In July, the weather in Colorado is just gorgeous. When we arrived from Las Vegas, we couldn't wait to be outside. The Bezzants' backyard is so fun: trampoline, jungle gym, and lots and lots of grass.
Allyse is so proud to be on top of the jungle gym.
Benjamin was excited to find a ball in the back yard.
Joshua and Noah relaxed on the tramp with one another.
Angelina loved swinging.
Before we arrived at the Bezzant's home, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for the night. The Bezzants met us there. The next day we went to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. They had an alpine coaster, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and a couple of other rides. We rode up in the Gondolas.
The view was breath taking of the Rocky mountains.
Allyse was not frightened as we climbed higher and higher. She was quite excited by the whole adventure.
Brad, Angelina, and Allyse couldn't wait to get to the top of the mountain. Benjamin didn't know what was happening.
Joshua had fun doing a little bit of rock climbing.
Joshua got to the top! Way to go.
Benjamin enjoyed playing in the sand box and being out of the direct sun.
Angelina joined Benjamin also.
Joseph and Noah went on the giant swing.
As he waited for the swing to start, he had second thoughts.
He wondered if he should get off the ride.
Noah seemed to not care, but Joseph was holding on to dear life.
Joseph did make it through the ride and was proud of himself for doing it.
The best part of the day was the Alpine coaster. The whole family had fun going down the mountain in the sleds.
Allyse went down a couple of times by herself.
Brad and Allyse went down a couple of times together. At the end of the day, the clouds were rolling in and lightening was heading our way. We had to go down the mountain in a bus because the gondolas were closed. We headed to the Bezzant's home.
In Denver, we visited the Museum of Nature and Science. This was our second time visiting. The exhibits were outstanding and very kid friendly.
We had to do a silly picture.
Angelina enjoyed posing in front of the dinosaur.
Benjamin is Angelina's shadow, so of course he had to pose for a picture too.
A little twist of the head and Benjamin was ready for another picture.
We visited Nathan, Katie, Michael and Sara in Colorado Springs. We all met at the North Pole. This was the home of Santa's workshop. There were rides, shops and places to eat.
Joshua and Noah getting ready for a ride to start.
Sara was enjoying being with all her cousins.
Angelina and Lilly were clapping while riding in the cars.
Brad and Christian were enjoying the shade on a sunny day.
Christine, Katie and Julene were taking a break from walking.
Benjamin was happy to go on some of the rides especially if his mommy was there.
The duo, Joseph and Noah, always found a ride together.
The North Pole had some animals for the kids to see and touch.
Allyse, Joseph, Julene, Brad and Ben had fun on the roller coaster.
Allyse, Benjamin, and Joshua enjoyed the kiddie bus.
Brad was the man who pushed the stroller up and down the hills. Thanks!
The whole group had fun with Rock Band.
Later that week, we headed to a park. They had rock climbing, swings, sand for Benjamin, and fun things to do.
On May 30th, we trekked north on Highway 93 to the Pahranagat Valley near Alamo, Nevada, to spend a day on the ranch where Grandpa Thiriot grew up.
In the early 1900's, the Thiriots moved to a ranch just north of Ash Springs, Nevada.
Many of the Thiriot descendants who live in southern Nevada took advantage of the opportunity to explore the old ranch, and some came from as far away as Salt Lake City.
The old house was still standing, but barely.
The original wood siding was looking weathered, but we should all look so good when we are nearly a century old.
Ethan and Josh found what remained of a window sill to sit and rest for a moment.
On the north side of the house was a beautiful grove of trees that provided cool shade and a fun area to explore.
On the hill behind the house, there was an old cistern that was used to store spring water for the house.
Also behind the house was a root cellar which was used to preserve food supplies. It was remarkably cool for being a summer day. The cistern from the previous photo can be seen in the background on the hill above the cellar.
After we explored the surroundings, we had a potluck lunch and caught up with members of the extended family.
Ben was pleased that watermelon was on the menu.
It was a beautiful day to spend with family and to learn more about our beloved patriarch, Grandpa Joe Thiriot.
In July, the weather in Colorado is just gorgeous. When we arrived from Las Vegas, we couldn't wait to be outside. The Bezzants' backyard is so fun: trampoline, jungle gym, and lots and lots of grass.
Allyse is so proud to be on top of the jungle gym.
Benjamin was excited to find a ball in the back yard.
Joshua and Noah relaxed on the tramp with one another.
Angelina loved swinging.
Before we arrived at the Bezzant's home, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for the night. The Bezzants met us there. The next day we went to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. They had an alpine coaster, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and a couple of other rides. We rode up in the Gondolas.
The view was breath taking of the Rocky mountains.
Allyse was not frightened as we climbed higher and higher. She was quite excited by the whole adventure.
Brad, Angelina, and Allyse couldn't wait to get to the top of the mountain. Benjamin didn't know what was happening.
Joshua had fun doing a little bit of rock climbing.
Benjamin enjoyed playing in the sand box and being out of the direct sun.
Angelina joined Benjamin also.
Joseph and Noah went on the giant swing.
As he waited for the swing to start, he had second thoughts.
He wondered if he should get off the ride.
Noah seemed to not care, but Joseph was holding on to dear life.
The best part of the day was the Alpine coaster. The whole family had fun going down the mountain in the sleds.
Allyse went down a couple of times by herself.
Brad and Allyse went down a couple of times together. At the end of the day, the clouds were rolling in and lightening was heading our way. We had to go down the mountain in a bus because the gondolas were closed. We headed to the Bezzant's home.
In Denver, we visited the Museum of Nature and Science. This was our second time visiting. The exhibits were outstanding and very kid friendly.
We had to do a silly picture.
Angelina enjoyed posing in front of the dinosaur.
Benjamin is Angelina's shadow, so of course he had to pose for a picture too.
A little twist of the head and Benjamin was ready for another picture.
We visited Nathan, Katie, Michael and Sara in Colorado Springs. We all met at the North Pole. This was the home of Santa's workshop. There were rides, shops and places to eat.
Joshua and Noah getting ready for a ride to start.
Sara was enjoying being with all her cousins.
Angelina and Lilly were clapping while riding in the cars.
Brad and Christian were enjoying the shade on a sunny day.
Christine, Katie and Julene were taking a break from walking.
Benjamin was happy to go on some of the rides especially if his mommy was there.
The duo, Joseph and Noah, always found a ride together.
The North Pole had some animals for the kids to see and touch.
Allyse, Joseph, Julene, Brad and Ben had fun on the roller coaster.
Allyse, Benjamin, and Joshua enjoyed the kiddie bus.
Brad was the man who pushed the stroller up and down the hills. Thanks!
Later that week, we headed to a park. They had rock climbing, swings, sand for Benjamin, and fun things to do.
The day before we left was 4th of July. We let off some fireworks and sparklers. Angelina stepped on a firework on accident and burned herself. We had to carry her around because it hurt to walk.
