colorado in three pictures a day (or so)

Yes. We took over 1400 photos on our 9 day trip to Colorado. That includes the grownup camera (over 1100) and the kids camera (our old point-and-shoot). So this has been a struggle trying to whittle it down for a quick overview here.  A photo book is certainly in the works for this amazing adventure. But in the meantime, here is a glimpse of how we spent our days, in 3 or so photos per day.

Thursday:

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

 Dinosaur Ridge, checking out some real dino footprints,

 Train museum in Golden, CO,

 And a visit with my best friend from Kindergarten!

Friday:

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (all day)

 Saturday:

Cripple Creek Railroad 

 Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour

 Sunday:

Drive up Mount Evans

 ...it was very windy!

 and Father's Day Cookout, observed by equine friends!

 Monday:

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

 ...with the traditional Doughnuts at the top!

 and Garden of the Gods in the afternoon.

 Tuesday:

Rocky Mountain National Park,

hiking at Lily Lake...

 Wednesday:

U.S. Olympic Training Center tour

...a visit to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings,

 and to the U.S. Air Force Academy visitor's center and 

their beautiful Chapel.

Whew! We made it. 2 travel days, 7 touring days, and a great vacation! Thanks to Auntie Jen and Uncle Shawn for hosting these four crazy travellers! We had a blast!

bet you thought I'd vanished...

But I didn't. Although I may disappear under this pile of laundry. Look for me there! Truthfully, though, we have just come through a busy 3 weeks, with the end of school, quickly followed by a nine day vacation to see family and all the sights around Denver, CO. So I am still trying to dig out from under the unpacking, get back to work the past 2 days, process the photos (because I don't think blogger wants me uploading over 1000 photos), cool off in the pool (because we can!), hang out with the family (movie night was "Swiss Family Robinson" tonight, the 1960 Disney version...so good), and all in all, I'm just not back in the blogging swing of things yet. But I will be!  Vacation photos, a sewing project I'm really proud of, garden updates and much more to come. As hubby would say, "Soon. Not now." Good night, all!

when irish feet are dancing

Today was the girlie's first dance recital with the O'Toole School of Irish Dancing. It was so much fun to see the beginners show their first learned steps and to see the fancy footwork of the more advanced students. It has been a fun year for my girl as she has gained confidence, learned discipline, and improved her coordination. A fun afternoon joined by both sets of grandparents and topped off by a great family dinner (thanks, crockpot!). But you don't really want to listen to me jabber on about it, here are the pictures you are waiting for!

curtain call

with her best friends from dance class

(Video upload not working right now. I may try to add a video later!)