4th of July and Colorado

4th of July parade in our neighborhood.  Lincoln thought it was pretty cool to ride up in the front right behind the lead car.

Since we were leaving for CO on the 4th, we did some firecrackers the night before.

This rocket was Lincoln's favorite by far.  It shot up  high in the sky and  landed in our neighbor's yard.  He thought it was pretty fantastic, and has been telling us he wants to do THREE rockets next year.

 We had planned on getting to out hotel in Denver in the afternoon but did not get there till around 11:00 at night  Long story but our car broke down in Hays KS.  Our air conditiong had went out about an hour before, so we stopped at Wal-mart since nothing was open because it was the 4th.  As soon as I stopped smoke started coming out of the engine so we knew it was bad.  We figured we'd be stuck in Hayes until the next day when we could take the car to a mechanic. We thought maybe we could rent a car, but they were all closed too.  I called my friend Sara since her parents live in Hayes, to find out where we could take the car.  They ended up offering to loan us Sara's Grandma's car, which was EXTREMELY generous of them and her Grandma, Helen.   I was so overwhelmed by their kindness I started crying. We were really in a jam and they have been such a blessing to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to the Edigers!!!

Looking out at downtown Denver from out hotel room.  We were on the 11 floor.

These two were wired!  They had been asking to stay in a hotel since last summer.  I think  they were finally asleep around 12:30

Lobby of the hotel

Riding the elevators was definitely a highlight

In front of our hotel

Walking through the 16th St. Mall which ended up being just a few blocks from our hotel. It's a little over a  mile long  and has a free shuttle bus that we used after the kids got tired of walking.

Standing in front of the money museum

Inside the museum.  The kids put the papers over the stencils and colored

Riding the bus

Inside a gift shop

Crashing from the night before

                                     
                                  Children's Museum in Denver

  

The rocket science exhibit was a hit.  The kids would make paper rockets and then try to launch them.

What do u think?  Did this fly? Answer is no, but it sure was cute watching her make it, and talk about adding a "wing."

Mommy's flew!

Playing on the fire truck

Another really fun exhibit.  Big Bubbles!

When you pulled up the rope, a big bubble would form around you.

From Denver we drove to Snowmass Village, which was close to Aspen where my cousin Dan got married. We shared a 2 bedroom condominium with my parents.  It was a REALLY nice place to stay, and great to stay at the same place as my extended family so we could see them more.

Going to ride the sky cab.  It was free and open most the day because they use it for  public transportation.  The kids loved riding it, and wanted to ride each of the different color cabs.

Inside the sky cab

Getting off the cab.

Walking around snowmass mall, where we got off.

I loved the cooler weather, but it was a good thing the pools were heated or it would have been too cold to swim.    I love loved the beautiful scenery everywhere.

 

I had big plans to float around on this floaty, but Lincoln soon learned how fun it was to try to knock me off!  It became a pretty fun game, trying to knock off whoever was using it. 

Cousin Dan and his beautiful bride Raina.  My Aunt Cathie and Uncle Ernie, and other cousins are to the left of them 

We love Grandma Jean and were so glad we got to see her at the wedding. 

Reading with Lyla at the reception.  This was so helpful to pass time as we waited for the food!

These two had a blast dancing.  Lyla surprised us by going up to random  women and putting her arms up for them to dance with her.  She now talks about Raina's sister Kelsey; "one girl throwed me up into the air!"  Here are a couple videos: