Glenwood Canyon
I couldn't get them to all look the same way at the same time!!!
Testing out my new cameras super fast shutter speed! I love it!
Miss Alina! I love this picture :)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Glenwood Canyon
On the way home we stopped to check out the Colorado River during it's long trip through Glenwood Canyon. I could have stayed there forever! The river was low, but beautiful none the less.
Sometimes, you just need a little 'Buffalo Bill"
Me, my mom and Celine, headed up to Denver last weekend to pick up Alina for her two week visit from Wiesbaden! On the way home we thought, what BETTER way to get the Colorado vibe, than to get the Buffalo Bill Cody experience! We stopped at the Buffalo Bill Museum on the way home! It was our first stop, of a few! Check it out! Buffalo Bill Museum
Someone had to take the pictures :) Mom doing her cowboy impression
Celine doing her best cowboy ropping impression
Alina can't be left out! That calf with no legs might get away!
Sometimes it pays to be the one with the camera!
Friday, August 24, 2012
RedNeck Picnic Pictures!
Some fellow Lions enjoying the meal and dressed in their best Redneck Attire :)
Mom and Denny doing some event judging! (I really hate I missed this!!)
Colorado Barbeque! (Nowhere close to NC Barbeque)
Celine picking out her prize for Sheep Sheering :)
Things I learned Thursday night....
This past Thursday night was our Redlands Lions Club 2nd Annual Redneck Picnic. It was also my step-dad's 70th Birthday AND Redlands Middle Schools "Back to School Night" for 7th and 8th graders. To say I was overwhelmed (since I had been designated to be on the planning committee for the picnic and had planned a good share of it) was an understatement!
Unfortunately, the Back to School night started an hour after the picnic started so I only got to enjoy setting up my game (bowling with chickens), grab a quick bite and enjoy a few amazing costumes before I was off to the school with Skyler in tow. I thought I'd be back in 30 minutes at the latest. I was in for a surprise.
Of all the Back to School nights I've been to, none have been run like a full 2 hour program, until last night. There was a presentation by the principal, all the new teachers, and someone who really wanted parents to volunteer and/or give money. I couldn't figure out which she was trying to stress more. We then went to Skylers 2 elective classes to meet her teachers and then ended up in the cafeteria for a presentation by ALL of the core teachers on their expectations and outlines for the year. Now, I don't remember a whole heck of a lot about my 8th grade year, but what I DO remember is, we didn't have any big trips during the year. I think we went to see an Egyptian exhibit in Charlotte, but I can't remember anything bigger. 9th grade was our DC trip and then Junior and Senior year we took some neat Choir trips, but nothing in 8th grade. SO, what I learned at the school was that not only do they get a chance to go to DC for 5 days, but there's an option for a Hawaiian trip. Really? Hawaii? Where does my child go to school? Theoretically, if your child was to attend BOTH trips, you are pushing a $5,000 tab! I informed Skyer that she had lived in Hawaii for close to 6 years. I think she was good on any trips, even if they were being billed as educational and super fun!
We finally exited the school at around 7:45 and drove as FAST as we could back to the picnic. Unfortunately, we got there just as all the games had wrapped up so we didn't get to play any or join in the fun. What we DID get to do was hand out prizes to all the winners. The games that were played (and remember, these were all altered to be "redneck" themed) Horseshoes (played with toilet seats), Sheep Sheering (using razor blades to get shaving cream off a water filled balloon), Bowling (using a small frozen chicken to knock down plastic 1/2 gallon milk jugs), Pig Calling (it is what it sounds like), Putt Putt (with a nerf ball and a mop) and a few other randomly fun things that you just can't make up :)
But back to what I learned. I learned that older people really love dressing up and playing silly games and tend to get a bit competitive about it, in a good way :) I also learned that Celine is obviously 1st place worthy of pig calling and 3rd place worthy at sheep sheering! I hate I wasn't there to get pictures of that! I kept asking her what other secret talents was she hiding?! Skyler was bummed she didn't get to play any games, but got a few prizes at the end just because so that quickly made it all better!
I'm currently trying to see if I can find some pictures to post once I track down who had a camera! You can't miss an opportunity to post priceless picks like that!
All in all, great night even if it was super busy! Lots of laughter and fun times! Now off to Denver tomorrow!
Unfortunately, the Back to School night started an hour after the picnic started so I only got to enjoy setting up my game (bowling with chickens), grab a quick bite and enjoy a few amazing costumes before I was off to the school with Skyler in tow. I thought I'd be back in 30 minutes at the latest. I was in for a surprise.
