Aaron - Dancing!

Graland -Check out picture #3.

Happy Belated Birthday - Delaney!

We LoveYou!

We Are Still Here

Friends,
We want you all to know that we have not dropped off the face of the earth. It has been a busy, crazy fall. Please stay tuned for an update soon...
a and v

Tucker

TUCKER. The new addition to our home.

Colorado Road Trip

Colorado Road Trip July '07

We decided to get away from the heat of Denver and spend some quality time out west. It was time to see some of my favorite parts of Colorado. We went up to Summit County to see how things were going at Keystone Science School summer programs. They have been doing some extensive landscaping and it is taking shape. I was quite impressed with the progress they have made. We were heading to Redstone, near Glenwood Springs. Bob and Linda Byers, my parent’s friends (and neighbors), have a home in Redstone and we spent the evening and morning with them. They were such gracious hosts for these imposers. We started heading south on the West Elk Scenic Byway toward Ouray. We passed by Black Canyon of the Gunnison, another place of great heights. Vicki had some difficulties with the drive near the rim and in most of the scenic overlooks. It combines all aspects of sheer walls, deep and narrow walls which makes it one of the most impressive canyons in the country. It is an amazing site and not a bad detour on our way to Ouray. Ouray is one of my favorite towns in Colorado with eclectic shopping and beautiful scenery everywhere. It is such a quaint mountain time with towering canyon walls just behind all the buildings. It is such a gorgeous setting with Cascade Falls looming over the town. We went over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton where walked around town in the cool drizzle. We could see our breath which is a welcome change from the heat of the Front Range. After talking to a weaver in Silverton and snapping some quick pictures of the train as it departed to Durango. Vicki and I were off to Durango for our next stop. We stayed in a dingy old hotel but all we needed was the bed. We exited the mountains and entered the San Luis Valley, primarily agricultural land, on our way to Alamosa. We decided we should go to the Great Sand Dunes National Park since we were down this way. Phoebe had love frolicking in the light sand and open spaces. We had to limit her movement most of the trip but she took advantage of the dunes. She love the small creek we had to wade through to get to the massive dunes. She could spend all day there and the temperature was unseasonably mild that day. This week was a great wildlife spotting session too. We watched a molting black bear foraging on a nearby hillside, followed a mother coyote and two cubs along the road, watched many turkey vultures soaring and roosting on the sheer cliffs of Black Canyon, rescued a tiger salamander from the center line of the highway, and spotted several pronghorn, elk and mule deer along the roadside. We love connecting with the outdoors in this wonderful state.

Royal Gorge!

The summer is continuing to fade away but we have been taking advantage of the time we have available. Some college friends, Ty and Kristi Demint, were vacationing in Pueblo with their family. Vicki and I decided that was the perfect excuse to go south to see the sights down there and spend some time with friends. We had a great evening catching up with them at the hotel and over dinner. Its has been too long. Ty and Kristi had to leave for Kansas early the next morning so Vicki and I decided to explore the area. We went to the Royal Gorge since both of us haven’t been there for several years and we are always interested in seeing the beauty of Colorado. We did all the tourist poses while at the gorge (under the sign, on the tram, sitting on the train, on the bridge, and all other traditional photo points). I am enjoying being a tourist since I don’t live in a tourist area anymore. Seeing the rushing water in the base of the gorge from over 1000 feet above is awe inspiring and possibly nauseating to Vicki. She isn’t too fond of the heights. Luckily the wind wasn’t blowing like it had earlier in the week. We heard the suspension bridge was rocking in the gales. We traveled to the base on the cable tram and were fortunate to see the train come through. We just enjoyed our time in the amazing setting and just were thankful we were able to spend the day here. We took a leisurely trek home on one of the scenic byways. Vicki’s students researched a scenic byway to learn about Colorado geography and we have been making a point to take them whenever possible so Vicki knows about them first hand. Traveling through the curved, two-lane roads through the gorgeous valleys and over remote, mountain passes makes travel much more rewarding.

Biking, biking, biking

Whew! I am now a safer biker -- with my new helmet. It looks similar to this picture, but I chose not to include an actual photo of me - so as not to scare anyone.

What a wonderful bike ride we had this evening. Starting out on some nice paths, we decided to set a destination goal: Jeanna's house. We made it to their home in less than 1/2 hour. Surprise! (I am teaching Aaron the art of just popping in on friends.) After a pleasant visit, we biked back in about 15 minutes (a more direct route). I wish I had a photo of the beautiful sunset view we had on our ride -- I guess you'll have to visit so you, too, can enjoy the majesty of the Rockies.

