God Bless, America!

A heat wave, which has seemed to stick around this summer has had us all looking for ways to stay cool.  Ella capitalized on the opportunity, when she used her own money to open a lemonade stand one weekend. We mentioned to Ella that the kids down the street might also be serving lemonade, so asked what she could do different.  She declared, fresh Strawberry Lemonade would entice people to her stand.

So, the kids made the signs and waved to cars passing by.  Ella and Eric were so excited! Ella even made her money back and made enough profit to donate over $10 during Vacation Bible School for the purchase of Mosquito nets in Africa.  She was so proud that she earned all the money herself.  Quite the entrepreneur we have blooming.

Unfortunately, the heat has taken it's toll in and around Colorado.  June 26th I watched as my hometown of Colorado Springs started to burn. Homes and businesses left in ashes, the fire blackening much of the beautiful backdrop of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon Fire left two people dead, destroyed 356 homes and burned 18,247 acres in the Pike National Forest and in Colorado Springs. 

Our prayers and hearts go out to all the families, friends, and  that were effected by the fires.  Of course, this was not the only fire at the time.  There were over 10 fires burning at one time across Colorado and three burning around the area of Durango, our next destination in our series of camping trips.  Fireworks and no open burning was allowed across the state.

Regardless, we decided to make a go of it as the weather was supposed to be cooler with actual chance of rain for the week ahead.

We stopped over at the Great Sand Dunes arriving late in the evening to avoid the hot temps of the mid day sun.   We spent the next morning hiking up the Dunes.  We had fun trudging through the sand and although the kids were sure they could make it to the top, quickly realized it was no easy task. 

Ella made some wonderful sand angels, we dug for dinosaur bones, and managed to get sand absoltely EVERYWHERE!  I think we're still finding sand in our shoes!  After almost two hours at the Dunes and noon quickly approaching with over 100 degree temps, we decided it was time to head back. 

We spent July 4th in Durango and enjoyed a very patriotic parade at the campground.  The kids were so excited to take part in the parade, they decorated their bikes and rode proudly all around the campground.  The kids even won prizes for the most patriotic girl and boy!  

After the parade, we decided to head to Honeyville to check out the bee farm.  We had just been reading about how honey was made, so thought it was the perfect side trip and it was only 20 minutes from our campground.

We brought back some very yummy honey!  The kids were mesmerized by all the bees and took some time finding the queen bee.  It was a fun outing, short and sweet!

We took some time listening to music in old town Durango and walked the shops, but without the fireworks we were in bed early.  A good thing, since we had our Durango and Silverton train ride in the early morning.

The kids couldn't make it to the train fast enough and were absolutely thrilled, as they had been anticipating this trip for months.

The views were no short of spectacular!  All the wonders of God's glory, just stood out and kept us captivated for our entire journey to Silverton.  

We passed enchanting waterfalls,

climbed steep mountainsides and crossed rattling bridges from the late 1800's, peering down to one of the most gorgeous picturesque settings,

following the Animas River through the canyons.

Even Ella spent most of the two and a half hour train ride up and back, taking in all the glory!

We had an amazing time!  We spent almost the whole day on the train and still the kids couldn't wait to do it all again!  We took a short stop in Silverton for lunch, then it was back on the train.  

Riding in the open air gondola car we were covered in soot, but we didn't care. The kids had the full experience, soot and all.  I didn't put my camera down the whole journey!    How awesome are God's works!!  

The kids really enjoyed the campground and were thrilled to meet two very nice sisters, from Arizona.  The girls all helped watch over Eric and every day they would look for each other to go biking or play games.  

Ella really seemed to click with 8 year old Grace and the girls decided they would be pen pals by the end of our camping trip. We do hope we'll get to see them again!

We left Durango on a much cooler morning, so we figured the Great Sand Dunes would be a bit more bearable this time as well as a cold front was coming in.

The weather was cooler, as the rain started coming down that evening and was on and off the following morning.  However, it was a nice change.  We checkout out the visitor center and took one last photo before heading home. 

We often are so busy going about our day, that we forget to take time out to really see the beauty that surrounds us day to day.  We are so thankful and blessed to be able to enjoy not only time together as a family during our trips, but to enjoy all the magnificent creations in nature God has bestowed upon us! 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

~ Psalm 121: 1-2

The Beauty of Summer!

Breckenridge is always a family favorite and this time was no exception.  We were excited that the fire ban did not extend to the Summit County area, just yet.  So, the kids were anxious to roast marshmallows.

Our view was amazing and definitely loved our campsite. 

The paved lots were great, as the kids enjoyed riding their bikes and Eric spent most of his down time on his scooter. 

Ella and Eric's favorite outing was to feed the chipmunks at Sapphire Point.  I think this has become a ritual whenever we come up to Breckenridge, as we always seem to spend quite a bit of time here.  

It's so fun to be able to visit and take the kids to the exact spot we were married, to spend time as a family.  

Ella is doing very well with her horseback riding lessons and is quickly building up strength in her canter.  She can now canter with no hands and steers very well while trotting too.  She's working really hard to move up to more advanced shows.