Of all the Back to School nights I've been to, none have been run like a full 2 hour program, until last night. There was a presentation by the principal, all the new teachers, and someone who really wanted parents to volunteer and/or give money. I couldn't figure out which she was trying to stress more. We then went to Skylers 2 elective classes to meet her teachers and then ended up in the cafeteria for a presentation by ALL of the core teachers on their expectations and outlines for the year. Now, I don't remember a whole heck of a lot about my 8th grade year, but what I DO remember is, we didn't have any big trips during the year. I think we went to see an Egyptian exhibit in Charlotte, but I can't remember anything bigger. 9th grade was our DC trip and then Junior and Senior year we took some neat Choir trips, but nothing in 8th grade. SO, what I learned at the school was that not only do they get a chance to go to DC for 5 days, but there's an option for a Hawaiian trip. Really? Hawaii? Where does my child go to school? Theoretically, if your child was to attend BOTH trips, you are pushing a $5,000 tab! I informed Skyer that she had lived in Hawaii for close to 6 years. I think she was good on any trips, even if they were being billed as educational and super fun!
We finally exited the school at around 7:45 and drove as FAST as we could back to the picnic. Unfortunately, we got there just as all the games had wrapped up so we didn't get to play any or join in the fun. What we DID get to do was hand out prizes to all the winners. The games that were played (and remember, these were all altered to be "redneck" themed) Horseshoes (played with toilet seats), Sheep Sheering (using razor blades to get shaving cream off a water filled balloon), Bowling (using a small frozen chicken to knock down plastic 1/2 gallon milk jugs), Pig Calling (it is what it sounds like), Putt Putt (with a nerf ball and a mop) and a few other randomly fun things that you just can't make up :)
But back to what I learned. I learned that older people really love dressing up and playing silly games and tend to get a bit competitive about it, in a good way :) I also learned that Celine is obviously 1st place worthy of pig calling and 3rd place worthy at sheep sheering! I hate I wasn't there to get pictures of that! I kept asking her what other secret talents was she hiding?! Skyler was bummed she didn't get to play any games, but got a few prizes at the end just because so that quickly made it all better!
I'm currently trying to see if I can find some pictures to post once I track down who had a camera! You can't miss an opportunity to post priceless picks like that!
All in all, great night even if it was super busy! Lots of laughter and fun times! Now off to Denver tomorrow!
Monday, August 20, 2012
1st Day of School
August 20, 2012 = First day of SCHOOL! THANK GOODNESS! Skyler was beyond bored with no school and no swimming and no social interaction. Celine was ready to meet people her age and get this whole US Experience going!
Even though they were past the "1st day of school photo" ages, they kindly endulged me and let me take their pictures :)
Even though they were past the "1st day of school photo" ages, they kindly endulged me and let me take their pictures :)
Celine before heading to Grand Junction High School
Celine & Skyler (Skyler practicing her sleeping standing up stance)
And Skyler - 8th grade at Redlands Middle School
I am not ready for a freshman in High School! I am obviously WAY to young to have that happen!
More Peach Fest info :)
We had a fabulous time at the Peach Festival on Saturday! It started early with a pancake breakfast put on by the Palisade Lions Club, followed by a parade and then the actual festival. Lots of vendors, but I'm pretty sure my favorite was the Alpaca booth. I could have taken pictures of Alpacas and Llamas all day long!
We also hosted a little get together at our house Saturday evening so that everyone could meet Celine, celebrate the end of the kids summer, and just have a nice time to unwind with good food and good friend! I wish I could say I took pictures of that too, but I find that there isn't much time to take pictures while having several conversations with 20 or so people :) It was a good night and great fun! We are all SO very excited school starts tomorrow! Bring on SCHOOL TIME!
I'm working on a better way to add multiple pictures to a sight people can link to since blogspot only likes to load a few at a time. I'll post a few more from the weekend later this week!
We also hosted a little get together at our house Saturday evening so that everyone could meet Celine, celebrate the end of the kids summer, and just have a nice time to unwind with good food and good friend! I wish I could say I took pictures of that too, but I find that there isn't much time to take pictures while having several conversations with 20 or so people :) It was a good night and great fun! We are all SO very excited school starts tomorrow! Bring on SCHOOL TIME!
I'm working on a better way to add multiple pictures to a sight people can link to since blogspot only likes to load a few at a time. I'll post a few more from the weekend later this week!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Palisade Peach Festival Time!!!
It's that time of year again! Time for the Palisade Peach Festival and all the yummy goodness that is Palisade Peaches! http://palisadepeachfest.com/
Last night (Thursday) was the kick off of the Peach Festival which starts with the crowning of the peach queen and her court, followed by free ice cream and peaches and a street dance! We didn't get a chance to stay long, but it was long enough to have some ice cream and peaches, catch up with some friends and listen to a bit of live music!
Saturday morning we're back out there early in the morning for the Lions Pancake Breakfast, Parade and the Peach Festival itself! Here's some pictures until then!
Last night (Thursday) was the kick off of the Peach Festival which starts with the crowning of the peach queen and her court, followed by free ice cream and peaches and a street dance! We didn't get a chance to stay long, but it was long enough to have some ice cream and peaches, catch up with some friends and listen to a bit of live music!
