Gardner Family

Friday, August 8, 2008

Old Hundred Mine.

On our last day in Colorado we decided to do something completely new. It is amazing that we have been going to the "cabin" (which now that it double in size, we should almost say lodge!) for 16 years and we didn't even think about getting a travel brochure to see what there is to do around town. We saw that in Silverton there is a old mine that does a tour then you can pan for gold. It was really fun and glad we decided to fork the money out for it. $69 for the family. Thank you Quinn's for kicking our tushes to try something new again!

Suited up for the tour. Our group didn't scare anyone away like we hoped. A full tour group.

Inside the mine. I forgot Donelle is claustrophobic. She did O.K. and held her panic attack pretty well. She won't be going back!

Panning for gold. We got squat expect for little silver beads. That part was pretty lame but the little kids did not notice the lameness in the least.

Another older mine in Silverton.

Vallecito Lake

We met up with the Quinn's at Vallecito Lake. We have never even thought of swimming in this lake as it is always freezing. The Quinn's are always up for anything and so the kids took the plunge. It was freezing but the kids had fun.

Treasure Falls continued

The boys at the top pool.

The Quinn family. Brooklyn was not happy.

Donelle and I

The valley

Treasure Falls

We took the Quinn family to see Treasure Falls just outside of Pagosa Colorado. It is one of our favorite places. The Valley that it is located in is truly breathtaking.

The gang at the bottom of the falls.

Colorado...again

We love Colorado so much, we decided to go again 3 weeks after we got home the last time. Aaron joined us and got to see the new "cabin" for the first time. Afton had her 30Th birthday up there and we also met the Quinn's who were there for a family reunion.

Greg and Aaron playing chess and Cole looking on.

Afton with her cake I made. She is a domestic goddess now so I made her a sewing cake.

Nick playing charades. He was being Wall E.

The first day up, Ryan jumped off the top bunk and broke the bunk beds. Luckily PopPop is a master at almost everything and cut and replaced the broken plank. Ryan is trying to look upset but he's not that good of a actor.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Cole's 39th Birthday

My man has turned 39! For some reason I felt this birthday I should do very domestic projects. The first was to make him a "101 things I love about you" collage. Donelle forced me, I mean helped me start it. It did come out great and Cole really appreciated it. I have no pictures but will blog it soon. The second was his cake. We watch "Ace of Cakes" on the food channel and love the cakes. I decided he had to have a great cake. Fondant is not my friend, but I tried anyway. I think it looked good for a first try and it tasted great.

Cole a opening presents at his parents house.

The Gardner gang.

Drum roll please... the cake!

Please ignore the mess.

Texas again

Donelle and her kiddos came to Arizona for a few weeks. When it was time to head home, I volunteered to help drive them back. I didn't think she should drive with 4 kids by herself and it gave me a prefect opportunity to see Texas again. We had a great trip and Kira kept me on my toes with her throwing up a few times. The kids where great and Donelle got pulled over only once. We got off with a warning.

Donelle early on the trip.

Donelle and I at my new favorite deli in Dallas.

Randy and I in front of the JFK museum. We loved looking through all that history. We were also glad that Donelle came with us even thought she thought she would be bored to tears.

Randy and Brooklyn outside a friends home. They have 2 acres and Randy, the kids and I loved exploring them. Then 2 days later came the fact that chiggers had eaten us alive. Randy has over 40. I only got 22. I still have then, big as dimes. Chiggers Suck!!