Back to school

Top Dogs.

That's what they are this year - 8th grader and 5th grader.
Their last year in middle and elementary schools.

They were pretty psyched to begin this year - perhaps because we all were feeling that it was a long and fulfilling summer (see previous posts!) and we were all craving (either consciously or subconsciously) getting back into a routine.

So off we all went - into the new school year. Each of us again at our own buildings.
And on the very first day (the day of the solar eclipse!) it was almost like no time had passed at all since we were last headed to school in June. Which is good - it was easy.

There are only a few minor differences.... this fall Hamp will play football for the cowboys, instead of Club Soccer in Rifle. Sam has put piano lessons on hold to focus on the Jr. Musical and gymnastics! And to be honest - we are all operating on a new level of independence.

I felt the boys grow this summer. Sure Hamp is taller, and Sam is more mature. But really they are both more aware of themselves as people instead of just my kids. They are learning to navigate life without my guidance, whether it's packing their own lunch, hauling their own gear, working for their own money, or figuring out what to do when they have free time.

Right before the week started, I even let them kayak the river together - just the two of them. Outwardly, I was totally nonchalant about sending them down the river alone... but inwardly I was imagining all the horrors of them drowning or getting eaten by the legendary White River monster. Turns out, they did great and had the very best time. They are truly capable of doing so much on their own and it is equal parts unnerving and satisfying!

I am not sure if I have unintentionally backed off this summer, or if I am trying to foster their independence for all of our sakes (or if I simply haven't had time/energy to micro-manage their lives!!!) but regardless I am enjoying watching them blossom into good people.


The first week of school went great - and was capped off perfectly with a home Varsity football game in ideal end-of-summer weather. Not only was it a win for the Cowboys, but Hamp got to play with the pep band in the grand stands... the fight song never sounded so good!



It is so great to see them grow! It's going to be a good year...

... and the best way to end the summer!

The Etheridge family came all the way out to Meeker again... rounding out the summer perfectly with a great family visit and plenty of good times on the trail, on the river, or just in the backyard!

And of course everyone spent plenty of time getting to play with sweet baby Jena...

PART II - summer on the water

Soooo.... when we weren't playing in the mountains this summer, we were on the water!

Once the boys got home we were anxious to get a lot of time on the lake - Sam got a new kayak that he was excited to use and my good friend's new paddle board company gave us plenty of reason for us to go! The kids would help load up snacks, drinks, boats, boards and of course friends then enjoy all day together in the sunshine!

There were a few times when just I got go up to the lake with my friend for a little quiet time on the board!

By July, the river was low enough that I was comfortable taking the kids and of course friends down for an afternoon paddle or a float trip! Sam loves his kayak and Hamp just likes an adventure...

(and when the property owner/good friend gives the go-ahead, it's always fun to jump off the bridge!)



No doubt we have tried to take full advantage of Colorado summers this year!

PART I - Summer in the mountains

OK.... so part of our summer didn't go as planned.
But that doesn't mean that we didn't live fully all the days that we were home!

In fact, we spent a good part of the last couple months doing exactly what we love most about living in Colorado: playing in the mountains!
Whether touring, biking, camping, hiking or just playing - we certainly have enjoyed the view:


First stop: Red Rocks Amphitheater in June - the boys loved seeing Mike Snow
(although we were there to see Phoenix but it started to rain.... ahhh, the hazards of being exposed!)

Then a bike ride into the Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River



A camping trip into the FlatTops Wilderness - including an overnight at Wall Lake and a summit of Trapper's Peak!








A day hike at Sunlight Mountain.... with a view of the Elk Mountain Range from the top!

And finally, a quick weekend visit with friends in Winter Park!
(including a bike ride, an alpine slide, an art fair, and trampoline bungee jumping!)

Stay tuned for more summer fun.....