Family Time in the Mountains

We just returned from an amazing time at Kirk's family reunion at Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado. Family came in from California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Florida. It was good to get to know his family better.














I was amazed to discover that, even upon closer inspection, Kirk has a family of really nice people. Some highlights for me:

• Uncle Harold reminiscing about camping when they were kids. Orva brought Grandma's scrapbooks from the trips.
  
• Aunt Elaine blowing bubbles, surrounded by happy children.
• Boys spending hours playing in the dirt with trucks and tractors.
• Eating Alaskan Halibut caught and prepared by Andy.
• Hearing Nora and Uncle Merl's story of tipping their canoe!
• Enjoying the beautiful Colorado scenery. The air smelled of pine and I swear I heard a Mountain Lion one night.

The only unfortunate things about our trip were that not everyone was able to come, the really cold nights, and the dead and dying trees. Apparently the area has been ravaged by the Pine Beetle, so parts of the campground were really barren. The mountainsides were covered with brown trees. But, all things considered, it was a good trip.

Vacation

We just got back from a family gathering in Columbia, MO. We all got together at a farm outside of town. It was a great place. They have a passive solar house, pond, garden, 2 steers, chickens, ducks, and sheep. There were even 2 lambs born while we were there.
It was, as always, good to spend time with Kirk's side of the family. It has been made clear that I am the bossy one of the group. I had always thought that this was seen as a negative. I was told this weekend, though, that this is appreciated. I'm not sure I believe this yet, so I'll try to keep the power from going to my head.
Unfortunately I had a cold the entire weekend, so I was not able to participate in all activities. I got a spin around the pond in the canoe, a s'more, and lots of chats with the family, so it was good overall.