Saturday morning we're back out there early in the morning for the Lions Pancake Breakfast, Parade and the Peach Festival itself! Here's some pictures until then!
Tom and I
Tom, Celine and Skyler enjoying some icecream and peaches
Morgan, Skyler & Darby
Sunset over the BookCliffs
My coworker Sara and her neighbor Cindy
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Colorado National Monument
When I first moved to Grand Junction, I thought that the Colorado National Monument was a statue. I couldn't understand why there was so much hype, signs and regular attention to some random statue in the middle of the desert! Guess what guys, it's not a statue. The Colorado National Monument IS, in fact,
"one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles." http://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm
Who knew?
Mom was awesome enough to take the girls up there today. We're trying to fill in the gaps these last few days until school starts so they don't start eating the bedsheets out of boredom! Obviously Skyler has not moved on to dressing in shorts on hot days, but I pick my battles. Here's a few pictures:
"one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles." http://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm
Who knew?
Mom was awesome enough to take the girls up there today. We're trying to fill in the gaps these last few days until school starts so they don't start eating the bedsheets out of boredom! Obviously Skyler has not moved on to dressing in shorts on hot days, but I pick my battles. Here's a few pictures:
Western Zone Championships
Colorado Mesa University had the privelage of hosting the Western Zone Swimming Championships this past week (Aug 7 - 12). This is a large swim meet with over 800 swimmers coming from over 13 states to compete. More information can be found at http://www.westernzoneswimming.org/Home.jsp?_tabid_=0&team=wzone (in case you were just DYING to know more!)
This entire meet was put on through volunteer work from the community. From swim families to service organization volunteers to just the general population; everyone that could be involved, was involved. Tom and I had planned to volunteer and time some of the swim heats but due to some lost dog issues (that will be noted in another post) we were busy hitting the trails most evenings. Celine and Skyler however, were more than happy to take our spots and time. It was great for Skyler to see all the other swimmers and the times they were posting and it was great for Celine to get the feeling of being in a large crowd with a lot of English being spoken. They both timed for two days and seemed to really enjoy it. They also got to time with the President of Colorado Mesa University, Mr. Tim Foster.
All in all, it was a good time! Now if only swimming will start back so Skyler can expel some of her ENERGY! September 4th she's back in the pool!!
This entire meet was put on through volunteer work from the community. From swim families to service organization volunteers to just the general population; everyone that could be involved, was involved. Tom and I had planned to volunteer and time some of the swim heats but due to some lost dog issues (that will be noted in another post) we were busy hitting the trails most evenings. Celine and Skyler however, were more than happy to take our spots and time. It was great for Skyler to see all the other swimmers and the times they were posting and it was great for Celine to get the feeling of being in a large crowd with a lot of English being spoken. They both timed for two days and seemed to really enjoy it. They also got to time with the President of Colorado Mesa University, Mr. Tim Foster.
All in all, it was a good time! Now if only swimming will start back so Skyler can expel some of her ENERGY! September 4th she's back in the pool!!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Willkommen
I now, willingly, have two teenage girls residing in my home. Oh my! Celine joined us today and will be staying with us for the next ten months! Hopefully Skyler will get over her overwhelming excitement in the near future because she has been non-stop talking since Celine arrived. Her brain is no longer connecting with her mouth, it's just on auto pilot :)
We are all exhausted after today, but looking forward to some fun times and new adventures so Celine can get a good experience of life in America!
Tschüß
Away we go!!!
GOOOOD Morning! Here is my latest attempt to start a blog about everything and anything that we do as a family! We travel, we laugh, we have too many pets.....but all in all, we tend to have a great time! SO, here we go!!
Today's event is Miss Celine will be joining us for the next 10 months! We've often discussed having a foreign exchange student, but the time was never exactly right. This year however, everything seemed to line up and we're excited to have her joining our family.
Skyler has wrapped up swimming for the next 4 weeks. She's on the downward side of summer and eagerly awaiting the start of school on August 20th. Hopefully two weeks will be enough time for her to adjust to someone else actually needing to use her bathroom and she'll realize there really is no need to stay in there for three hours at a time :)
I'll wrap up for now! Here's to posting more, laughing more, connecting more and being more :)
Today's event is Miss Celine will be joining us for the next 10 months! We've often discussed having a foreign exchange student, but the time was never exactly right. This year however, everything seemed to line up and we're excited to have her joining our family.
Skyler has wrapped up swimming for the next 4 weeks. She's on the downward side of summer and eagerly awaiting the start of school on August 20th. Hopefully two weeks will be enough time for her to adjust to someone else actually needing to use her bathroom and she'll realize there really is no need to stay in there for three hours at a time :)
I'll wrap up for now! Here's to posting more, laughing more, connecting more and being more :)
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