It’s been go, go, go since we got back from Colorado. At the
moment the kids are napping and I’m not
working, so I thought I’d try and get a few pictures up.
Like I said, Colorado was WONDERFUL! Each time I look at all
the pictures I can’t help but smile. We really had a blast! I hadn’t been back
to visit my Dads side of the family in 12 years!!!!!! So needless to say the ‘boys’
(my cousins) are now men, with beautiful wives and stunning children! We stayed
the nights with Derek and his family, and got to spend our days with Aunt
Dottie and Uncle Blob (Bob). We were welcomed with open arms by everyone. Not
once did it seem like anyone thought that having 4 extra people invade their homes
and their lives was a nuisance (even when the kids were cranky and getting on MY
nerves). There was almost always a
beautiful new face to meet… each of the 4 West boys have 2-4 kids (and we met
all but one)! The hospitality from my aunt and uncle was (almost) too much… activities,
love, food, treats, gifts, swimming, nights out… it was so sweet, so personal
that just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. It’s depressing that we
live so far away from each other.
The first couple of days were devoted primarily to getting
over to see Matthews’s rugby team play in the national rugby playoffs. They
placed 3rd!!!!!! Truly amazing that our ‘little’ team from Santa
Rosa is so very talented! During the second game, Matthew obtained his first
real injury in his 10 years of playing rugby… he was landed on by a very large opponent
and he separated his left AC joint in his shoulder. Now it's raised at a funny angle. He goes to talk with a surgeon
tomorrow to see if there is any ‘fixing’ it.
After all the rugby, we truly started our family vacation
which included Red Rock ampatheater, a train ride (which Mallory hated for some
reason), the zoo, multiple trips to THE
most amazing community center ever (pools, playland, ice rinks, workout
gym, running and basketball courts
included) and a chance to watch my second cousins in their swim meet. Let me
just say these girls must be part fish because NO ONE was able to keep up with
them and they won it all!
This trip was truly wonderful. I can’t wait to get out there
again (and I am hoping that my aunt and uncle, and ALL of my cousins will come
out and visit us soon)! Thank you for an amazing time. I love you all.
We loved having you and your beautiful family! Our doors are always open. Can't tell you how much fun it was to have you here. Hope Matthew is ok :( The two of you are doing a really wonderful job as parents. Your kiddos are a true delight. I only wish I could see them more often.
ReplyDeleteHugs to all, Aunt Dottie
Yeah, that all looks really nice. I wish I lived out there.
ReplyDeleteKevin, We were hoping to see you and your family and your dad. Sad it never worked out! Darn, we'll just have to make another trip out there ;)
ReplyDeleteThese pictures made me smile too! What a great trip. That community center sounds crazy, amazing! I wish we had something like that here. You and your family all look amazing and Matthew looks extra tough with his new shoulder. YUCK! It seriously made me queazy just looking at it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the surgeon. Please let us know how it turns out.
P.S. We are coming there in August. I know that's not super soon but at least I know I will see you sometime in the nearish future.
With all the happy faces I've seen in your photos, there's no doubt that your whole family had lots of fun on your vacation. It's great to see the different side of Colorado because it's always been popular with its skiing adventure. It only means there are lots more to try. Robert @ CondosInsteamBoat.com
ReplyDelete