Some of our very favorite things to do as a family have always been outdoor activities. When we lived in Arizona, that usually meant going hiking in some beautiful canyon, camping in a scenic mountain forest, or, best of all, frolicking in Lake Powell. Theo and the boys were able to make a trip to Page over the Christmas break, but being winter, they were unable to do any of those things. We had discussed many options for when and how we would get back for a summer visit.
We settled on early July to make our trip which would be in three stages including stops in Durango, CO, Cove Ft., UT, and finally Page. Unfortunately, Theo and Drake both had to stay behind due to school obligations.
And so, off we went to John and Michelle's house, an eight hour journey. We arrived in the afternoon and were able to cross paths with another branch of our family that had been visiting with the Gilleland clan, the Hannays. One of the things I love most about getting together with family is the way our kids can pick up right where they left off. From the moment we arrived, the boys abandoned themselves to all of the fun to be had at the Gilleland homestead. Swimming in the pond, basketball in the shop, sleeping in a huge pile of blankets together, all the good things to be had by boys in the summer.
The second day we were there happened to be the Fourth of July. Originally, we had planned to drive up to Silverton to spend the night and enjoy their small-town parade. Rain put a damper on the plan, and kept us in Durango instead. Michelle has been very active in local politics the last several years, and arranged for us to be in the Durango parade representing the Republican Party candidates. John drove us in the pintzgaur while we waved our flags and banners.
The next day, the weather was moderate and lovely, a perfectly mild summer Colorado day. We decided to take the kids out to the Animas river for a float. This is something that we have never done with all of our kids in all the years we have been visiting Durango. This year, we felt like they were finally all old enough that we could do it. John, always the man, took all of the kids in tubes while I served as drop-off and pick-up person. The water was chilly, but the kids had a fantastic time riding the waves.
That night, we had ourselves a Navajo Taco feast! I have actually been trying to improve my frybread making skills since we moved to Texas since if I don't make it, we don't get to eat it. It turned out rather delicious if I do say so myself, and I could almost taste home.
I don't think it gets much more beautiful than the sunset over the Gilleland pond. Oh how we love that place!
Three days in Colorado, and it is never quite enough. The first leg was a fantastic one!
No comments:
Post a Comment