Eric is now riding once a month as well and absolutely loves it.  He really has to follow directions well, when he is riding and his teacher says he's doing awesome!

Ella tested for her orange belt this month.  She had to perform her first Kata (form), which is a series of over twenty moves.  She has come a long way, since her first day in karate class.  She is not timid or shy to jump in with the higher ranks or bigger kids and definitely holds her own.  She has impressed her karate teacher with her confidence and spirit.

We were so happy to be able to spend this years Parker Days with the Taylor's (Maria's sister & her family).  The kids had a blast riding the rides, but just spending time together.  They were almost inseparable!

The only time they would part, would be when Ella wanted to ride the fast rides or more adventurous  rides.  

Otherwise, they enjoyed all the rides together and would of spent the entire day at the carnival; however,  we were all exhausted from the heat of the day and all the fun.  So, after six hours we called it a day.

The kids were thrilled to have Seth over during the week to play too!  They rode bikes,  played in the water table and just had a relaxing afternoon together.  Seth even said he wished he could stay longer.  It's nice that Seth is on summer break, as we just don't see enough of him.

Father's Day, Ken was surprised with a new stainless steel camping grill for our travel trailer.  The kids and I were so excited to show him, as he had been wanting one for quite some time.

Ella spent some time during school putting together a beautiful card for Daddy, entitled "Dad and Me." Her mini book talked about their similarities and differences, authored and illustrated by Ella.   She was so excited to show Dad and to read it to him.  

What better way to spend Father's Day then with the kids slip n' sliding.  I'm not sure who had more fun, Ken or the kids.

Of course, you can't spend Father's Day without the lounge chair and a beer in hand.

Our warm weather boy decided the water was way to cold for him.  Ella on the other handed thought the temperature was perfect for an afternoon of water fun.

Summer is flying by, the weather is getting warmer, and it seems like we have just had a non-stop month of fun.  This is the beauty of summer and love taking it all in.

Maiden Voyage!

It's been a busy month and although summer is approaching, it seems like we're busier then ever.  Ella qualified for her orange belt exam, which will take place the first week of June.  Eric surprised all of us, as he asked Ella's karate teacher (Sensei) to start attending classes.  Although, he requires the children to be four years old he did let Eric at least try a class.  Eric was absolutely thrilled just to be able to take part in the class.  

Eric tried the Jr. Wolf Cubs class and had a blast, but will probably be officially ready to take part in a few more months at least.  He kept up really well and listened attentively, but we'll have to wait for his fine motor skills to catch up.  He definitely looked the part though and can't wait to start classes.

May flew by and before we knew it, camping season was upon us.  The kids were excited to see the trailer in the front yard and couldn't wait to go camping.  Our first trip was Memorial Day weekend to Estes Park.  The weather held out fairly well with a mixture of weather, but mainly wind.  Ken and the kids spent our first morning, making a very nice flag pole for our campsite.

Ken and the kids did a great job putting it together, because it has helped up through some very strong winds our trip.

We tried a new campground this year, recommended by Maria's sister and were really pleased with our spot.  We definitely enjoyed our view of the elk as they made their way through the campground in the evenings.

We decided to forgo our excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park, because the weather was a bit chilly and extremely windy.  We decided to make another trip up to Estes later in the season and we would definitely be sure to make it to the park then.

However, we did spend some time playing at the park in the center of town during the day

and enjoyed the calmer weather in town.

We didn't realize it at the time we booked our weekend in Estes that the town puts on an Art show every year during Memorial Day weekend.  We were all amazed by the wonderful artisans and creations.  It was hard not to walk away with all the beautiful sculptures, artwork, and photos. We were even more amazed when we won a  wooden train at the auction they were holding to help support the local artists.  The kids had a great time playing with the train all weekend.

We managed to get in just a short fishing excursion, before the weather turned.  Ella had no problem getting her hands dirty and even helped Eric bait his hook.

Eric thought he caught something, but turns out it was just his line getting stuck in the rocks.  Regardless, he was excited and thought for sure he had missed his fish.

Ella is doing well casting her own line, but we quickly realized she needed a better fishing pole.  Her line kept getting stuck on the pole.  Looks like we need to invest in a better pole for her, as she really enjoys fishing.

Unfortunately, the fish weren't biting or at least we weren't catching.  We look forward to our next trip to Mary's Lake.

The highlight of our trip was definitely the art show, but also getting to experience glass blowing first hand.  Ella had been studying the Phoenicians and how they were the first to invent glass blowing.  So, she was extra thrilled to be able to see it all from start to finish at "Mountain Blown Glass ."  Eric was captivated by the live demonstration and they both sat for 45 minutes just enthralled with it all.  

The weather turned quickly to cold and strong gusts of winds in the evening.   Our last day, the wind was relentless, so we decided to leave a little early and get home to some much needed gardening.

We enjoyed spending some quality time together, but also just getting away from the daily grind is extremely rewarding.  We definitely enjoyed our maiden voyage and look forward to many more this season!

Sun, Sand, and FUN!

