One more (random): the many faces of Shae

Camping (in da mountains)

Best thing to do after coming back into town from a vacation is to immediately turn around and go camping in the mountains! We decided to take advantage of the one-and-only weekend that Brian, Chris, Keeley and Taylor have until mid-November (seriously) to go camping in Dillon.

Fueling up before hitting the road.

We're there! Setting up camp -- Shae is a tremendous "helper."

Hungry toddlers cannot wait for camp dinner. Getting her snack on:

Shae literally did nothing but snack and graze -- mostly on junk food (that's what camping is all about, right?) -- from sun up til sun down.

She also loved to take walks around the campground.

Me being the mom that I am requested several photo ops along the way.

Campfire!

Rise and shine!

Let's go for a hike!

Keeley on a rock:

Keeley and Taylor on a rock:

We made it to the top!

Everyone appreciated the cool river water -- including Maggie.

We spent some time at Copper Mountain. Shae had a blast in the giant sandbox.

Giant chair! It's a tradition!

This picture does not accurately reflect how she felt about the paddle boats. She was not overly enthusiasic about her adventure -- despite the fact that she requested to go on the boat with Keeley and Taylor.

Time to take a walk down to the lake.

If Dad's laying down on the picnic table, then so is Shae!

Great camping adventure! Can't wait to go again soon!

We're back in business!

The business of posting photos, that is! Jody needed to buy a new camera for business reasons, so who am I to argue with logic like that?! Yippee!

First set of photos, though, have nothing to do with Shae. Turkey got to spend a few quality days with Gramma and Baba while Jody and I went to Branson, Missouri, with his siblings for a little vacation on the water.

Thanks to everyone for coming to pick us up from the airport! A 90-minute direct flight from Denver to Branson sure trumps the drive across Kansas, if you ask me.

First stop: an Irish bar in downtown Branson. Why? Why not! Plus it's important to get inside every once in a while -- that humidity'll kill ya.

Next stop: dinner! Great Mexican restaurant right on the riverfront. Delish.

Buddy requested the paparazzi to take a rest.

At last we hit the water!

Ruh roh. Day 1 (for us): boat troubles. Speculation is the exessive heat was causing Buddy's boat to vapor lock. He got it started again...

...but it took a little while. So in the meantime, here's Al and Mary's boat:

And Terry's boat:

Dock break!

Dinnertime at the cabins.

Back to the water.

Just some scenery shots.

Bruddas.

The Cliffs of Despair. Not really -- just a "Princess Bride" reference. Kids climb up these cliffs and jump into the water below. We never had a chance to give it a shot, though, because no one had an anchor long enough for us to hang out in the cove -- the water directly below the cliffs averages 100-130 feet deep!

Humidity much?

Another day, another boating adventure.

Ducks!

Riverboat!

More cliff jumping!

The Arkansas/Missouri boarder.

...from the other side. Anyone else hear that banjo music?

Time to head indoors and cool down again.One of my all-time favorite photos. Cindy B. is rather camera-shy -- much like a Yeti or the Loch Ness Monster -- but she'd had just enough wine coolers at this point to photobomb the snap of Al and Mary. Classic.

Al suggested Jager shots to Jody. This can't end well...

Last day = ski day. Buddy goes up on a knee board:

And Craig water skis:

Adios, Branson! I'm sure we'll see you again soon!