Some Down Time.

While in Colorado, we also had some time to just chill.
We took some time to visit my Aunt Arlene.

Matt and Hannah enjoyed walking my cousins dogs.

We shot some pool at Matt & Karen's.

Had time to sit and chat.

Matthew even had some time to perfect
his Nintendo DS gaming skills.

Garden of the Gods

While driving out to Colorado, Hannah found a travel brochure and decided that she really wanted to go to Colorado Springs.

One of our stops was Garden of the Gods.

The weather was beautiful with temps in the 70's.
We hiked around the park enjoying the sights.

The kids enjoyed watching all the rock climbers in the area.

Hannah had me just a wee bit nervous with her rock climbing skills.  She had no fear.

I can never get enough of the mountainous terrain and beautiful landscapes. 

After hanging out for about an hour at the park, we came across some deer.  It was unreal how close we were to them

Spring Break Road Trip

We managed to pack up and get away over Spring Break.  Mallory had an appointment at the Children's Hospital in Aurora, so we were Denver bound.

My parents were on their way back from a road trip so we stopped and met them for breakfastin Goodland.

The drive seems long but you forget about it when you are 5 hours into it and see this view.  Mountains!

Overall, the ride was not too terrible.  The kids kept fairly busy.
Probably helps that we threatened to turn around and go home after Mallory's appointment if they didn't behave.

We made several pit stops on the way.

For cheesy pictures and such.

We were long over due for a mini-vacation.

Tired mom after all the driving.  Not really....Todd and I split the driving this trip.

My favorite place.

You can have your beaches, sand, and ocean air.

Rocky Mountain High is where I prefer to be.

Just sayin'. :) 

Makes it all worthwhile.

All Todd's hardwork at the Railroad is paying off.
It's evident in Matthew's picture that he drew
at school of his Favorite Thing to Do.

Say a little prayer......



This strong, beautiful girl has been dealt a mighty big challenge.
But our God is bigger.  Carly's faith is solid.  It's evident in her tweets to family and friends as she faces this battle.
It makes me proud to think of how our small community has rallied around her and her family to support them.
The acronym PFCG (Pray for Carly Gassman) has spread like wildfire in the on-line community.

I have known the Gassman's since moving to Abilene.
Carly's mom was one of the first people I knew working at the hospital.  I see her dad on a routine basis through my current job.  Mallory attended the same daycare as these kids when she was younger.  The Gassman's lived across the street from us for two years when we bought our current home. 
And this past year we've enjoyed watching Carly at AHS events.

Prayer is powerful.  Please add Carly to your prayer list.
Her cousin has created a Caring Bridge site to learn more of her story and see updates on her progress http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carlygassman

Tuesdays.

Hannah has dance class on Tuesdays.  They are getting ready for their recital in June.  It is so much fun to see the progress that these girls make each week in getting their routine ready.