Broncos/Packers Football

The Broncos and Packers are not in the same division, so they don't play each other often. But when they do play each other in Denver, we try to get tickets. This year, it was one of their pre-season games. We got tickets from our friend (who's company has a suite. 😁)

It was a great place to watch a game. 

We were able to bring Josh along and Joe's cousin, Alex (not pictured but he was wearing a Broncos jersey, so that's ok). 

Go Pack Go!

Back to School Bash

Every year, the boys' school holds a Back to School Bash to celebrate the new school year. This year they had zip lining, kayaking, a rock climbing wall, face painting, bouncy houses, and a cake walk. I had to work the ticket booth so my friend took Patrick around with her family while the other two enjoyed the fun time with their friends. I have to give her credit for the photos of Patrick. It looks like he was enjoying himself.

I did get a video of Daniel zip lining but it won't let me upload it. Sorry.

I think everyone had a great time.

Petersen Visit

Our friends, the Petersens, came to visit for a few days this August. The boys were in school so they did some exploring on their own but got to spend a few days with us. We hung out at the park and ended with a visit to Breckenridge Brewery for some fun and food. 

Thanks for visiting, Petersens! It's our turn to come your way next. 

1st Day of School

It's that time of year again. Time for school! This year we have a....

Kindergartener....

a 3rd Grader....

and a 6th Grader.

This is the one and only year they will all be in the same school.

Patrick is ready to rock Kindergarten.

Have a great year, boys!

McGregor Visit

Since we were already in Iowa, planned to spend some time in McGregor to visit with family. It is always a relaxing time and great to see so many people. We spent most of our time on the river (it is summer after all). Good thing we have such a nice boat to hang out on.

The boys also got to go fishing with Grandma and Grandpa Henkes. Daniel had been talking about fishing for a while now so we made sure to get bait and poles for him.

Josh was the only lucky one this time around.

We also got to spend an evening at my cousin's new rental property, Grumpsters Cabins. We spent the evening roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

The kids loved it!

Of course, there was swimming. 

And jumping off the boat (for the brave ones).

 The boys even got to try skiing. Daniel tried it last year when we were here and almost had it. I thought for sure this would be his year, but he still wasn't able to get all the way up for very long. Maybe next year. 

Josh even got to try it this year.

And Mom had to show she still has it.

We also picked up a hitch hiker. This goose had been swimming around the boat all afternoon and when we took off to go skiing, he followed us for a while. I didn't even know he was back there.

We made it up to Pikes Peak State Park to look around and take some pictures. It is a beautiful area with gorgeous views. 

Bridal Veil Falls

We also found some of the tornado damage from the tornado that hit the town a week before we came out. 

Breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's

It's always fun to be back here, especially with my kids.

Adventureland

We ended our visit to Des Moines with a night and day at Adventureland. Grandma and Grandpa took their motorhome to Adventureland campground and hosted the grandkids for a night. 

The next day, we took the trolley over to the park and spent the day at Adventureland. 

It was a full day of fun and lots (and lots and lots) of rides.

Last year, the park removed the Log Ride (an Adventureland staple from when I was growing up) and replaced it with the Monster. Since we went on the Log Ride last summer as a final farewell, we had to take a ride on the Monster (a little unwilling for some). 

This is the Monster. See that hill in the background that is steeper than vertical? That's where it starts. 

And where they take your picture. I only rode it once. 

Of course, Daniel had to ride it twice. I'm not sure where he gets his daredevil side from. It's definitely not me. 

It was a fun day.