Catching up in Colorado......

No, we didn't drive off a cliff.....just enjoying family and our favorite Colorado views and places.   For all of you campers out there, be sure and check out Chatfield St Park for a first class camping experience.   Full hookups and stunning views.      Except, the foothills and mountains are totally obscured by wildfire haze from fires in other states.     This was the view early one morning 

from our campsite......!

We arrived just in time to share in the joy of Nicholas and Kelsey as they announce their engagement.   They have been together for over 6 years so it was no surprise but we are delighted to welcome Kelsey officially and look forward to the wedding next Thanksgiving.    And boy, do we feel OLD now......Nicholas is still a 2 year old with cute curls in his grandmother's eyes....not a 24 year old engineer !     And we loved reuniting with our own Fairy Godmother once again.   Becca is back at CSU and growing into a beautiful woman but still has that pixie dust twinkle in her eye.   Alex was away for the weekend but not before he played 18 holes with his grandfather.....who called for an infusion of Motrin halfway thru and then went on to play a really good round.     Lizzie, at 14 has blossomed and grown up......I remember well carrying her around the house strapped to my chest while I tended to her siblings when the parents were away.   Ah, time.....fleeting at this age but the memories are brilliant.  

Next week, we will head towards Albuquerque ( try typing that fast ! ) for the Balloon Fiesta.    Mike and Jenna and the kids have crewed for a family of ballooners for several years but we've not been able to meet up with them before......  on Saturday, we joined them, very early, to watch the process.

Chatfield has a designated area for balloonists so we didn't have to drive very far.   

Smooth landing.......The balloon is piloted by Marnie and her husband.....  she is the daughter of the famous balloonist  ( Dr Carol Davis )who was lost 2 years ago over the Adriatic Sea..... We followed the race and the devastating news  on our blog  during those sad days. (Sept 29, 2010 if you care to check my posts).     The balloon that they are currently flying represents the Denver flag.  

We have frequented favorite haunts and had some really good food.    This was my pizza the other night.....outstanding flavor from those little heirloom tomatoes.    Last night it was Mexican while watching the Broncos .............wonder if they still consider the $95,000,000 they are paying Peyton to be worth it !!
 

Today, we are heading into the mountains to take in the breathtaking beauty of the changing aspens.