Brenda and Dominic 

Brenda and Dominic arrived here in South Fork this past Saturday. We went to our church service together here at the campground Sunday morning. We have also shared a couple of meals and have enjoyed playing some cards in the evening. Yesterday, we rode with them to Lake City. We had a picnic in the park and enjoyed some great weather. Tomorrow, we are going to drive out to the Amish area. I really wanted them to get to go to the bakery out there. They leave Friday morning. 

The Family Arrives!

On Tuesday of this past week, Justin, Keelie, Jenna, Glory, Marlow, Molly, and Jackson arrived in South Fork. They had all left home on Sunday and gone to Colorado Springs for a couple of nights.

The first thing Wednesday morning we took out and stopped at Treasure Falls.

Then, we later picnicked in Pagosa Springs by the river. We met up with Jared and Jonah; they had flown to NM and rented a car to get to us.

So...by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, all of us were together in Colorado! I can't stress enough what this does for Mom's/Nanna's heart!

Thursday was my birthday. Justin, Keelie, Jonah, Jared, Jenna, and Marlow did a 1/2 day rafting on the Rio Grande. Later, we had lunch at their cabin where the kids gave me special birthday cards and treats. After the little ones napped, we drove to Creede. That evening the kids treated me to a birthday meal back in South Fork. This was followed by nature journaling time with Keelie for the little ones and glow sticks with Jenna beside the fire.

On Friday, we rented jeeps for the day to go up in the mountains.

Saturday morning we drove to the Amish bakery, "Worth The Drive Bakery." Yes, it is always worth the drive; the fried pies are scrumptious! We had lunch at the Malt Shop after some time for the kiddos at the city playground. The rest of the day we just enjoyed hanging out at the cabin. We brought in Mexican food and had some hot tub time. The kids began packing up and then got back to some Canasta.

Unfortunately, this morning they all had to leave.
I wouldn't take ANYTHING for the times we all have together! Love all of you so much!

A Service, Sunset and Song

We went to the church service again here at the campground this morning. Afterwards, we went to eat and buy groceries.

Tonight, we were blessed with another incredible sunset. After I snapped the photo, this song came to my mind.

You're the reason we're here

You're the reason we're singing

Open up the heavens

We want to see you

Open up the floodgates

A mighty river

Flowing from your heart

Filling every part of our praise

(Taken from "Open Up the Heavens")

A Fine Friday Night

Tonight, we were invited over to our "neighbors" for a potluck taco meal. It was a pleasure to meet some other really nice folks here at the campground. Our evening ended with a fire and a beautiful mountain sunset. God is good!

Daily Drives

The last several days we have taken drives in the area. We got the obligatory photo at the top of Wolf Creek Pass. I should probably go back and look at the ones from other trips to see how we have not changed.

Today, we drove to Lake City where we had a picnic at their beautiful city park. I have some really great memories of picnics there with Justin and Jenna when we first starting coming to Colorado every summer.

We made several stops along the way back to South Fork including Lake San Cristobal and North Creek Falls.

Creede

We took a drive after lunch today. I must say Creede never disappoints! Doesn't matter how many times we go there, we always enjoy walking around taking it all in.

Farmer's Market

I always enjoy stopping in at the Farmer's Market on Friday mornings here in South Fork. There is such a variety of things the vendors bring in to sell.

Colorado and Jackets 

We left yesterday with the RV for cooler weather. We arrived today at the campground in South Fork, and I'm happy to report we had no issues this year getting here. Praise the Lord! We will be in Colorado for three to four weeks and plan to enjoy "Jackets in July."

Marilyn's Produce

With Marilyn and Rickie out of town on a mission trip, Jerry and I got to tend to the peach tree that is ready for the picking as well as checking her garden. The peaches are the largest and prettiest she has ever had. I put some up in the freezer as well as saved a few out for our trip coming up. I made jalapeño jelly with her peppers from the garden and got a small sack of okra to take with us as well. Thank you, M!

Evans Michelle Davis

Chad and Tara had baby girl today (July 8, 2019). Her name is Evans. She weighed 7.10 lbs and was 20.5 inches. She is so precious. Fitz is now a big brother!

Side note:  Marilyn was in Louisiana and had to drive to Houston to get there. I was bummed I couldn't be there. Thank goodness for FaceTime.

Glory's Cookies

Glory surprised us with some homemade cookies this afternoon. She made them all by herself and even packaged them up so cute (as Mary always does for her cookie business). They were yummy, Glory!

July 4th Season

June 21 

The stand was delivered and UPS delivered the goods!

June 22
And so it began again....our hoopla building up to July 4th. Justin, Keelie, and the kiddos got in from their mission trip this evening. Jared, Jenna, and the kiddos came after Marlow's t-ball game this morning. Greg, Lisa, and the girls flew in this evening. Tim came over. We enjoyed our first meal (with stories and laughter) together. Marilyn and Rickie had a concert.

June 23
We had sandwiches at Marilyn's after church. The kids started sorting and stocking the stands. Jenna and Jared went back home and will return next weekend.

June 24
This was the first day that fireworks could be sold. Lisa flew home. Marilyn got to keep the girls all week while Greg worked.

June 25-27
North stand opened and had sales. The weather was great (meaning not HOT). This year two new twin mascots were added to the stand (thanks to Rickie). After two different "Name the Mascot" contests, "Bombshell Betty" and "Rocket Rhonda" proved to be fantastic additions to all the other props the north stand uses.

June 28 -30

Jenna and her clan were all back for not only the weekend but all the next week. Only Jared had to go back; he returned on Wednesday. Chad got to come through and spend the night. He had to go back home as Tara is due any time! The guys had a large private fireworks show Saturday night.

July 1-3

Sales and weather were great! All the kids enjoyed their "camp" with rhino rides, playing in the backyard little pool, smores, snacks, crafts, etc. Glory was a big help having her own craft time with the little ones that included cookie decorating and slime-making parties. Keelie took Marlow, Molly and Glory to Hagerman Wildlife Preserve for a picnic and nature time which was a hit, too. 

July 4
Marilyn and I cooked our 14th meal this evening for the clan. The guys had their three city shows tonight. 

As I always say....The last ten days were fun, busy, exhausting, and crazy at times. But what a blessing to have shared these days with ALL our family!

Can't wait for July 2020!