Thanksgiving Weekend

Holly's sister Aimee and her children, Kalie, Kelsie and Alex came to Denver for Thanksgiving weekend. Thursday morning we took a tour of the parks in Stapleton.


Lilly and Alex at the rock park

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister Beth and her husband Geoff's house. Geoff is a terrific chef and made a great meal. After the meal we all relaxed watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It was a great evening.

Friday we went hiking at Buffalo Creek recreation area. It was the first day of Christmas tree cutting season so there were plenty of people at the trailhead. Fortunately, tree cutters didn't want to hike very far into the woods only to drag out a tree so we had the trail to ourselves.


Holly is strong


Kalie taking a nap in the sun


Kelsie and Lilly climbing

Friday evening the girls went to New Moon while Lilly, Alex and I watch Jumanji at home. They both got a kick out of monkeys driving the police car.

Saturday we ate breakfast with Beth and Geoff and then drove to Colorado Springs. Kalie is considering attending the Air Force Academy and had a tour Sunday morning. We decided to go to Pike's Peak Saturday afternoon and then get a hotel room in Colorado Springs Saturday evening so we could do some swimming. The highway to Pike's Peak takes you all the way to the top of the 14,110 foot peak. The view is unbelievable.


Summit 1


Summit 2


At the top

Sunday morning Holly, Lilly and I went to Seven Falls before heading home. There are two staircases for sightseeing. One is 220 steps to the top of the falls. The other is 181 to an observation deck. The canyon is breathtaking.


Holly, Lilly and the falls

What a great weekend.

Sunday Adventure

Lilly and I took a ride to City Park. This park has playgrounds, a pond, the Denver Zoo, The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, a golf course and 10,000 Canadian geese. It is about a 3 mile bike ride from our house down a nice boulevard with bike lanes. Here are some pictures:


Lilly and Robert Burns


Lots of friends at the park today


City Park and downtown Denver


Dinosaur at the Science Museum

Great Ride

I got out on my bike for 3 hours on Saturday afternoon. It was a gorgeous day and I found myself overdressed for most of the ride. Here is a cool switchback shot from Lookout Mountain:

Stapleton Tree Lighting

Lilly and I rode bikes over to the 29th Street town center for the Stapleton tree lighting. There was a brass band, walking Christmas trees, roasted nuts and fire pits. We both had a great time.


The Tree!


Lilly and the Tree

Holly and Lilly Are Here

Holly and Lilly left Anoka Friday afternoon. They stopped at my grandma's in Des Moines and continued on west planning on stopping around Lincoln. Holly was listening to a book on tape and decided to just keep driving. What a surprise to get a call on Saturday morning saying they were in town already!

We did some unpacking on Saturday and Holly and Lilly took a few naps after their all night adventure. Sunday was more unpacking and grocery shopping. Holly and I got to go on a bike ride together while Aunt Bee and Lilly went to the Denver Art Museum.







Our bike ride ended up being a walk for the last half hour as both of us got flat tires and my hand pump is broken! It actually ended up being a great walk with a beautiful sunset and nice talk.

We wrapped up the weekend eating a great dinner at Beth and Geoff's. Quail looks like delicious little people.

Homeowners

We are officially homeowners in Denver! We closed Monday afternoon and I've spent the past two night moving our stuff into the garage. I've unpacked enough for Boo and I to sleep there. Now the process of unpacking and organizing.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend when Holly and Lilly move out for good.


Outside (corner lot on an alley)


Kitchen / Living Room


Another Kitchen / Living Room

Boo Hike

Boo and I went hiking today. A little muddy as it was 65 degrees and the snow was melting down.


Mountain Dog

Halloween

Lilly went trick-or-treating in Sioux Falls this year. They had gone to Holly's parents' house this weekend.

Beth, Geoff and I went out dressed in costume. Beth was Princess Leia, Geoff was Han Solo and I was Elton John (circa 1973).


Elton