A Bit of Family Time

I have to admit I get a wee bit jealous when I hear about the time my kids spend with their significant other's family.  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for them and so glad they have them as part of their lives.  But, the few times a year I get to see them just isn't enough!  So, this past weekend, I was extremely grateful to go and visit them.  We had hoped for a beautiful fall weekend, however, the rain never moved out until Sunday afternoon, so we had to postpone our little hiking trip to Table Rock State Park until Sunday.  And, then, unfortunately, Beki got sick and couldn't make it.  Our time there was nice.  We celebrated Ari's birthday, even if a few weeks late, enjoyed dinner with everyone, spent a little time at the coffee shop, decorated fall cookies. 

 

When the rain finally stopped Sunday, we drove to the state park.  The fall colors were just starting to dot the landscape.  It stayed overcast and wasn't the best day for photos, but here are a few from our trip.

 

 

A little rock skipping!  I wasn't any good at it!

Evening Boat Ride

There's not much more relaxing than an evening ride on the lake at dusk.  Ari and I made a trip home to Ohio and were able to spend some time at the in-laws lake.  It was a gorgeous evening the night we went out.  I could easily imagine spending my whole life near the water. 

Hanging Lake Trail

Our day started at 4:45 am.  And I'm not a morning person.  We flew 2 1/4 hours into Denver Airport, rented our car and headed west on I-70.  It was a little bit chilly when we landed at 8 am, about 45*.  As you can see, there is some snow in the Colorado mountains.

We arrived in Glenwood Springs, CO about 3 hours later where we found a Brew House for lunch.  Our waitress suggested we must do The Hanging Lake hike.  We followed her advice and went in search of the trail.  Heeding little attention to the signs suggesting taking plenty of water and that the hike was strenuous, we made our way up and up and up. 

It never stopped being an incline the entire 1 mile up which took us about 2 1/2 hours to get to the top.  I struggled, having just come off of being sick and still a little congested, up to the top having to stop a lot and catch my breath and bring my heart rate back to normal!  But the lake was worth the effort as it does literally seem to hang up there in the mountain. 

 That night we went to a natural hot spring pool and recuperated from the hike. 

Labor Day Weekend at the Lake

I was so ready for a break after all the craziness of August.  So, John and I, decided to spend it up in Coldwater.  When I think of going to Coldwater Lake, I think of rest and relaxation and I was not disappointed.  It's also a nice time to catch up with the in-laws.  Beth and Steve and the kids were also there along with friends of theirs.  It was a great way to end the summer, watching sunsets, boating on the lake, walks around the island, and catching up with family.  And although we were there to enjoy the summer sun, you could just start to feel a little bit of fall in the air.

We were driving up when tears filled my eyes, which seems to be happening a lot lately, and I realized this was our first trip to the cottage without our girls or at least one of them.  Proof that life is changing and things aren't the same.  I have to get used to this "doing things by ourselves" phase. 

 

 

Lake Views

I tried to get some different shots of the Lake than the last time we were there.  I believe I succeeded.  I hope you can enjoy the Lake through my pictures.  I'm so thankful for Mom and Jerry and the fact that they allow us to enjoy this along with our families.  Thanks for a great week!

John taking the crew out for a ride!

Jerry's dock.

The Eagle has landed.