Colorado Reunion...

We just finished the funnest, quickest trip to Colorado to visit with the entire Beck side of the family. We had this family reunion planned months ago and unfortunately, in the time since Rusty's grandma Audrey "Baum" had a knee replacement and subsequently a stroke. So we were really glad we got to spend a little more time visiting with Papa and Baum during her recovery.

The Russ Beck Family with Earl & Audrey Beck

We got in really really late at night and started our activities first thing the next morning. We headed to breakfast, then the mall (where the Sweet Factory was still open and I scored some of my FAV chocolate covered gummi bears- heaven) and then to the nursing home where all the Becks had a pizza party and reunion. It was the first time most of us had seen Baum, and she did really well remembering us. She still has her fire and made us laugh any time she would say "I don't care" or "Whatever" when she was done talking about something. Braden was especially glad to see her, he was worried she wouldn't be able to give him hugs anymore. We shared stories, memories about Baum & Papa -who just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary as well as Baum's 80th Birthday.

Our boys with their Great Grandparents

We sat around and caught up on what all the cousins were up to. It was nice. After a few hours, Baum was tired so we all headed back to their house to do some cleaning, yard work ect. I lucked out and got to go home with Berk and nap- but in addition to missing the clean up, I also missed a huge rainstorm. Braden was so excited they had weeds for him to pull. That kid loves pulling weeds. Weird, I know. That night after dinner we went to Russ's littlest sister Chez's house for fun outdoors and a rowdy game of Blurt.

The 4th of July we started early again after breakfast and our family, Kelcie, Jill & Jaci went to this water park called Pirates Cove. It was a perfect place for little kids. And since it was overcast there weren't a ton of people there. After a few hours we were all cold, (AZ wimps) so we went to Panera for lunch. The frozen lemonade was so good!

Again while I had the hard job of napping with Berk- Rusty, Braden and the gang went to see Ice Age 3D. Braden never saw the others, but he liked this one. Our celebrations for the 4th were changed because of the rainstorm hovering over us, and a lot of the shows were cancelled. But we still had a good time at Russ's younger brother Donnie's house BBQing, playing in the park and learning a new card game called "Lucky Unders." Once it got a little darker, and the rain stopped we did sparklers, Braden had his head painted in red and blue, Berk caught his t shirt on fire and we set off fireworks that sent both my kids running inside. On our drive home we did get to see probably 15 different shows as we drove on the freeway. Berk kept saying "I see it! Fireworks!!" and Braden covered his ears. Love it.

Rusty & I by the fire

Berk & Jaci doing sparklers

Braden's Patriotic Hair

Before we left Sunday, we were able to go back as just our family and visit with Baum and Papa again. It was so nice and so hard at the same time. Just in May they came to AZ to visit us and there is just such a change since then. Luckily she is doing better everyday and we hope to make more frequent visits to see them!

I was so sad we didn't get to see any of the Jardine's- I have to plan it better next time, PROMISE! Hope you all had a Happy 4th!