Colorado

We returned this past Sunday from an 11 day vacation that took us across 3,006 miles and through 8 states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri). Our destination was Colorado as we spent a weekend in Colorado Springs and the following week in Pagosa Springs w/ my parents and sisters' family.

Here are some of my most memorable moments:

TOP TEN Vacation Moments
1. Getting to see my friend and his family.
2. Focus on the Family tour w/ my friend who works there.
3. Taking kids to top of Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls
4. Mountain Biking and lunch in the middle of no where
5. Rodeo
6. Date night
7. Hike up to see Treasure Falls
8. Playing w/ the kids in the pool at the Hot Springs Spa.
9. Relaxing in the cabin overlooking the mountains. Scenery in general on the trip was spectacular.
10. Enjoying the blessing of taking the family on a fun vacation to Colorado.

Nolan's Five!

We went to the Fair with the Steffen Grandparents, Uncle Jarod and cousins Marlee and Miles to celebrate Nolan's 5th birthday. We ate Fair food and rode a few rides before coming back home for cake and ice cream.

Grand Champion

We went over to the Fair to look at all the 4H projects. Alex got GRAND Champion in the computer category. I was pretty proud of that. I think in some ways it has to help my 'street cred'. :) So it was fun to see all the ribbons on his poster. He also got a blue ribbon for an electric project that he and I did. It's a good educational experience for him to learn these things.

Later, Alex and I went over to the park for a car show. These are the cars that participate in the annual Rensselaer Cruise Night. They bring out their hot rods and drive around town. There are a lot of neat classic cars...Mustangs from the 60's, Chevy's from the 50's, etc.
I took Nolan and Emma fishing over at our little pond. Nolan caught a little bass. Now that he's learned to cast by himself he likes to go over and fish. It was a lot of fun and a good day of quality family time.

the Fourth

We spent the day at "the pond." It rained the entire day. A few people got in the water but most of the time was spent playing games. We got together with Heather's family.