Holub Happenings: Rocky Mountain High

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Since July is the month of birthday's in our house, we decided to make a trip to Colorado to celebrate. Quinn celebrated his big 35th birthday, and when I was asking myself where would he be happiest spending his birthday, I knew it would be on a mountain top, so that's where we headed. Sam also had his 4th birthday just 4 days after Quinn's, but we celebrated that with cake once we got back home. We had the very good fortune to be able to stay at my Great Aunt Verda and Uncle Zeke Johnson's cabin in Nathrop, CO, which is just about 3 hours outside of Denver, near Leadville where I and all my siblings learned to snow ski. I remember spending a lot of time at this cabin as a little girl with my family and our Colorado cousins and always had the best time just running around crazy. I knew it was a place Quinn, Sam and Isla would love and they sure did. Sam was very sad to leave the mountains and refused to say, "goodbye," but instead, " see you another time."

My second cousin Jan and Ken were were staying at the cabin and were so open and inviting to letting us stay for the week and crash their quiet time. But we had the best time getting to know them and Sam and Isla fell in love and received a ridiculous amount of attention and lots of love and snuggles. Quinn and I were very spoiled in that Jan and Ken extended the offer to babysit for an evening so Quinn and I could go out for the evening to celebrate his birthday. They also watched the kids several other times to let us go out and visit one of the local breweries as well as go white water rafting. So needless to say, we were all extremely spoiled and LOVED their company. Several other family members cycled in and out while we were there. Papa and Pauline drove up from Kansas for a few days and it was great to get to see them and go to St. Elmo with Papa to feed the chipmunks with the kids. Which was another thing I fondly remember doing as a little girl. My cousin Mary came out for a day to hike up Mt. Princeton, a 14,000 ft mountain with Quinn and my other second cousin Debbie Reed and her husband Doug, all of which are lovely people. And then my other cousin, Susan and Uncle Rich came up on Friday to spend the afternoon and night. So it was a revolving family reunion and such a relax casual place to eat, visit and enjoy the mountains and outside.

This is 5 min. after we arrived to the cabin. Grandma Marie had gotten this kid fishing pole for
Sam for his birthday and he could hardly wait to try it out. This is in the stream just a
few feet outside of the cabin.

Jan was the best. Here they are feeding the rabbits and animal left over pancakes. However, she would go outside later to pick it all up so the kids would think the animals came and ate their offerings.

Isla and Ken enjoying the cool morning together.

Making sugar water to refill the hummingbird feeders. There were dozens of hummingbirds and there were at least 3-4 feeds around the cabin, so there were always birds to watch for. Watching the birds was Isla's favorite activity. And Jan was always obliged to stop whatever she was doing to pick up Isla and hold her at the window to watch the birds. This happened at least 2 dozen times a day, but Jan always stopped to take the time. So sweet.

Quinn's birthday morning and we went on a kid friendly hike. Here's Sam at this cool playground, all with rocks for climbing rather than playground equipment. Gotta love Colorado.

Awesome rocks

Isla is ready for adventure next to the beautiful river.

....30 minutes later, its nap time.

This is one of the best pictures. Sam's face pretty much sums up how he was the entire time,
surrounded by mountains and nature and tons of family to play with.

Birthday beer while watching the kayaks in the river.

Mount Princeton hotsprings offered a fantastic view of the surrounding peaks. Mt. Princeton in the background

Isla and Jan watching the humming birds on the porch in the beautiful weather.

Sam is helping Ken make a fine new boat for floating in the stream. They are working hard to make a seaworthy vessel.

Time to paint the boat with Grandpa, Grandma Pauline, Jan and Isla.

The wonderful cabin!

Sam feeding the chipmunks at St Elmo with Grandpa, Mama and Isla

He couldnt feed them fast enough and ended up with critters in his hair.

Now Grandpa is helping out.

Isla found an alternative to feeding chipmunks as she was not a fan of them....

Fishing for the elusive rainbow trout with Grandpa

Cleaning fish at the end of a successful (with help) fishing trip.

Sam didn't get enough fishing evidently, so he is playing "slap jack" with Debbie.

Intrepid explorers getting ready for a rafting trip in the cold, cold river.

Too many marshmallows and smores!

Floating boats in the stream with cousin Susan.

A fine morning for a birthday hike.

Mega-Jenga in the evening on the porch. When the tower falls EVERYONE knows it.

A family moment by the fire.

14,115 ft high on Mt Princeton. Quinn, Debbie, Doug and Mary. There is not enough oxygen up there!

On Mt Princeton, while searching for snacks, several kids toys were unexpectedly discovered in the backpack. So glad hey made the 14,000 foot hike, not really