Good-bye Daisy and Bluer

Daisy has moved to tortoise paradise at the home of Carol Swingle and Bluer has moved on to fishy heaven. Cadie decided she didn't feel attached to Daisy anymore and so I posted an ad on Park Cities Chatter. A turtle and tortoise enthusiast in the neighborhood paid Cadie $100 for Daisy. Daisy is going to be so much happier in her huge backyard.

Just shortly after the Daisy good-bye, Bluer reached the end of his long beta life. The kids were not very shaken up about it and I had to try to get them to look sad as we took a final picture and then flushed her with reverence.

Colton is 7!

 We had a really fun and really HOT birthday party for Mr. Colton Alexander. Luke and Colton celebrated together with a HUGE blow-up waterslide in Breah's yard. We had pizza and cookie cake which was decorated by Cadie. Then, around dark the party moved to Curtis Park for more cookies, rocket copters and glow sticks. It was an all day event!

Other birthday festivities included:

- Colton, Mom and Dad dinner date to Sushi Kyoto for fried rice, one of Colton's favorites

- Turkey sub dinner (Colton's pick) with homemade chocolate cake at Nina and Papa's house

- New bed tents for both Colton and Jack Ranger

Colton is an awesome 7-year-old. He still gets in bed with us in the mornings about half of the time. He LOVES baths and sometimes wants to take a bath in the morning and another in the evening. He dresses the way he wants and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. He is quickly learning to read. He has a silly laugh and loves to tell riddles and jokes. He loves to ride his bike and sometimes just rides in circles around our block. He gives huge hugs and is friends with everyone.

Jack Ranger Heads back for more!

 On Saturday, we asked all three kids if they wanted to go to Sky Ranch on Sunday for one more week! It was the last session and Jack Ranger jumped at the chance! Cadie and Colton wanted to chill at home, but Ranger really wanted to head to Van for more fun. There was a wait list, but on Sunday morning I called Sky Ranch and they said they could squeeze him in!

Jack Ranger and I scrambled to get him packed up and Big John drove him to Sky. Ranger said it was a great week and he even had one of the same counselors. There were some new things like a huge slip and slide that he thought was fun. He also reported that there were some signs that it was the last week, like no more candy in the gift shop. Lol!

I loved his camper award of "Fresh Squeezed Lemonade," Hilarious. It says, "Ranger, Bro! This week you were awesome! You were definitely a huge light in the cabin all week! Just like a lemonade on a hot day refreshes you, your energy was extremely refreshing to us! You are great and your attitude is unmatched! Continue to carry that attitude in all you do! So proud of you! Gibbs, Matt, Dylan"

The smile on his face says it all! Sky Ranch is awesome!

Colorado Springs with the Haughian Family

 After Sky Ranch, we headed to Colorado Springs for some time with the Haughian Family in their new house. It is a BEAUTIFUL home with amazing view of the mountains and plenty of space.  They had some other friends, Todd and Kerry and their 3 kids, staying with them as well, but there was room for everyone. 

Colton went home with DD and Big John so that Cadie could play with Lexi and Ranger could play with Luke. We stopped by the Garden of the Gods on the way to the Haughian's house and I think it may have been my first time there. Cadie and I were tired, but Grant and Ranger hiked up every path they could find!

I had to work during the day, but Grant, Shane, and Kerry took the kids on some day adventures including to Cave of the Winds. Every night we had a big meal and the kids loved watching movies or playing Mindcraft in the basement while the adults chatted and played games. We didn't take many pictures, but we had lots of laughs and a wonderful time!

We arrived on Saturday and then headed home on Wednesday. We drove all the way in one shot! It was a long trip and we were all happy to have the wonderful memories, and to be back in our own beds.

Sky Ranch Horn Creek

 We were sad that my parents felt they couldn't come to Horn Creek due to COVID, but we had a wonderful week! There were some silver linings from all the new safety protocols including beautiful outside worship, few people at Western Night, more activities open during the day around camp for those that didn't want to venture offsite, and a staff that was incredibly helpful. It was an awesome week! The highlights:

- Cadie really loved our counselor, Caitlyn

- Amazing weather

- Fun time with lots of legacy families, DD and Big John, and Preston, Hannah, Eisley and Parker

- Annual Bishop's castle trip - the Davis' and their grandboys came too! Shane and Ranger really enjoyed hanging out together