We had a great 4th of July weekend in Colorado celebrating Andy's grandpa's 90th birthday. Andy's parents rented a "cabin" that was beautiful and we enjoyed a day at the Gorge, where you could ride a little train right into the heart of the Gorge and participate in lots of activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, a carousel, dance to the live band instead of eating your lunch (we couldn't tell if everyone was clapping for the band or for all the cute little girls who were dancing), walk across the big swaying bridge (to my surprise this scared me much more than Andy and the kids), etc. etc. Andy's Mom prepared a beautiful birthday celebration for her Dad. It included dinner, entertainment, and a slideshow for all of his family and friends that were able to come! I would guess there were probably close to 80-90 people there in all. Andy's grandpa has always regretted not being able to receive his high school diploma. He had to work to support his younger brothers through school and then he served in WWII. So, it was a HUGE surprise for him to receive an "honorary high school diploma" at this surprise birthday party, due to his brave service in the war and his selfless sacrifices. Some of the great-grandchildren performed a talent that night as well. Drew has only been taking piano lessons for 2 months, but he has been doing great. So, he and I played a duet on the piano and Drew did perfect! I couldn't believe how well he performed with so little experience! All of the great grandkids sang "I've Been Working on the Railroad" complete with conductor hats and all. Drew got to blow his "horn" train whistle and I somehow managed to play the piano. They were adorable - which took some pressure off of my sad attempt to play the piano in front of such a big crowd. Andy's Mom chose that song because her Dad really did work for the railroad! So, it was pretty cute and the night was very sweet. Grandpa got emotional several times because he couldn't believe it. It was a great surprise. We also enjoyed visiting a HUGE castle that some man has been building for some 40 years or more. He is a little crazy - yelling antigovernment things and putting up HUGE signs proclaiming his hatred toward the government, but it is pretty impressive to see what he has done with his hands! We enjoyed a couple nights around the campfire - making smores and visiting. Some of the adults enjoyed the hot tub one night (Andy had to go without me since I'm expecting) and the kids enjoyed the hot tub a couple times. Drew couldn't be convinced to jump out for sparklers, but Jesi enjoyed them. The kids had a blast with all of their cute cousins and all of the dogs! Jesi didn't want to come home b/c she had so much fun with all the other girls her age. Drew got to ride to Colorado with Grandpa Walker. We had to laugh on our drive to Colorado when Jesi asked where we were. I replied that we were in "the middle of nowhere" and Jesi said, "Oh, I remember the middle of nowhere!" as if it were a specific spot:). We've definitely had a lot of trips with lots of "the middle of nowhere"! Kassi isn't the funnest age to travel with (or is she TOO MUCH fun?), but we made it back safe and sound and are so grateful for the sacrifices that Andy's parents make to bring the family together and provide such memorable experiences. And, I know it meant the world to Grandpa Starkey. Happy Birthday, Grandpa! You deserved every bit of that fun celebration! We all love you and appreciate the selfless service you have rendered throughout your life. The song that Drew played on the piano was "Jesus Said Love Everyone". We couldn't think of anyone who has more love in their heart and who treats people better than Grandpa Starkey. And, that is why we love Grandpa Starkey so much! May that be a lesson to us all! Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend as well!!!
Looks like a fun trip! I've never been to Colorado even though it is just one state over.
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