**We skipped the ice cream - even though today was National Ice Cream Day!

Stay cool in this hot summer weather!

Happy 4th Birthday

Jillian

We love you!
We miss you!
We cannot wait to see you!

Watoto

Watoto Children's Choir

http://www.watoto.com/us/ChildrensChoir/index.cfm

Uganda's Children

God provided us with a wonderful opportunity to make new friends this week. After watching an energetic performance of Watoto at our church, we hosted an adult and two children from the group. We truly enjoyed getting to know these three awesome people. Since Monday is their "off-day", we got to hang out with them all day. To Aaron's delight, we did plenty of shopping AND Auntie Karen prepared (with a little help) a Ugandan meal for dinner. I am not sure which excited him more -- the food or the shopping. They have been in the country since January, but will be heading home at the end of the month. What a great experience for all of us. We only wish we had more time together, but the show must go on. To Auntie Karen, Lydia, and Elizabeth we say "Webale Nnyo" (Thank you very much!) You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Art on the Streets

What a great summer day we had Friday while we walked through the exhibits in Cherry Creek. Although we were only "viewing" and not shopping, it was great to see all the beautiful and interesting art from across the country. Another treat was the chance to visit with Bob and Megan at Hops. Summer is a super rejuvenator.

Happy 4th!

We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July celebration.

Our celebration included all the makings of a good summer evening; friends, food, and fun. Lisa and her family hosted a BBQ at her Boulder home. We were joined by Boulder friends and went up to Chautauqua together to watch the fireworks. When returning home, Aaron and I were right on time to also see Broomfield and Thornton's firework displays still going. The front range cities were fortunate to be able to set off their fire and light shows, many mountain and surrounding areas were forced to cancel their fireworks because of the fire danger.

KENNY CHESNEY

Aaron swallowed his "not so country" music pride and went with me to the inaugural concert at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The performer?... Jillian's favorite: Kenny Chesney! We got to hear more of Pat Green than we were familiar with since Sugarland didn't perform - they stated Jennifer Nettles was ill - in fact that she had flown to see her Dr. We had a great time listening to Kenny and people watching. (No - we weren't near as close as this picture.) It's a "Flip Flop Summer" her in CO!

We continue to stay cool in the extreme heat of the season. The community pool was a trip for today! Ahhh!

Missing our company

Elliott (and Ann) we miss having you around! We are looking forward to our visit later this summer.

On Sunday, after making sure A and E got through security at DIA, we decided to explore more of the Denver area. Driving through the SW area we ended up having lunch at the Coffee Cup Cafe in historic Monument, running into a major biker rally in downtown Colorado Springs, and browsing the shops in Old Colorado City (a quaint western section of Colorado Springs). Prior to leaving CS, we indulged in sweets at the Black Bear Diner -- milk shake for Aaron and blackberry cobbler for Vicki. We now have some other Colorado sites to take our guests to.

No company also means we should be accomplishing tasks on our "To Do" list. I am happy to report we have been checking off items throughout the week. (We are also enjoying the flexibility of relaxing whenever we wish.) The house locks are finally re-keyed, batteries are changed, we have our pool passkey, and the garage is clean and organized. Of course there are more items to be done, but I think it is time to a bike ride and enjoy this cooler weather.

Visitors

Ann and Elliott have been visiting us this week. We are enjoying our time with them! It is so awesome that they were able to come for a whole week. We've done some sight-seeing each day. Elliott is a great vacationer. He gets little cat naps in between places or in the stroller. We try to have floor time in the morning and at night. We will be sad when they go home. Check out some of the pictures from our adventure. Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Kickin' Back

Currently enjoying the summer vacation... Ann and Elliott arrived this morning from MPLS. We are so excited to have them spend the week in Colorado. The girls are on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa. Elliott traveled well, but he isn't sure about napping at our place, so she is trying to get him to sleep. Meanwhile, Aaron is already napping and the dogs and I are enjoying the pleasant weather in the shade out back. Check back - as we may have some pictures of Elliott in the mountains. We plan to head up to Summit County tomorrow.

SUMMER!!!

Yeah!

Vacation time is here!

We are spending our R and R time

in the backyard with

all our blooming flowers...

Memorial Weekend

We were blessed to spend time with Mom and Dad Murray over the Memorial Day Weekend. They kept us busy with shopping and site seeing. It was a wonderful time, and we are so thankful they were able to make the trip out here.

