Gotta Love Colorful Colorado...

So, we were lucky enough to get away up to the mountains a couple weekends ago and check out the leaves turning. I think we were a little early. We didn't see the bright reds but saw lots of amazing golds and brilliant yellows.

We headed West up to Silver Plume, which is only about 45 minutes from where we are, and stopped to check stuff out.









I think this is about where we heard Big Foot. There was some rustling in the trees and bushes and some growling noises. We were pretty freaked out and even though Jack is brave, it seemed like a good time to grab Dad's hand!



Luckily, after some investigation on Jack's part, we realized it was just Daddy being silly





We all had a lot of fun. Colorado is so beautiful. Gar and I are constantly amazed by the beauty that surrounds us and how lucky we feel to live here.

One of my favorite things...

Every week I look forward to Wednesday nights. Gar and a group of his buddies joined a city softball league. They're not too shabby, either. In fact they took second place overall in the summer.

But I do prefer fall softball to summer. The sun sets earlier, so its not as hot and we get to watch the sun set over the Rocky Mountains. And its fun to be out letting the kids play and burn off some energy before bed. Plus, all the moms get to sit and gab. I really do look forward to it, I think all of us do. Although, when they don't win, the drive home can be kind of quiet.

Q: What do you call a pig that does karate? A: Porkchop!

So Jack has been in Karate since this summer. He is a yellow belt and is getting ready to test for "high-yellow." One of the requirements is that they memorize a kata, or routine, that has about 50 moves in it. And they have to do it perfectly. Zero mistakes.



By the way, I wish I could've gotten a better picture, but for some reason I am the only Mom in there taking pictures so I feel like I have to hurry and I'm sure Jack is dying of embarrasement.

Anyway, yesterday the class had a chance to earn a stripe (which moves them closer to the test,) and Jack had worked really hard and really wanted to get this stripe. So they start the routine and I was watching him try with all his might, and just crossing all my fingers and toes that he would earn a stripe.

When they finished and sat down, the instructor had the kids stand that got their stripes. Jack was one of three who didn't earn a stripe. He did make a couple mistakes. But I could not have been prouder of him. He cheered loud for all his class mates and thanked his instructor for a fun class.

He didn't do it perfect, but he tried his hardest and was a good sport all the way. I was just bursting with pride!!