Camping

 Jack and I had discussed taking the kids camping all summer.  It just never got beyond the 'discussion' phase of planning.  We knew the kids would have fun, but it is a lot of work and effort for the adults involved.  Then, as Labor Day weekend was approaching, we were trying to think of something fun to do with the kids to finish off the summer.  We talked about taking them to Water World, but I wasn't up to going and Jack wasn't up to taking three kids of different ages and interests by himself.  So Jack called his brother to see if he wanted to come along.  I don't really know how the conversation went, but they ended up planning a camping trip for the next weekend.  

 The kids were so excited to go.  This was their first tent camping experience.  Jack picked the girls up from school and headed straight up to pick David up.  Then they went up the Poudre Canyon to find their campground before it got dark.  Plans went according to schedule, except for one bout of carsickness.  (Notice Miriam is wearing her pajamas...)  The kids had a great time playing in the river, sitting around the campfire and finding out where the trails led.

Camping requires some unexpected events, and this outing was no exception.  Jack reported that the night was frigid, and that if we want to pursue camping as a family hobby, we need new sleeping bags to keep warm.  Luckily he brought an extra sleeping bag!  Breakfast was adventurous because the cooking stove we acquired while Jack was Scoutmaster no longer works.  Luckily the people camping next to them were very generous and let Jack borrow their stove to cook breakfast on.  

                         

When everyone arrived home, the kids were all still bouncing with excitement.  They told me about what a great time they had.  Jack looked exhausted and proceeded to take a nap.

WOW Museum with Uncle David & Hunter

Hunter came out to visit David for a couple weeks before the 4th, and we were able to take them to the WOW Children's Museum.  The kids loved playing with their cousin.  Hunter seemed to enjoy playing with all the exhibits, especially the car and the ramp to roll balls.

The kids always enjoy the bank exhibit.  Miriam and Joseph spent quite a bit of time handing out money and sending the drive-up tube to the car.  At one point Miriam asked me if she could have a loan of money for the bank because I had lots of money and the bank was running out of money.  Is that what the news is teaching the kids???  Banks are running out of money?  Hmmm....

Hunter started out at the pirate's ship.  He ran all around and had fun seeing a new place.

Rebecca learned about pulleys.  She managed to pull herself all the way to the top of the device.  It was much harder on the chairs without as many pulleys!

Jack got into the fun making a gigantic bubble around himself.  It is much easier to do without little ones in there with you!  At one point Joseph decided to get onto the platform and managed to step right in the bubble solution.  Oops!

Joseph divided most of his time between the banking area and the pirate ship.  He really liked driving the car.  Normally I don't pay to let my kids ride any rides but the penny pony at King Soopers, so to be able to ride the car over and over was like heaven for him!

Grandma Fong's New Place

After Tommie died, Grandma wasn't really sure what she was going to do.  She couldn't live in her apartment by herself for any extended period of time, and so the family started exploring different options.  Jack's dad and uncle live in the area, but neither of their homes seemed like a good fit.  So they looked at some assisted living facilities.

They found a fabulous place for her to live.  She has her own studio apartment, but there is a dining room with nice meals all day.  There are lots of activities for her to be involved with, and the facility provides transportation to her doctor's appointments.  She is more active than she has been in years!

We went to visit her in April, and she seemed so happy.  We had a nice lunch with her, and even had the opportunity to explain why each place was set with two forks (and it's not so you can shovel in food twice as fast!). 

Christmas Day

Christmas morning is such a special time. The children are so excited. The girls were up at 5:15 am, ready to open gifts. They had to wait until Joseph got up, so they looked in their stockings and ate a big breakfast of sausage and french toast before Joseph got up at 6:20 and we could open presents. The kids got a Wii this year. They all are really enjoying it, but Rebecca most of all.

Miriam was a cute Santa!

While we were waiting for Christmas dinner at Jack's parents' home, Joseph, Rebecca and Sebastian watched a Veggie Tales Sebastian had gotten.

Miriam played with her new cars that come apart instead.

David and Jack visiting.

John, Will and Julie

Julie with the beautiful bird she cooked.

Celebrating a Life

Last Tuesday we gathered as a family to celebrate the life of Tommie Fong. His funeral services were brief and focused. He was remembered. We laughed and remembered the great person that is gone from us at this time.

It was also a time to learn new things about Tommie. Who knew that Grandma met Tommie when her first husband brought him over to the house? I had no idea that Tommie traveled so much, going all over the U.S. and traveling abroad as well. I found out that Tommie would take his much-younger siblings out to amusement parks when he went home to visit. So Tommie was the best man at Bob and Lee's wedding, and Bob was best man at Grandma and Tommie's wedding. Tommie kept his marriage to Grandma a secret from his family until his sister Paula bought plane tickets for the two of them and put the wrong name on the ticket.

Tommie lived a rich, full, interesting life. He will be missed. John, Jack, David, Julie, Jennie, Linda

Tommie's sister Paula is sitting next to Grandma.

Grandma and Paula

Miriam in Tommie's hat.

Rebecca in Tommie's hat.