Blacker Family Reunion
We got together with the Blackers in Albuquerque this year for some summer fun. Cousin time together, memorizing scriptures with Grandpa, making a "Once there was a Snowman" family lip-sync movie, and eating yummy New Mexican food smothered in green chili were a few of the favorite highlights.
One of the homes we stayed at was near the Rio Grande. The kids loved exploring.
The Electric Playhouse was a blast too.
Thank goodness Shantae speaks "Cole" when it comes to games!
The restaurant was able to fit all 32 of us in!
The Zoo never disappoints!
Sibling shenanigans! The only time I feel short is when I'm standing in between all my brothers. 😁
The other house we stayed in had a fun arcade game room that the kids loved.
Lexi was worn out after so much fun.
It was HOT, but these kids still attempted the hot tub. Who can resist?
Happy Birthday, Aubri! Nathan decorated her cake with a duck and duck eggs just for her.
I also got to have lunch with my good friend, Jessica Dunlap. I miss this woman!
Pottery Making
Our neighbor, Shirley Lewis, is a potter, and she invited the kids and I over to make some pottery with her. She gave so much of her time to help each of us make a pot on the potting wheel, and then she baked them in her kiln and glazed them for us. We adore her, and the pots are a special keepsake now.
Annie
Clara took a musical theater class this summer and they performed a shortened version of "Annie". Clara was the orphan, Kate. She loved being on stage - there's no going back!
The Pikes Peak Rodeo is a family favorite. It's a whole different world. The kids zone before the competition is so fun.
Camping
The kids begged us to go "real camping" (as opposed to setting up a tent on the back part of our wooded property), so we took them for a one night trip to Staunton State Park, just west of Denver. It was beautiful with lots of fun rocks for the kids to climb. Dave and I were once again reminded that we don't like sleeping in a tent with our children or on a leaky air mattress. They think they like camping until they have to be right next to each other in a tent...we even had 2 tents so there was more room!😋
July Fun
Dave and Corban enjoying running in beautiful Colorado.
Macy always travels in style, with her glasses, her favorite sparkly purse and her grandma blanket.
We have a very similar issue with hotel rooms as we do camping tents. At lease we usually get free breakfast at the hotel...
Macy as Queen of the Mountain.
This is the state of our study most summer days. Soooo many crafts out. I have a love/hate relationship with how much fun my kids have doing them and how much I hate the mess.
