Keystone, and Before June/July 2015

Knowing we were arriving in Colorado almost a week before the Martin Keystone gathering, there were a few chances we see more of the Martin relatives who also arrived in Colorado early--or already lived there.  We spent one day in Golden checking out fossils and their amazing climbing gym.  We also spent a (chilly for us) day at Water World--not pictured due to the abundant, umm, water. And on another day we went to the Denver museum.  

Walking down to the viewing area.

Triceratops footprint

Palm frond imprints

Plenty of "blows" in season.

The families would blend and intermingle, then rearrange in other groupings.  No one seemed to run out of words. 

The Mueller girls are all belay certified.  Luckily, Isaac had experience from a couple of climbing events with scouts and quickly took their test and passed, so he could help too.  

Jaimi helped him with a quick review first. 

Now we are at the Denver Museum.  This is our kids' 3rd trip.   It's getting almost as well known as the Pacific Science Center--museums in two states in which they have never lived. 

Empty your mind.....

I found out later that there were a few crazy things happening back in the UAE with Matt's work and while we were at the museum he fielded a couple phone calls that were thiiiiiiiiiss close to requiring him to hopping on the next plane back.  But a few band-aids were deployed and he stayed for the remainder of his time.  However, it made for a very stressful return for him.

KEYSTONE!
We told the kids over and over how it was going to be so cold and they really needed to pack lots of layers and warm clothes.  We raided grandma's winter clothes and brought hats and gloves for everyone, plus plenty of hot chocolate packets.  Well, the weather was warm and gorgeous and we ended up going out to buy a couple pairs of shorts.  But the kids did love having hot chocolate.

Kaeli, Isaac, Jaimi, Makenna

The water was freezing.  That was not exaggerated. 

Up at the top of a lift.  This is the resort where I learned to ski when I was Jessica's age. 

Look at my hunk of a husband.  

We found a geocache.

Bike ride day around Lake Dillon.

Frozen yogurt before heading back. 

View from our room.  The girls had a lot of fun in the pool. 

They had plans to roast marshmallows, but then the hotel turned off the fire at 10pm.  Boooo.

Grandkids, minus Curt. 

Lip sync

Our kids took 15 minutes to prep the Shawn the Sheep song.  They did just great.  

Shooting Range

I'd like to know this guy's story.

Fireworks

Jen's friend, a professional photographer, braved the 4th of July horrid traffic and ran the whole group through a photo shoot.