Erica

Mount Evans

08 - August

Since Andy was not riding his bike up Mount Evans this year, we took the chance to take the kids to the summit. The day started with a trip to one of our favorite breakfast places, the Mountain Lyon Cafe.

Then, we headed to Idaho Springs and Mount Evans. It was an absolutely perfect day and the views were amazing! This is Summit Lake, which is just below the summit.

There was some real excitement from Laura as she finally got to see a Marmot – multiple adults and babies – up close!

We got to the summit right about 11:30. Of course, we had to take a picture in front of the sign!

Andy, Laura, and John decided to walk up the short path to the summit. I did not go because I was having a hard time breathing. So, I sat down on a bench and just enjoyed the views and the wildlife. A small herd of big horn sheep were hanging around the summit, and it was fun to watch them interact with people and their cars.

Laura eventually turned around and came down to join me. Andy and John continued to the summit. John said that the views were “even better” up there.

It was a great day and we had a lot of fun. If you ever get the chance to drive up Mount Evans, you should do it.

Erica

Week Two

08 - August

It is week two of Marching Band camp and the days are long. The kids left the house at 6:25 am and did not get home until nearly 9 pm. It was a successful day though as they actually got to do a short run through of parts of the show. Laura was excited about the run through…

…while John was exhausted. I am proud of both kids for working so hard!

Erica

Writing

07 - July

Back in the day, I used to write a lot even though I wasn’t very good at it. I liked to think that I was, but there is a reason why I I ended up as an Editor. I see holes in a story and I can help fill in the gaps, but, please, don’t ask me to proofread because I suck at it.

Over the years, I have found new outlets for writing. It started with this blog. It was originally meant to be a year-long project that involved taking a picture every day, but it morphed into so much more. Today marks post #4,218. It is the story of our life. It is the story of our kids. It is the story of our marriage. It includes the good, the bad, and the plain ugly, but it is our life, and I wouldn’t trade it.

Last year, another opportunity arose and I jumped at it. I get to be Social Media mom for Mid-MO Stars Baseball. I get to write about the triumphs, the losses, the good, the bad, and the weird. I get to take pictures to chronicle all the milestones. I get to answer this question repeatedly, “What are you going to write about this tournament?” Today was the beginning of another milestone. The boys are officially at 90-foot bases and I found myself thinking, “How did we get here?”

Well, we got here because time marches on no matter how much we want it to stop. I find myself reflecting tonight that I get the opportunity to put it all on “paper,” and that maybe, someday, someone will look back and think, “Wow. Thanks for recording all of this.” If that happens, my mission is accomplished, and just maybe my writing was okay.