Camping with the family. Our first camping experiences....

Cotopaxi was a great place for us to "get acquainted" with our travel trailer. This little KOA site rests on the Arkansas River near Canon City, CO.

We were located in the middle of the park. To our delight a family just next to us were VERY experienced. They had "graduated" to the extra large RV, but were more than willing to impart all the in's and outs about camping. Even helping us get set up with water, electricity and plumbing...a must!

We were delighted to have all the amenities to ease into the "wilderness" thing. The heated pool was so fine! Hot showers, put=put, a dog park, trails, fishing, and r-e-l-a-x-i-n-g.

The river was a perfect place to rest.

Across the river runs the railroad track. We were out for our picture taking stroll when Ken sited the over-sized coyote making his way east, via the rail way! This guy was BIG!

The pavilion provided the perfect scenery during their yearly pig roast fest...and we just happened to be there for it. Yeah, we know WHO arranged that, just as He arranged us parking next to the helpful family!

The PIG weighted 300 lbs and took about 28 hours to slow roast. Awesome! This gang did all the prep, cooking, serving and clean up. The blackened pig was dressed with apples, pineapple, cherries and seasoned to perfection! YUM YUM

Summer....has come and gone. I really have procrastinated for months, reasons vary, to post anything! So, here I am....with my Summer Story!   Water World was sooo much fun. We arrived mid-morning in awe at the oversized rides looming over the park.

We quickly made our way to the cabana to unload and study the map... so may decisions. Everywhere we gazed, the water invited us to join the FUN and the rides called to us "Excitement".                                  

Endless possibilities!

A fun contraption for kids!

Smiles confirm this water slide was a thrill for all.

A happy ending to a fabulous water filled day!

Short...Sweet...and WET!

Last Monday the grandkids spent a day with Grandpa and Grandma...all around the water. What a great way to spend the day. We were in town visiting my parents as well, but devoted a full day with our two grand-girls.
Our day started with a morning visit to the Acquarium, at the Bio Park. This place gets two thumbs up!

The largest tank has the largest fish...very logical to me. That means SHARKS! Grandpa was especially attracted to these species. Not quite sure why, but he stood at this exhibit snapping pictures for...well, for ever!

Here was a unique window into more fun underwater creatures which grabbed our attention. This tank seemed to go on forever. There are lots of places for fish to swim through like arches and  coral giving a hiding place for smaller fish.

Now take a look at this cute guy, or girl, or whatever they are... His safe haven is inside the shell among some plants. I just had to capture him on film!

Now here's a picture for my heart!
My two favorite girls having fun together.
 
                                                 Nice shot girls!

We happened into this fun exhibit area just as the action started. And feeding time down under brings everything out to get their share of good eats.

This underwater mermaid had all the friends she could handle!

With the feeding frenzy in full swing the girls had a great backdrop for this shot!

What do you get with water, fish and 3 girls?

Lots of FUN!!

We liked this tank a lot. Probably because we could get up close, literally within an arms reach, to the stingrays. They fascinate me with their graceful, effortless gliding over the sandy floor,  turning upside along the glass wall, all as a matter of...well, it's just what they do.

By noon we were ravenous and headed out to eat. Our next stop ... the YMCA.

It was our turn to get into the action...water action! A nice heated indoor pool was the perfect place to get wet. We grabbed a purple ball and the fun started.

There was  a lot of action between the ball, the water and us trying to keep from swallowing more water than we were swimming in!

We all had some good hits on that purple ball, and keeping it off the water was  our challenge.

Grandpa invited a couple of young boys to join us...they were really really really wanting to join the fun.

Having extra team members added some good "battles" for the ball.

These two sisters really love each other, just don't let a purple ball come between them!

The day was over way to fast, but we were filled with loving memories...

Dad with his eyes closed!

Little Dylan with Hannah...

Sister Sequoia...

Dad outside taking a walk ...

Mom relaxing after a long day and good mexican food for supper.









Life is good!

                                                Christmas Joy for All

No matter how busy my life gets, or distractions that clamor for my attention, or work, or life in general, there is one constant that gives true meaning to all that goes on...it's found in the Creator, and His only Begotten Son Jesus. So, remembering His precious gift of Life and Love brings me back into focus.  Jesus IS the meaning of Christmas. This Christmas I dedicated my card to Him.

Start with a versatile Poinsetta Bloom stamp and die (from Memory Box ) to make multiple flowers. Three to four flowers were stamped (bronze/gold ink) on green, red and cream pearlized paper (emboss this one). Over-lap the blooms to expose each color, then fasten with a flower shaped brad in red or green.

A Jesus is the Reason for the Season stamp used  the same ink and embossing powder, decorated with bronze brads, and placed on red paper. Sheer cream colored ribbon added the final touch,  (a decorative corner punch for extra contrast is an alternative).

A fun family picture was mounted on the inside to personalize our Christmas greeting. Walmart has an easy & inexpensive program to add text & boarders to photos. A magnetic strip was glued to the backside of the picture. I love putting pictures on the refrigerator... and I love CHRISTMAS.

May all our family and friends enjoy Jesus this year!

Our 2nd Annual Galveston Summer Vacation
This year was the perfect end to summer. Fun in the sun and a dash of a vacation!  We planned for lots of beach time, relaxation and long lasting memories. Setting up "camp" was pretty easy with this giant umbrella!

 Mom and Dad enjoyed the beach like they did in former days...close to the water with toes in the surf...yeah, that feels really good. We made several excursions testing out different locations along Seawall Blvd, and liked them all.

 Dad ventured out the second day into the surf, walker and all. We took pictures to prove his "big fish story" was not so fishy, just in case anyone doubted.

 We all joined together to sit at the surf's edge and take in the beautiful fresh sea air, balmy breeze and cool tide. Of course, this activity does seem to leave a lot of sand in the swim suit...oh boy!






Susan, Ken & I made our way out to the bigger waves. The gulf water was warm and inviting. We sure had our share of fun.

Susan was working the camera for this shot, while Ken held me up...we had a good laugh seeing how long his arms would last! Apparently she was trying to locate the zoom and found it just as we decided to give up...she got this picture just in time.

 Mom reminded us of how much fun she had "shelling", which means looking for sea shells. Susan and I ventured off toward the next peer to find some special treasures. My plan is to use the small ones in the photo album....well, that's the plan for now.

 Doesn't mom look like a real cutie in her new suit? She made an excellent choice...all done through an order catalog too...now that is a good shopper! Susan's hat was the perfect choice...the wire rim folded and stayed however you turned it up and down...which kept it in place, in and out of the waves!
We ventured out to this souvenir shop one afternoon. T-Shirts, hats, and all sorts of surf & beach items that look better in the store than on your shelf at home! We took time to sit on their deck and enjoy a cool soda while watching the waves.

This was so refreshing! Sitting in the shade, above the waves and sipping a cool coke...lemonade, whatever! Mom and Dad sure liked it! We  made an important discovery while up on deck...that under the deck was a perfect place to enjoy the beach in the shade! Another great location for us next year too!

  This was a great location! What a beautiful view!

Family is soooo important. Mom's brother, Lloyd was able to drive down to meet us. Pauline, one of 5 children came along. We caught up on family happenings and enjoyed just seeing each other again after a long time. Mom's heart sure felt full after seeing her brother! And ours too.

Now, at the end of the day we have to show off the newest members to the family...Venua and Merced! Are they puppy's or house-slippers?