Reconnecting with old friends

One thing I have been amazed by since moving to Colorado is how many people are here! People that we know, that is. It seems like every day we find out that another friend is either passing through or lives close to us... college friends, friends from our youth, friends more recent... it's just crazy. We have a long list of people that we want to connect with and just haven't had the time to do so yet - which is such a blessing! One of the fears of moving to a new place is that you will be lonely and this does so much to relieve that fear!

A couple weeks ago we got the opportunity to see Linda, a good friend from Altus (where Dad was stationed at the Air Force Base). It turns out she regularly visits the area and her daughter just moved not too far from where we are living. It was such a joy to see her again. It's so weird how you can see someone after thirteen years of being away and feel like no time has passed. Amberlin took to her right away, as you can see...

This may have something to do with the fact that she let her pound away on her laptop without telling her to stop! :) She doesn't get to do that at home! Ha, ha...

It was so great to see Linda again - hopefully we will get to see her again before too much time passes!!

Rocky Mountain National Park

A few weeks ago we decided to take a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. We started out at Estes Park, where it started raining really bad. We were afraid the afternoon was going to be spoiled...

But in true Colorado fashion, the clouds passed and the sun came out... and the mountains were beautiful!!

It's amazing to me how every range is so different!

We saw quite a bit of wildlife... these elk were enjoying the sunshine.
We took Trail Ridge Road through the mountains. This is a scenic point and restaurant near the top.


What did Amberlin pick out in the gift shop? Animal crackers, ofcourse! But these were no normal animal crackers... these were special Rocky Mountain animal crackers! :)







We stopped at Grand Lake to stretch our legs and enjoy the sunset

They had a great playgound for Amberlin to run around in. She LOVES slides!



It took everything we had to keep Amberlin out of the water. She wanted to get in the "bath" so badly! :)



And she really, REALLY did NOT want to leave!



But after a little play time with Daddy she forgot about the traumatic experience of leaving the water and started to have fun again!


Then we drove to Devil's Thumb Ranch to enjoy a nice dinner. The drive there was breathtaking!




We at at the Ranch House Restaurant. It had a beautiful view and they were so friendly - especially to Amberlin.



Amberlin took this photo. Now I know how to get Andy to smile in pictures!

Our yummy food...

The beautiful surroundings...



It ended up being a very LONG drive, but we had a wonderful time and - once again - we are in awe of God's beautiful creation!

Fun Times

We did several other fun things before we left California this time. Here some photos from a few...

Amberlin enjoying a lolli-pop

Duke's

Amberlin being a chatter-box. I have no idea where she gets that... :)

Me and my love.

Amberlin & Uncle Mike

"Hi-yyyyyy....."

"It's for you, Grandma!"

Putting our toes in the sand at Huntington Beach

Cuddles with Pop before bed time

Kisses for Lali

This is one of Amberlin's favorite things to do at my parents house - look at the pictures of all of our relatives and make Grandma name them all.

Amberlin & Belle

Pouty lips :)

Eating at Porto's - one of our favorite places

Hanging out at Americana at Brand in Glendale

On the trolley

Amberlin & Daddy watching the fountains

Playing in the water - like always!

Dad & Mom

They had a great little playground here and Amberlin loved trying out the different toys and activities.

Looking at her shadow

After this, we went to the Dodgers game. I don't have our photos from that downloaded yet, but it was a blast! We loved it, even though they didn't win. We had a great time on this trip and we can't wait for the next one! It's coming up soon - in just about six weeks! We will be attending the Destination D conference - it should be really fun!