Happy Labor Day! Todd and Chris headed out on the backcountry trails behind our house, and 8 miles later, they feel they had explored quite a lot of the "road less traveled." They found 3 horned toad (I keep calling them horny toads and it drives Chris crazy ;) ) . Can't believe the summer is coming to an end, however, we have broken the record of hottest August ever. Ready for some cooler temps...like 75 degrees and sunshine...I would be happy with that weather way into November.
Today, we, with more than 30 other "Carlson Connection" family members joined together at Grammama and Harvey's new "home" at Sunrise for a family gathering. She hadn't seen the boys in a while so she could hardly believe how much they had grown and in fact, didn't recognize Zach at first. What I did notice is that a lot of Grammama's spunk had returned and she was so so happy to have everyone there. So glad it was such a special time for her. She told me "I'm not going to forget this day" and I'm glad she has something to reflect back onto. I think she and Harvey have made a graceful adjustment to this new life...especially Grammama. Love that my boys really know their great grandmother.
Headed out on a hike to the Backcountry/Daniels Park area. Nick stayed home and had homework, so the remaining 4 took off along the same path we had gone several times on with Mocha many years ago. Chris has a good eye because he found this horney toad near the side of the path. It was just a baby that could've been easily stepped on so it's good to have him with us. Both he and Zach held it and then placed him back off the path. Loved spending the late morning doing this.
Summer break is quickly coming to an end...Todd has two days off and we had some ideas of what to do, but when it came down to it, we headed to Dinosaur Ridge and then lunch at Morrison Inn all together. It is a great walk to take and it always amazes me to see real dino prints in our own "backyard." When Nick was little, he would check out all the dino books at the library...in the non-fiction section. He would spend hours pouring over the pictures and he could name ever single one perfectly. The geology and the history of the earth really is amazing and I think I started becoming interested in it when I had Earth Science in 9th grade. 
"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a super hero." (Marc Brown/creator of "Arthur")
For Shari's "July Challenge" for Shari Kimmey Photography, one of the prompts was "color"...which led to this project. I asked each of us to name 3 colors that remind us of the word "colorful"...I then got those colors and 5x7 canvases and we all set to work with our own interpretation of "colorful". I was pleased how everyone set to work and spent time coming up with their ideas and painting. To me, they really are masterpieces and I can look at each one and see that individual in their painting...very cool.
HAPPY 19TH ANNIVERSARY TO US...we all headed out to Water World for the day and had a really good time. Todd is now bringing home "Noodles" for our anniversary dinner. 19 years...wow! This morning, Todd surprised me with a bag filled with 19 gifts. With our new patio addition, I hadn't bought anything because I knew we may want to get some things for that room. What a fun, happy surprise and mean to so much to me. Thanks, Todd! I loved you 19 years ago and even more today!
SO MUCH TO POST AND MORE PICS TO ADD SO THIS IS THE START...DON'T FORGET TO ADD!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY...yesterday was one of my favorite days of the summer. After a relaxing morning, we went up to Daniel's Park to hike around, see the horses and buffalo and enjoy the day. It was super hot but we climbed up and down the sandstone rocks and overlooked the expanse of Denver, the mountains and everything looking south. Chris is the true hiker and explorer and reminds me of Todd in that love and passion. I took almost 200 pictures yesterday of our outing so I have much more to share and memories to save and remember.
I know I'm guaranteed a few shots with the boys on my birthday because they can't say "no"...so that is what I did and had fun doing this with them as they freaked out as cars drove by. (especially Nick ;) ). Love having these moments documented every once in a while.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO DAD AND TODD...Two incredible days who have always loved their kids so much. This morning we went over to Mom and Dad's...brought in Starbuck's for all of us and enjoyed it on their front porch. As far as gifts go, I was very excited to give Dad his presents...a book about American's in Paris (fitting since Chris has been there now) by David McCullough (good history) and then, the piece de resistance (in my very most French like accent)..."Lady Gaga" cd. Within a few minutes, he went in and put it on and her voice filled the house. What a nice way to spend the beginning of Father's Day. We then came home and watched the US Open (won by Rory McIlroy...22 years old from Northern Ireland who led the entire tournament) and went for dinner around 3 at Outback for their steak and lobster and then came home and played a family kickball game. It must be duly noted that Todd and I beat Zach and Nick 6-1 and we even gave them an extra inning as a bonus and still...we won! Todd made a blueberry cobbler for dessert and we watched Food Networks "The Next Food Network Star" which is a Sunday night tradtion. The only thing missing from this day was Chris (who comes home MOnday night...YAY!) but he even borrwed a phone and texted Todd to wish him Happy Father's Day so he was most definitely here with us in spirit. A very good day, indeed.
Camping trip #1 of the year is now in the books...Buffalo Peaks...campfires...cold nights...hanging out...awesome breakfast...wolves howling in the distance...Nick didn't bring a sweatshirt, thus quite chilly...worst part: putting up the tents...best part: being there...
A favorite photo from when were were downtown this past Sunday. I have several in a similar pose, but I like how everyone is more close up, has a similar expression on their face and the urban setting itself...the brick building, the red traffic meter and, of course, these 4 boys.
If there could be a "perfect day", I think yesterday would have been one of them. For the past several years, we have gone downtown to Larimer Square for the "Chalk Art" event that is held early in June. We then have a tradition of going to "Spaghetti Factory" for lunch. We walked up and down to see all the works of art which is pretty amazing. The art on the streets is very short lived, but what these people do is pretty amazing and always fun to see. There was a stand selling the pastels and art drawing books so we picked up a few supplies. I think seeing the crayons/colors in boxes and laid out on the street is probably one of my favorite parts of being there. 
SURVIVOR SEASON FINALE...in honor of this, we fed the boys 1/4 cup of rice for dinner tonight. Of course, we had more dinner after this, but it did surprise them for a few minutes and they didn't "get it" at first. Also, Celebrity Apprentice finale tonight. Had to pick one to watch later on the DVR so we chose that one.
What a nice Mother's Day...in the end, we ate dinner at REd Robin and had a really nice time. We then came home and played family kickball and watched "Celebrity Apprentice." The day started with Nick over with Grandaddy as Gram Gram is recovering in the hospital after knee replacement. While Todd, Chris and Zach finished getting the waterfall ready for spring, I went over to visit my mom and then Nick and I came home and I colored my hair (gotta get rid of those gray hairs and dark roots) and then relaxed in the backyard listening to that beautiful sound of the waterfall. I am so blessed to be these boys mom and there is nothing I love more in this life. On this day, I also reflect on my mom and how amazing she has always been...no more so than now as she shows strength, courage and grace as she begins the long recovery process after knee replacement. Thank you mom!
Happy Easter! Love these random family self-portraits. We were heading out to meet the whole Nelson family (17 of us) at The Meadows for Easter lunch and then cake over at mom and dads. With everything getting hectic with Grammama's condition, their moving and moms upcoming knee replacement, Easter snuck up on us. We knew it would be nice to all get together and it ended up being a perfect day...and that makes me SMILE!
