Bye, bye love (of summer)

This week marks big changes ahead. The shift from summer to school is a painful one, no matter how much you think you're ready or how tired you are of the summer chaos (and summer attitudes). This year's transition is particularly big for us - both kids will be in school full time (FULL TIME!). I'm not sure what I will do with myself. (Oh yeah, I'll work.)

So as we prepare for full days away from home, recesses, PEs, lunches, daily homework, fall sports and activities, here's one last look at our fantabulous summer.

B and I took a trip for our 8th anniversary out to Glenwood Springs - a little less than 3 hours away - and enjoyed amazing nature, fabulous food (thanks Aspen!) and some much needed alone time. I always say that anyone who doesn't believe there is a God needs to take the drive through the mountains along I-70. It is beyond breathtaking - it is ethereal.

Here we are before our 3-hour bike ride through the canyon, coupled with a two hour hike to Hanging Lake (a not to be missed excursion if you are ever in the area which, incidentally, burned upwards of 2800 calories!):


This is at the top of the Hanging Lake. Pictures really don't do it justice:


Here are some shots of the canyon. If you're feeling stress, I suggest opening these up large on your computer, putting your feet up and listening to a favorite tune. You'll transport in no time:

















Of course no summer would be complete without the Renaissance Festival, and making fun of those around us (after all, the act of mocking is what bonded B and I together in the first place). Here are the kids enjoying the elephant:


And K2 modeling the requisite hair-braiding activity:


We spent a lot of time at the pool and had awesome good times at the lake this summer (thanks Busches!). K1 even tried wakeboarding and he LOVED it. Here's my own drop dead diva on her way to the water:


Here we are waiting for the fireworks - apparently the best in the Rocky Mountain region - with the Losee's in Steamboat. Rockin' time (though let's face it, it didn't compare to our own personal "popper" show. lol.):


Every summer should involve horses (and cows) ... particularly when you live out West:



And no summer could ever be considered truly awesome without at least one (no, more like 20) trips on the alpine slide! We enjoyed the ones in Golden and Steamboat, but hands-down the best one is found in Glenwood where it boasts roller coaster rails and has you sailing down the mountain at speeds of nearly 60 mph. K-squared thought it could go faster - a metaphor for everything they do.


So, so long summer and welcome back school. At least we can say we didn't waste a minute of it.