July 4th

I LOVE Colorado on the 4th. It's so green and blue and cool. I tell peeps in Texas that the ranches here may make more money but those in Colorado are much prettier and smell LOTS better.

The kids couldn't wait to get to Colorado and woke up at 5:30, made beds and were waiting impatiently for me to get home from work so that we could drive up to Denver. They didn't want to miss one second of cousin time.

 The visit to the rodeo was fun

Then on the way back to the ranch, we spotted lots of deer and a Bambi or two (photo courtesy of Grayson).

 Grayson thought the bails of hay as goalposts was awesome.

 Brady thought my picture taking skills were awesome

The cousins enjoyed rides in the mule

 We played beach volleyball in the field (not as soft as sand)

 Yummy lamb on a spit and the skills of Greek cousins to prep the meat for us

 Millie enjoyed the pita

And then a time for jokes and stories. Did you know that my Yaya told a story of a little Indian boy named Falling Rocks that was lost and now there are signs posted still looking for him? Totally validates my story that she once told me that a donkey would bite my arm off if I put my arms outside the car window.

We had a very nice family reunion (though missing many) to celebrate the ability to gather in one spot for an afternoon. I am excited to spend many more weekends up at the ranch.

Lucy was our youngest guest and quite possibly the cutest.

The actual 4th of July included the annual parade and family picture attempts. I liked Molly's pose in this one.

 Plans to get a cousin picture failed...

We drove back to Denver for a very nice dinner on the patio of Brady and Amy's house. I was cranky cranky thinking about the trip back to Texas. We did get to see Krissy and Andy though (she was expecting her third baby and didn't travel to Meeker) and finally a good cousin pic...

Happy birthday to me too...

The ride home on my birthday is never my favorite but at least this year's included a pit stop at Santa's Workshop with the girls. (Grayson went to Detroit/Chicago with YiaYia and Bompa). We rode the world's highest Ferris wheel (based on altitude) but had to split up to do it. Matalley rode with a girl and her Dad that were in line behind us...you know you are from Amarillo when you trust complete strangers to take your daughter on a Ferris wheel ride. We spent 4 hours at the amusement park and the girls loved almost every minute. I determined that I am no longer able to stomach spinning rides.

We made it home just in time for bed and the start of a busy July.