Hoping to catch Ken's sister and brother-in-law in Florida, we booked our trip to Florida via Charleston.  We had a fun trip down memory lane as we headed to the Palmetto state, South Carolina.  The kids and I were excited to return, as it's been over two years since we called South Carolina home.  

We immediately fell right at home in the warmth and humidity!  The ocean air and being at sea level seemed to give all of us a bit more energy to run around and enjoy the southern sun.  Our very first night we arrived to took a stroll around Daniel Island (where Ken's offices are located and where we were staying).  Ella loved watching the cranes flying over head and Eric loved the boats that would pass us by.  We all loved looking out at the water.

This was a work trip for Ken, so while Ken was at work the kids and I got to play.  We ventured out to the Children's Museum.

Ella and Eric had the most fun in their children's run mini store.  

I had many memories of taking Ella to the museum and remember taking Eric when he was just an infant.  My times have changed!

I also remembered taking Ella's school trip to the Fire Museum in North Charleston and knew Eric would love seeing all the antique engines.

I was right about the kids loving the museum.  However, Eric was a bit disappointed he couldn't ride all of them.  We learned about fire safety and of course tried out the long fireman's pole, red slide,  and enjoyed the simulated ride in a real fire truck.

South Carolina was built for the heat.  The kids had plenty of chances to cool off, as we ventured out to the Wannamaker Sprinkler Park and downtown Charleston's Waterfront Park.  The weather was perfect and we were sad to leave, but excited for the next adventure.

Unfortunately, Ken's frequent flyer miles only stretched so far during this busy summer season.  So, we rented a car and drove to Florida instead of flying everyone out.  The kids did awesome on the almost nine hour drive though and were definitely ready to the hit water when we arrived.  They jumped right into Grandma and Grandpa's swimming pool.

We made our usual stop at Anna Maria Island, where the kids could go fish and hit the beach.  They were excited to see the Swift Family name carved into the boards at the pier and hope someday they will be taking their own children to the island.  Ken's family has a long history with the island and purchased the board back in 2007.

Ella found an awesome sand dollar, but elected to let it go so it could live on in Gulf of Mexico.

Eric preferred splashing and playing the water.  He was quite at home and looked like he was born to live near the beach (maybe, it's that he was born in Charleston).

We were disappointed we didn't get to meet up with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mark, as our schedules didn't coordinate as we had hoped.  However, were happy the kids were able to spend time with their Great-Grandma Swift

and Uncle Mikey.  We always enjoy our visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house, probably because it's like a mini-vacation in itself.  Beaches, pools, wonderful family, the kids had a blast!  Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for always making us feel at home!

We weren't quite done with adventure, as had one major stop still to go.  We were ready to unwind and ready for our family vacation.  We took advantage of our trip to Florida to take the the kids to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where Winter the dolphin from the "Dolphin Tale" movie lives.

Not only were we able to see Winter the dolphin, but able to tour props and sets from the movie itself. Winter was a sight to see and both kids were thrilled to get up close to see her for themselves.

We also learned so much about all the marine life that this wonderful and active marine hospital continues to save.  We watched doctors perform surgery on a sea turtle to remove Fibropapilloma tumors that plagued this defenseless creature.  

We were so happy with our visit to Clearwater's Marine Aquarium.  We were surprised when we walked in to see how little the facility was, but even more surprised that we spent over six hours learning about Winter and all the other extraordinary care they are giving to injured marine life in Florida. The kids are already asking to go back again.

We enjoyed our last day in Clearwater sitting by the beach.  Of course, I had to take advantage of the beautiful ocean view and grabbed my camera.

Ella @ 6.5yrs.

Eric @ 3.5yrs.

 Taking in the amazing sunset!

Just as the kids were getting used to beach life,

We knew it was time to head home.  

What a wonderful trip down memory lane for us and the kids! 

We jumped right back into our normal routine and was surprised when Ella's horseback riding instructor informed us the night we arrived home that Ella could participate in a show that weekend.  Ella was thrilled and it was quite a treat for her that weekend.  She did well and definitely showed she knew the basics.  Ella is sporting her first class ribbon here, with her favorite horse "Brenner."

Just a week later, we were watching Ella at her first piano performance.  Ella has been taking piano since she was three and is always singing around the house, making up songs.  She definitely enjoys music and I think it shows in her performance.  

She selected Express Train for Eric, since she knew trains were his favorite.  She learned the melody to Peas Porridge Hot and then composed the entire piece herself.  She practiced so hard for her performance and it showed in her confidence and demeanor.  We are so happy to have such a wonderful piano teacher and look forward to her final year at her piano school (the program is only for 3 years).  What a wonderful foundation they are providing for her both musically and academically.

Eric will be starting his own piano lessons in the fall; however, definitely enjoys keeping busy with his new found love of baseball.  He did awesome this season, during his limited time at play.  Probably, one of the younger ones on the team he definitely picked up on the fundamentals and is excited to play again. 

We have a busy summer planned, not just with activities but camping trips.  Stay tuned to see where we are adventuring to next!