Aspen's Day

Our loyal and loving lab has truly been showing signs of aging lately. Gray hairs, slower to move, not bolting out the front door when no one is looking, etc. But yesterday she was back to her old (make that young) self!



A hike in the mountains.



A swim in the resevoir.



What else could she ask for?!


Ahhh...the dog's life!

The Cheap Jeep

The first time we experienced the ice cream truck was when Ema was just two years old and we lived in the San Miguel Street house. It was such a joy to allow our daughter to have the experience of going up to some strangers truck and giving him money for a ice cold treat!



When we moved to our new home, we weren't sure we would see the ice cream truck again. Well we were wrong. The first summer we lived here (2002), there were two different ice cream trucks that frequented our neighborhood. Much to our surprise though, ice cream was no long $1.00 to $3.00. It was now $2.50 to $5.00.

This week were so excited because we found the "Cheap Jeep." It is an old mail truck converted into an ice cream truck with the words "Cheap Jeep" painted on it. Much to our delight there is no treat above $2.00. The kids were overjoyed that Dad & Mom finally said "yes, you can have a treat from the ice cream truck today!"






Our neighbor, Logan, joined in the fun, too. This was his first ever experience with getting a treat from the ice cream truck!



What fun to be a kid!

I know I am a Little Behind...

So the first day of school was actually last Monday, August 18. I am a little behind in the postings, as I was working full time for the last two weeks. Not something I really enjoyed, as I am supposed to be working 1/2 time. However, I know the value of investing those first two weeks in the classroom with my job partner and our students. While it takes a tole on my personal life, it actually is a 'good thing,' as Martha would say. Investing this short time makes for less overall time I have to spend during the rest of the year. So below are a few photos of The Mann's first day of school...


Our great big 2nd grader!


Our even bigger 4th grader!

How did we get from this...


...to this?


While I do miss the fact that you were little once, I am glad you are growing up to be such great kids!

A Saturday Afternoon Drive

For lunch yesterday, Craig decided to take us to the infamous Coney Island Boardwalk in Bailey, CO. We had seen it on some show on TV about three years ago, and in our many adventures came across it last year. We decided not to stop because the line was ridiculously long. So yesterday, we hopped in the car and drove an hour and a half for a hotdog. (Those who know us well know it is not uncommon for us to do things like this!) Well, while the drive was beautiful, we decided we did not need to return. The dog's were okay...but not all that and a box of rocks, as Craig would say!







After eating lunch with the bees and in a rainstorm, we headed home. Instead of going back the way we came, we decided to go back through Fairplay. However, once we got to the turn off, we decided to go to Breckenridge instead. It was a great afternoon for a stroll down the main drag. Ema and Caleb got to pet some horses, and we thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the toy store!





Our drive home took us past Lake Dillon, Keystone (where we hold many memories!) A-Basin, and Ski Loveland. We all decided we could hardly wait for Ski season to arrive.



What a great afternoon. Thanks Dad!

This One is for you Grandpa Buick

We are so sorry your flight was cancelled thanks to FAY, but we know our paths will cross again soon! Anyway...thought you'd like to see the shirt Caleb got just for you! While the pictures don't give it complete justice...we hope you'll get the point!! (Be sure to click on the photo itself, so you can see a larger view of it!)

Love ya bunches...we'll see you soon...

No New News

Not much has happened lately to warrant any new posts, but here's the shortlist for an update:

*Back from Vegas. We didn't hit the jackpot. Kids had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa!

*College roommate came for a visit. Haven't seen each other in over 13 years. What a blast to have our kids meet and hang out for the evening.

*Fireworks show in our backyard on Friday night. A new hospital is opening up and decided to fork out a few grand to give the neighborhood a fabulous show. Better than driving downtown on the 4th of July anytime...but not quite as spectacular as the fireworks convention in Lake Havasu every year!

*School starts back up next week. I go back this Wednesday. Our family is ready to be on a schedule again. Summer break has been great, but it's time to hit reality.

*Craig hasn't had a weekend off for five weeks. Can't wait until he can finally return to cooking our traditional Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast!

*Read the best book last week. It's called THE SHACK. A must read for anyone. Loved it. Will be reading it again soon!

Looking forward to what life has to offer everyday!

Being Pampered

Yesterday, I pampered myself with a pedicure and a manicure. It was absolutely wonderful. Soaking my hands and feet in a warm tub of sweet smelling water was fabulous, the salt scrub incredible, and the mini massages were divine. It was so relaxing. I can't think of a better way to prepare for our getaway to Vegas. What I can't seem to understand is why in the world it costs more to do this activity than it does to feed my family for a week. I mean really...and hour and a half for the same price to feed a family of four. How does this seem right? I know I am a frugal spender, but this seems a little outrageous. Or perhaps not. I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing massage and my hands and feet look great! I think I'll do it again next month. I don't think my family will mind missing a meal or six!