McClave, Loveland, Longmont

Me, Chip & Kathy with their new arches behind us.

After leaving McClave, CO, and my older daughter, Connie's family, I headed back to the northern Front Range and Loveland, CO, to visit my brother, Chip, and sister-in-law, Kathy. They moved back here last summer from the Seattle area and have been doing some extensive remodeling on the home they bought.

I had really strong winds all the way up Hwy 287, but by the time I hit I-70 at Limon, it was all sunny skies and white puffy clouds. I could see in my rear view mirror that everything south of me was solid gray cloud cover. I have been back here in the past, at the same time of year, when the temps have been very warm. I just hit it this year during a cloudy, stormy, and rainy period. I know they have seen dry conditions the last few years and really need the rain, but I sure wish I could take some of it home with me since it has also been dry in CA the last few years.

Kathy, me, Jessie & Sam (the notorious photo-bomber)

I only spent one night at my brother's house since they were preparing to leave on a road trip of their own. It was kind of a last minute plan, or we could've coordinated better, but they will be out in CA later this year to visit Mom and I will see them, then. 

Their house looks great, though. Lots of changes in landscaping, interior tile, paint, countertops, new doorways and arches, etc. They do good work.

Back; Sam & Grace, then, Sawyer, Jordan, me, Jack, Hannah

I returned to my younger daughter, Kathy's house and the busy schedule that resides there. I attended a baseball game that my older grandson, Sam, played in, took him back and forth to practices, drove into Boulder and had my oldest granddaughter, Jessie, cut my hair, and helped with a 16th birthday party for my younger grandson, Jack. Lots of comings and goings to work, volunteer, and practices, and Jack got his driver's license on the first try. Good job, Jack.

Father's Day was quiet here as the kids visited their dads. Jack left for a basketball camp on Sunday, and I had lunch with an old friend I've known for over 40 years; always wonderful to see her.

Longmont, CO

Sam, Kathy, Grace, Jordan, Jack, Sawyer.

A week with my younger daughter's family over Memorial Day weekend and the week that followed proved to be busy, as usual. We hung out over the weekend and caught up on things. Grace was anxious to be back in her mountains and Kathy took a couple of hikes with her and we watched some movies.

On Monday, we went to Jordan and Sawyer's house for bar-b-que. Everybody was there except Jessie, who had gone to Las Vegas with friends for the weekend. We all had a really nice visit, with several conversations going on at once, and it's always fun when the whole family gets together, even though we missed Jess. (In the photo, the ladies are all leaning on the sofa, hence appearing to have 'shrunk.')

The entire week was a little on the cool side and filled with afternoon thunderstorms and showers. Some pretty impressive lightning and threats of flood. It was hard to get used to after the heat wave and drought in SLO and a week traveling through the southwest deserts. Colorado has, also, had its share of drought the last few years and they need the moisture, too. Just not so much all at once, that it produces the kinds of floods they had last year.

I got caught up on my blog entries when I had the chance, and played taxi for the kids while my daughter went to work, Sam had baseball practice, Jack had basketball, Grace was catching up with her friends. I ran errands, did some laundry and chores, etc. Altogether, a pleasant, busy, and laid back week. Thoroughly enjoyable being with my daughter and grands.

I also had a wonderful afternoon/evening catching up with an old friend that I hadn't seen in almost 10 yrs. We promised to get together every summer when I come back. Saturday, off to see my older daughter's family.