted to walk around and be together. We found a great Mexican food restaurant and enjoyed more than we were capable of consuming. Afterward, the kids found a wonderful playground right by the river and we sat for sometime just being grateful for the beautiful mountains. We celebrated Amaya's 5th Birthday with cupcakes and presents...

...and hung-out in the back yard, eating cherries and strawberries, and carrots, YUMMY. The kids had fun with a small swimming pool and found some old toys to play with.

All in all, the visit was a success. There were no injuries to report and very few disagreements. Wish you could stay, or at least be closer. Maybe the next posting will bring you closer to home!