Our Memorial Day was spent in the grandeur of one of our nation's beautiful national parks -- Rocky Mountain National Park. Only traveling half-way across Trail Ridge Road - we ended up in some snow and wind. The views were gorgeous and the company was terrific.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Gardening, but...

Mother's Day weekend was the perfect time to get some plants/shrubs for the backyard. It was perfect timing because Mom was here. After doing some rummage sale browsing (OK - we did buy a few items), we did the plant shopping and then the plant planting. Aaron was pleased to have a gardening partner. Working into the evening made it difficult to get additional pictures - but you can clearly see that Mom and Aaron did much of the work. (Thank you both for the beautiful backyard!)

*I also want to thank Mom for coming to spend some time with me while Aaron was in Mesa Verde for a week with his students. We did a lot of hanging out and visiting. I am so glad she could be here! (Thank you for making the trip Mom! It meant the world to me!)

Friday Fun

Last night (Friday, May 18) found Aaron and I up at Malley Drive with some of my colleagues and 34 students. It was a reading reward party - a sleep over! No, we didn't spend the night, but we helped out with the evening program. Aaron is so wonderful that he showed up to help and was put to work leading outside games - something at which he is awesome. You wouldn't believe the plates at "snack" time. As one 5th grader put it, "I'm going to get sick after I eat all this, but it will be worth it!" I imagine there will be stories of tummy aches and late night trips to the restroom.

*Notice the construction taking place at our school? We've been a construction zone since we returned from Winter Break. This picture is a few weeks old, so it is starting to look a little more complete from the front. It will be exciting to see the finished product next fall!*

Be on the watch for upcoming photos of:

• Mom helping us with landscaping
• photos of the house
• summer adventures
• and of course -- more dog activities

=)

Rock Climbing Puppy!

Up, up, and away!

On Monday, March 26, we spent our afternoon hiking near Boulder. Although we were headed to one trail - we ended up at another. It started at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which we feel to be a nice short hike for our less adventurous visitors. Of course, Phoebe wasn't satisfied with the short, easy hike. We took to the Mesa Trail, which is a part of an elaborate set of trails for Boulder Open Space. We wound up and down from grassland foothills through Ponderosa Forest and eventually into Spruce/Fir Forest. This took us near the famous Flatirons near Table Mesa. The lead dog took us up the winding trail where we came across the nearly sheer rock face to Mallory Cave. The trail marker indicated the correct direction was up the face of the rock. Aaron was going to solo up to the cave while us girls waited below. At least that is what Vicki thought, until Phoebe chose to rapidly scramble up the rock after Aaron. Clawing her way along the crevices, she showed determination when she slid backwards, caught her breath, and charged upward. Of course, Vicki then had to follow - braving her fear of heights and a rock wall with few solid footholds. Crawling through a needle hole crack at the "top" of the segment seen in the picture, we got a great view of the Front Range Valley below. With the ominous clouds moving in, we decided not to continue up to the cave (another steep exposed rock climb). We look forward to sharing this hike with our future guests - the "short NCAR nature hike" for some - and the "Phoebe Hike" for those who want a little more muscle burning activity. (Believe me - Aaron will "push" you up the hill.) Phoebe (never letting us carry her) did lead us all the way back to the car (round trip = 3 miles), at which time she started a nice long nap.

Painting and Organizing

The new room is purple! Yes, purple. We think it will be our creativity haven. More colors to come. Now is time for organization in the craft room - so it is no longer the crap room. Using motivational artwork and family photos we are hoping to create a tranquil, inspiring location. Then it is onto the striped bathroom and basement stairwell. Aaron's African batiks have been delivered to the framers - so we will be able to get more items on the walls when they return in another week. Perhaps he will stop "shopping" for items if we get somethings on the walls. After living in limited spaces (1880s cabins), he is really into this decorating thing. Stay tuned for photos to come. Off to work we go...

The Groundhog Didn't See His Shadow

In Denver this was a joyous event. The front range of Colorado is known for mild winters. This "mild" winter has included a weekly snowstorm with 2 feet of snow standing in the front yard - for 2 months. (We did get a little extra holiday break, but are ready for spring, short sleeves, and hot tubbing without first having to dig our way there.) We are craving easy dog walking, unrutted roads, and non-ankle deep mud puddles. Thank you Punksatawny Phil! Although, Phoebe will miss the super dog ability the snow has given her. She can walk right from the drifts to the deck, no jumping needed.