Trip to Estes Park

 Since we didn't go to EP in October we "needed" to go in December. We like to go twice a year to make sure everything looks good as well as to visit family. I'd prefer to go in the fall, but winter in Estes Park is nice. The fun event for this trip was the boys doing the polar plunge. The river and pond were iced over, so it was fun to walk on it to and from Coffee on the Rocks. 

Our first day there, the boys decided to go sledding... into the freezing water. I think Steven was the only one to do it, and he went twice.  (Only one video would upload) 

The next day, the boys decided to do the polar plunge. Mike, Steven and Tommy did it, followed by  Alison, Dave, Steven, Roland, Loisl, Alison, and Isabel.

In the evening, we played games and enjoyed each other's company. I love my family and am grateful for the opportunity we had to buy our place in Estes Park. It's been a financial and familial blessing. 

Erik's tree in the Festival of Trees and Audrey's FOT performance

I've wanted to donate a tree to the Festival of Trees in Erik's honor for a few years, but knew this was above my skill level. A woman Meagan Beard posted in a community group about wanting to collaborate on a tree and I jumped at the chance to utilize her skills. To say she did an amazing job would be an understatement.  She did most of it late at night while her kids were in bed and the on the day of, Ash and I went to the convention center to help her set up. 

The tree cost around $700 to create and they started the bidding at $2000. I was nervous it would sell, but it did, for $2100 to Tracy Biorge or Biorge Construction. I feel like writing her a thank you note, but don't know if that would be appropriate. I love how giving people are. 

We planned on coming back during the festival to see it and were please to find out that Audrey's teacher does a mini recital there. 

Random November

I hope Mike never grows up, because he is so much fun. He's been working a lot but makes the most of his time with us when he's home. We all feel very lucky to have him in our lives. (I might be a tiny bit sentimental because I'm blogging from Mother's Day 2025 and he's been a rock star) 

Audrey lost another tooth on the 8th and got into the lost and found while helping me clean the church

Audrey lost yet another tooth on the 17th

Sarah and I went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at her school, which inspired us to go to NYC for spring break and see it in person. 

We bought a new marbles game for our Riverjoy and decided to play it as a family. We liked it even while getting annoyed with it. 

Happy 19th Birthday Mija!

 Sarah turned the big 1-9 and was kind enough to grace us with her presence. (I'm being serious, we already miss her so much!) Sarah is a gift to those around her. She's kind, generous, smart, funny, and an all around good kid. (But not perfect, which is good) Going to SUU has been great for her, and she's flourished. Happy Birthday Mija!