Golden, Colorado

In the afternoon, we stopped at Golden for a walk along the river and an ice cream treat.

Dinosaur Ridge

We spent part of our day today at Dinosaur Ridge (just outside of Denver, Colorado) examining fossilized dinosaur tracks and bones. It was a two mile trek out and back. This area was part of the “Bone Wars” of early paleontologist. It was very cool to see fossils in their natural state rather than in museums like we usually do. 

Off to Our Next Stop

We ended up leaving our hotel a little earlier than we had planned. At about 2:50 this morning the hotel fire alarm went off. As we stood outside waiting to find out if we could return to our room, Elsie suggested we just pack up and leave since we were all awake. That ended up being a great suggestion, because the alarm proceeded to go off randomly about every 10 or 20 min. until we left.

On Our Way!

This year we decided to start our family vacation as soon as we were done with school. We came home from Elsie’s graduation, packed up the car, and we’re on our way! 

Elsie’s 5th grade Graduation

Elsie had her fifth grade graduation today. It is hard to believe that we have two middle schoolers now. Elsie is already preparing for next year. She has been making decorations for her locker for the last few days. I guess it will just be mom at the elementary now.

Zach’s Wedding

This weekend we drove out to attend Zach and Angelica’s wedding. It was the first time since the start of the pandemic that we were able to visit with some family from dad’s side.

Grandpa and Alstan

These two pictures were taken almost exactly ten years apart. 

5th Grade Musical

Elsie had her musical performance tonight. She said she felt relieved after it was over, but that she enjoyed doing it. She did a great job!

First Pit Fire of the Year!

Ice Cream Treat

Alstan is gone for the evening on his band trip to Great America. Elsie thought an ice cream treat was in order to enrich the “Elsie Night” with mom and dad.

Alstan said he really enjoyed his trip, in spite of some rain patches during the day.

MS Spring Concert

The middle school band put on a another great performance last night. Alstan was pleased that his Aunt Nette could make it. They follow this up with a field trip to Great America next week.

Good morning

Happy Easter

Easter Weekend

We spent Easter weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Zielicke’s. Elsie and mom volunteered to make the dinner rolls for Easter Dinner. The dough may have gotten a little out of control during the rising process.

After finishing dinner rolls, we went to the local fun farm to enjoy all the baby animals with Aunt Carrie and her girls!

Spring Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa Van stopped in Mineral Point to visit on their way home. Since they stayed at the Quality Inn, Alstan and Elsie were able to spend a couple of hours swimming in the pool.