Colton is 6!

This cute 6-year-old has wanted to have a birthday party at Safari Run ever since we went to a birthday party there two years ago for his friend Knox Mullens. I think all Colton's birthday dreams came true! He wanted a puppy dog themed party and he even brought his own favorite stuffed dogs to decorate the table. He wore his Dalmatian shirt and he liked his Bolt cake. The party continued for the next few days with cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a family dinner at Uncle Julio's where Colton broke the chocolate pinata dessert. Colton is great a building and loves to build anything with legos or hotwheels. He is super friendly, loves to ride his bike, and loves to play dress-up. Even though he is 6, he still comes in to cuddle me most mornings before school. We love you Colton!

Sky Ranch Horn Creek

This year we tried out Cameron Peak week at Sky Ranch and had a wonderful time! The Kong Family (Sarah, Jun, Grace, and Owe) and the Haughain Family (Heather, Shane, Lexi, and Luke) joined us. Big John, DD, Preston, and Parker also helped to represent the Walsh family. We caravaned with the Kong's and Sarah is an amazing driver! She kept up with Grant the whole way. We ate at the Big Texan and then saw the TEXAS Outdoor Musical in Palo Duro Canyon. Colton flew with DD and Big John so it made the drive a smidge easier. Cadie then flew back with DD and Big John and Colton rode with us on the drive home, but not before a quick stop at the Sand Dunes. It was farther out of the day than I expected, but the water around the dunes was flowing and both Colton and JR loved it. JR even surfed down the dunes! Colton kept busy making a dam to make a small pool.


Our week at Horn Creek was filled with activities, white water rafting, a trip to Bishop's castle, and a trip to the Royal Gorge. Our hosts for the week, Pastor Malcolm & Stacey, were amazing and the weather was beautiful. Sunny in the day and cool in the evenings. 

A special treat was Austin camping near Horn Creek at the beginning of the trailhead. DD and Big John went on a shopping spree at the gift shop to get him outfitted in new clothes and we loved getting to see him at camp and check out his camp site before we left. 

It was a treat to introduce friends to Horn Creek and cabin 3 was cozy and comfortable. The kids ran around camp, as always and spent more time at the rec center this year. Cadie, Lexi and Grace even had a sleep-over one night in a Hogan. Colton pretty much held his own, but he did get tired. One night he came up to me and said, "Mom, I am NOT tired, but I have sadness that will not go away until I am in my bed." I took him home, showered him, and he feel right asleep. I enjoyed the quite time in our cabin as well.

Cadie and Ranger participated in the family blessing this year which was a special time for us. We were in the nursery because many of the spots around camp were taken, but it worked out fine. Although Colton was a bit distracted by all the toys. Cadie told Ranger she appreciated that he was a Leader and it meant so much to him that he teared up! That made me tear up too! I am so thankful for my sweet family.

Thank you Horn Creek for another wonderful week!

Cadence in Paris!

Special guest post from Nina, "It's true, Cadence went to Paris in July and let Nina and Aunt Courtney tag along. I got to go because I am the oh so beloved Nina (and I paid) but Courtney had to state her case that the trip would be MUCH more fun if she came too (and it was way more fun).
Cadence had several must sees; Eiffel Tower, Arc de  Triomphe, Norte Dame Cathedral, Musee
Pompidou and The Louvre. We saw them all and quite a bit more; a four hour electric bike tour around Paris, shopping at Galleries LaFayette, evening concert at St. Chapelle, Sacre Coeur, Amazing Bastille Day fireworks, train ride to Giverney, home and gardens of Claude Monet and a  scooter tour with Courtney all over the Champs-Elysées.
Cadence is a great traveler. It was a delight to share this unique experience with a granddaughter and a daughter. I must praise God for his care shown in so many ways, the Biggest one being having Courtney on this trip.
Thank you CJ and Cadence , it was a once in a lifetime memory. 💌"

Cadie with Aunt Kathy in KC

Cadie spent two weeks with Aunt Kathy while Grant and I were in Israel. Aunt Kathy spoiled her the entire time and Cadie loved every minute of it. They saw the KC sites, spent time with cousins, went to Aunt Kathy's church, and visited Grandma and Grandpa Weldon in Horton, Kansas. I am so thankful to my Aunt for making Kansas City a part of Cadie's memories.