Coming of Age

As I approached my 33rd birthday, I kept feeling like there was a significance to that age. Then, as I was re-reading The Lord of the Rings, I realized that it is the age when hobbits come of age--and the birthday Frodo celebrates at the beginning of the book alongside Bilbo.

It was a tough one, the first without talking to my beloved mom, the person who gave me a birthday and so many celebrations, but Sista Cool and darling HNNH stepped up and threw a surprise Jane Austen tea party, complete with dueling banners. (Mom always made us birthday banners, making me a LOTR one a few years ago.). All in all, a pretty lovely day. Now, to seize my destiny and inheritance, as Frodo did.

Jumpin': Exhaustion, Maybe

There is a place near us that is a large storefront filled with bouncy things. We were there for about two hours and I am beat. Lincoln wants to go back.

Local History

Yes, even in Greeley!

Star Wars Saturdays

Lincoln added something to the canon during his play today--C3-PO has blasters in his bottom that he will shoot at bad guys.

12 & 12 in 2012: That's the power of blocking!

Okay, so the July shawl went into August--my excuse is that a red/white/blue shawl is perfect for the Olympics!  It could be a "USA!  USA!" shawl or a "Go GB!" shawl.  Or, maybe having lost naps and easy bedtimes, my knitting mojo is down a bit.  Anyway, this shawl perfectly shows off the power of blocking.  Above, find the shawl in its unblocked (or unwashed/pinned) glory.  Lumpy border, shorter shawl.

Behold, the power of blocking!  The shawl is much, much bigger!  (Modeled pictures of all my summer shawls will be added soon, I promise!)  The lace border is crisp and visible!  The shawl is lighter and airier!  Pattern:  Trillian by Martina Behm (I am currently working on knitting all 4 patterns from her Hitchhiker book)  Yarn:  Creatively Dyed Beaches in the Cardiff colorway, purchased at the Estes Park Wool Market

RMNP: Colors in Nature

for Sunday

RMNP: Uninvited Lunch Guest

Lincoln's favorite part of our whole trip--our picnic! Here are some clues as to why:

Rocky Mountain National Park: First Hiking Adventure

He was fearless and so much fun to hike with--more stamps for our National Park passports!

Lincoln Olympics: Water Sports

While swimming, Lincoln and Cousin Cool also engaged in sailing and some intense water polo!

Lincoln Olympics: Badminton

We tried with this one, but even with extra family encouragement, Lincoln wasn't quite ready--or maybe he just wanted to throw his match.

Lincoln Olympics: Medal Ceremony

Medals don't stay on too long around here--Lincoln runs for the thrill, not the rewards.

Lincoln Olympics: Get set for track!

Lincoln Olympics: Nerf Shot Put

Another high action event, as evidenced by the panel on the right; as well as one that makes you quite dizzy. We have had a great deal of fun shot putting around, and I have been very grateful I found a Nerf ball just the right size. I shudder to think what might have happened otherwise!

Lincoln Olympics: Tennis

Indoor tennis--it's tough to take pictures when you have to keep ducking!

(Go, Andy Murray!)

Lincoln Olympics: Judo

Summer with Mom and Dad

Special times with dad this summer.

Silly faces with mom!

Olympic Catch-Up: Torch Relay-Gymnastics

So far, we have designed a torch, Olympic rings, and medals. We have fenced, lifted weights, shot, dove, and worked on our gymnastics.