After leaving Iowa, (boy it seems like we were in Iowa a long time), we headed on west. We spent one night in Omaha Nebraska and one night in Big Springs Nebraska (is this exciting yet or what?)
We left Big Springs and headed in to Colorado – Land of Heat and Fires. Our destination was Longmont and en route we went through lots of smoke from the High Park Fire but luckily when we got to Longmont is was fairly clear. We could not see the mountains but at least we could breathe - well kind of since there is not much oxygen in Colorado to begin with the and I think the fire was sucking up what little O2 there is.
The reason for our stay in Longmont was
to attend a fastpitch softball tournament that Shelley's cousin Ciara
was playing in. Ciara plays for the Colorado Springs Thunder 14U
team and she is amazing. Ciara is such a good player that she has
been selected to play on an Adidas Futures team in Utah later this
summer. The Adidas Futures tournament is where young softball
players are showcased to college coaches. It is a big deal and we
are really proud of Ciara. Ciara's sister Savanna is also a ball
player and was recently in an All Star tournament. Way to go girls!
Ciara blasts one!!!
Honey and Art at the ballpark
One evening while in Longmont we went
to Boulder to meet Shelley's brother Tom and his son James for
dinner. A short visit but a good one!
Left Longmont and headed to Cañon
City, CO to visit with Shelley's Aunt Anna Lilac and more cousins.
We look forward every year to our visit with family in Colorado and
although this year's visit was kind of short – 5 days – we had a
very good time and got to see DeAnna and Bill and their daughter
Katie who live with Aunt Anna and one day we drove over to Salida to
see Omar and Anne before their big move to Grand Juction and we spent
more time with Art and Honey (Ciara and Savanna's parents). On
Wednesday, Rose, daughter of Aunt Anna's oldest daughter Cheryl, flew
in from Washington state so it was great to see her. Omar, Deanna,
and Art are all Aunt Anna's children. Although we only spent 5 days
there we will see Aunt Anna again in a couple of weeks in Oklahoma
City.
Monte, Bill, Deanna, Anna Lilac, Art, Katie, Rose
When driving to Cañon City, just after
getting south of Colorado Springs we encountered lots of smoke. As
it turned out it was the first day of the Waldo Canyon Fire. If you
have been watching the news at all you know how huge this fire has
become. We hope and pray that everyone stays safe.
First day of the Waldo Canyon Fire.
Did not know when I took this that we would
soon be driving through much of this smoke.
Today it is far far worse. The worst wildfire season
ever in Colorado and the summer is just getting started.
No comments:
Post a Comment