Grandpa Ed, a runner.

Grandpa Ed was a runner. An exceptional runner. He not only inspired kids in his physical education  classes, he inspired his own family. 

With the approach of grandpa Ed's birthday, it made me think about his influence and the trickle-down effect in my own family.

Three-year-old Lily went for her first official run with me last night. To most people this would seem like a silly thing to celebrate. For those of you who really know me, however, you know that this meant a lot. I couldn't be more proud and more excited of the hopeful runs ahead of us!!

Grandpa Ed (and grandma Betty) cheered me on in many races. His passion for running and enthusiasm for sport showed itself in a small way last night in Lily. Love that!! To the trickle-down effects and passion for running and sport, and to grandpa Ed, a runner!

One of many runs that he cheered for. Heather in Grandma'sMarathon. 

Fresh from the garden

Have a look at Lily's proud garden moment. #precious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atSGIx9ILt8&sns=em

Game time, baby!

The Denver Broncos' season is officially underway! My team and I took in the NFL season opener/Bronco home opener last Thursday, and I was reminded how much fun it is to live in Bronco Country!!

Here we GO!!!! (#nosebleedseatsarestillfun) 

WEEEEEE!!  Up, up and AWAY!!!!

If the predictions are correct, this could be a season for the books! Let's go Broncos!

Jeff and Dina

This post is dedicated to memories; to life and to its journey. 

In 2001, I set out to find what exists outside of Wisconsin's green, tree-filled boarders. I packed my little silver Saturn to capacity and landed in sunny LA, CA. As dad headed back to WI, I sobbed, wondering if I had made the right decision. 

Jeff and Dina opened their home to me. They showed me the ropes and helped me acclimate to Hermosa Beach.  Jeff made  sure I remembered to laugh and Dina was like a big sister to me, always there to listen, give advice and help me navigate my way.

Years have passed and we both now live in Colorado, have families of our own and have created paths for our lives. As they set out on their next journey to Saudi Arabia, I just want to reflect on all the good thats come of the moments, memories and milestones we've shared.  Love you guys and miss you already!!!

Lazy Summer Days

From time to time it's nice to find a little time to just unwind.

Believe it or not this is a saying that was on a little pencil pouch I had as a child. I know this may come as a shock to some of you, but I tend to put words to song in my everyday life...it was no different for me, as a kid. Because my friend and I put those words to a tune, as we giggled like giddy school girls, I can still remember them to this day. How true it is! We do need to find time to just relax. To just BE. 

We finally had a chance this weekend to enjoy Denver and enjoy some of the things in our own backyard that make us smile. Refreshing, to say the least. 

Rain gauge fun!

Marching!!

Sisters. Enjoying life. 

Life can get going so fast. Remember to take time to enjoy the simple things.

 Life is a journey not a destination. Enjoy every moment.

AZ. We went, saw, survived (the heat)!

Nothing says hot like a July day in Arizona. We took a trip with all of the Doerksen crew and coincidentally selected the hottest time of the year… Hundred degree temperatures combined with humidity makes for quite the combo.  Flying with two small kiddos is always a challenge but our girls did pretty well and loved seeing the sights of the desert, meeting their great grandma, seeing palm trees and swimming in the pool!

For the first time, Lily was actually a huge helper. She insisted on pushing her sister in the stroller through the airport, both leaving Denver, and returning. It was a hoot! We got many chuckles as we made our way through the crowds. It's kind of insane that we have to pack so much for only three days. I think Robb and I (or maybe just I 😉) need a class in consolidation when traveling…

This might be one of my very favorite photos from the trip! Great grandma sitting with her little great-grandchildren. So precious! She loved each and everyone of them so very much and it truly made her day(s) to have them near. She gave Molly the nickname dumpling… I tried not to take offense, as I know she was just having fun, but I guess she agreed that Molly is not under-nourished. LOL. 

Papa Doerksen enjoyed his time with the kids, as well. We have many photos capturing the joy in all of their eyes, as the kids climbed all over their papa!!

A good trip. We were left a bit exhausted, but that's what fun memories often do.

#memories

The rocks

If there is one venue, view and feeling that I never get sick of it's a concert at Colorado's Red Rocks amphitheater!! Robb and I searched high and low and finally landed tickets for the Philip Phillips/John Mayer sold out show at the rocks .... And what a show it was! 

We've seen John Mayer at Red Rocks three times now and he has never disappointed! The evening weather was perfect, the air was full of energy and the show was beyond words!

Most of you know this but one of my very favorite bands of all times is the Dave Matthews band. Philip Phillips, in my mind, is a little Dave, waiting to explode into fame! I loved watching his show and can't wait to see him again!!

Great night! Worth every cent! #memoriesforlife