Last week I had a work trip to Cincinnati for a few days and since I was in the area Mom and Dad drove down to spend the day. We had a great time seeing the sights of the Queen City and listening to Dad's memories of life in Cincy in the 50s.
We had a great lunch at Mecklenburg Gardens, the oldest restaurant in Cincinnati, founded in 1865. Dads great (great) uncle George Operated this place from ~1930 - 1950 and has an authentic German Beer hall. We also stopped by the house my great grandfather lived in as a child, just south of the University.
We also walked along the river front and over the Roebling Suspension bridge into KY. This bridge was used as the prototype for the Brooklyn bridge.
The kids have had fun with summer friends and sleep overs.
The girls also spent a fun week in Phoenix sans parents - and like I say, what happens in Phoenix stays in Phoenix.
For her Birthday, Darcy tried her hand at surfing with Jody and some friends. Surfs up!!
Well that is the late summer update. School starts in a week........
On Wednesday evening Em. lost her first tooth - I think technically one of the incisors on the bottom. She was very excited about the tooth fairy paying her a visit. She has several others that are wiggly as well.
Over the 4th we spent a week in central Colorado, in Avon specifically. However, we had excursions to Vail, Beaver Creek, Glenwood Springs, Piney Lake, Breckenridge, Red Rocks, and a night in Denver.
Lots of good cousin times with the Leshners and with GJ. A great time and thanks GJ and Bobpa for the great room!
Feeding time!!
Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park - billed as Americas only mountain top theme park - was a big hit. Lots of good rides for the kids (and adults) and impressive views from the top. I was Impressed that Emily went on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line (https://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/thrill-rides/soaring-eagle-zip-ride/) and that Ellie went on the Haunted Mind Drop (https://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/thrill-rides/haunted-mine-drop/). The Alpine Roller coaster I think was the favorite though.
Kings Cave
Em's slushy hittin' the spot!
On Friday, we got off the beaten path a bit and explored Piney River Ranch - to get there we had a 40 min. drive on an unpaved, forest service road through the mountains. The drive was well worth it - once there we canoed around the lake and did a hike.
July 4th fireworks! Ellie and I worked our way down to the stage to see Ziggy Marley (son of Bob Marley) perform. Em was too tired to stay up.
In Beaver Creek - Ellie did some cool bunjee jumps while Em. worked the ropes course.
GJ took the kids up the mountain int he gondola and found snow at the top!
We spent Saturday night in downtown Denver. On our way there we stopped in breckenridge for lunch and Red Rocks west of the city.
