Laser Tag!

I had coupons for Laser Quest that expired today, so we took a drive to the local Laser Quest and had a great time tagging each other. Alysse is quite proud of herself in this picture because she won first place on the last game. If you can see Austin's expression, it says it all for where he placed. You have to understand that Austin is quite the marksman normally, so these two games today were very much a disappointment to him. I'd like you all to know I came in dead last. I am terrible at laser tag, but it was fun to watch the kids.

I am sure you noticed I had extra children with me. Alysse had her friend Sasha over, and Vivian, Alysse's other friend, was in town from Georgia. We miss the Ramos kids and are glad to be able to spend time with them this week.

Austin is best friends with Austin who is moving back to Texas this summer which is of great sadness to my Austin. Jacob, Vivien's brother, was able to join in our festivities of the day, too!

This next picture is so cute! Ashlea and David were best buddies when David still lived here, and David couldn't wait to see Ashlea. Of course, being who Ash is she was playing her timid self at first, but then a few minutes later they were chatting up a storm!

One thing I love about being in the military is getting to see our friends who have moved away or have stayed (and we moved)! Now that my kids are older they are experiencing it, too!

Update on James: He is doing great out in the desert heat. He is in class from 6 to 6 everyday in a room with no air conditioning! He gets the joy of eating an MRE for lunch each day, too! Does it get any better than that!

Under the Sea

About a week or so ago the girls participated in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of "The Little Mermaid". Alysse and Ashlea were chosen to be seahorses! They practiced all week for the performance on Friday. Unfortunately, Alysse caught a stomach bug on Thursday afternoon and was unable to be in the play. Boo Hoo!!! Even though Alysse wasn't be able to be there, Ashlea kept on like a trooper. She did a great job and was the cutest seahorse this side of the ocean!

Rest of Muniz family trip

The day after we got back from our trip to Glenwood Springs we went to the North Pole! That's right - complete with Santa and all! Bet you didn't know the north pole is right here in Colorado Springs? Actually, it is an amusement park dedicated to all things Christmas! The first thing the kids did was run to the Santa slide. It is a fave of everyone!

Isn't Ash cute driving her car?

Now in my younger days the tilt-a-whirl was a favorite of mine. I was persuaded to get on such ride during this trip, and let's just say that I am not as young as I used to be. The kids wanted to ride it again right after we finished, and I said, "only if you want me to throw up on you!" As you can see in this pic, Alysse and Rebecca are certainly enjoying it. Aw youth!

This is my favorite picture because there is a story behind it. You have to know James. He does not do any rides that go around and around - just can't handle 'em. The kids wanted to ride on this shuttle ride and had to have an adult go with them. I am smart enough to know that I do not like this ride and so declined the invitation. I convinced James to go with them. The ride didn't go very long before the operator had to stop it and let a little boy off. After starting the ride again, it just kept going and going and going until I hear James yell, "Enough already!" I laughed so hard! It wasn't the kids who were wanting to get it. It was James. I tried taking a picture of his face while the ride was going, but none of them turned out. Lucky him!

I'm thinking this next one might be good Christmas card material!

We had a great time with the Muniz family! Hopefully, this will inspire some of you to come see us! We'd love to have you!

James off to training

Just a note to let you know that today James left for training in Nevada. We have been blessed by being given another chance to see him in Denver for a few days after his training is done and before he flies out to Afghanistan. I am sure he would appreciate your prayers as he will be in the Nevada desert heat in August!

Day 3 & 4 Muniz visit

On day 3, we went to the hot springs pool which was so fantastic!!! If you have forgotten what it looks like, please refer to my former post entitled Glenwood Springs and Aspen. The next day we headed back to Colorado Springs via Independence pass. We stopped in Aspen for lunch then headed to Independence ghost town. This first picture is of the kids and the scenery at the ghost town. In the second photo you can see the buildings that are left of the town. It was really neat to go there and think that it used to be a thriving city where people lived and worked. We met the ghost interpreter (the person who works for the Aspen historical society) who told us all sorts of interesting facts. He actually lives there during the summer! Please remember there is absolutely no electricity. Let me emphasize that again - NO ELECTRICITY! Also, there is no fast food joint or indoor toilet anywhere near. He says he enjoys it, though, so more power to him!

This next picture was taken at the summit on Independence pass. The cool thing about the summit was every direction you turned there were mountains. Breathtaking! Apparently blowing kisses is Ashlea's favorite pose. She did the same thing in an earlier photo. Also, the kids were so tired of taking photos that I am lucky to have a decent photo of them. You should see the other ones. Eyes are rolling, frowns are on faces, etc. I was quite nervous about driving up and down the pass, but I did it and am proud of myself! I just kept my eyes focused on the road in front of me and not what was going on on the sides!

Now, if you thought our vacation ended when we got to Colorado Springs, you are mistaken! There is more to come!!!

Muniz visit day 2

On day 2 of our visit we went hiking to hanging lake. It is this beautiful lake with a couple of waterfalls hanging off the side of a mountain (hence, the name). It was a 3 hour hike round trip, and let's just say that I was reminded quite often how out of shape I am. Maybe I can just blame it on the altitude.:) Hey, that sounds good!
Here is a close up of the water so that you can see how gorgeous the colors are!

This is the Glenwood Canyon that hanging lake is in. If you ever drive on I-70 through Colorado, you get to drive through this awesome piece of land! I am reminded everyday of God's amazing handiwork!

Muniz family visit

We recently had our friends the Muniz family visit us, and what a great time we had! I will break this down in a few posts so as to not overwhelm you! We decided to take them to Glenwood Springs which is a family favorite! On our way we stopped in Leadville to ride the train. Once again, I can't say enough about Colorado scenery! Here are the kids getting ready to ride the rails!!
This next photo is just a spot we found on our way to Glenwood Springs! Beautiful, isn't it?