Red Rocks and Rainbows

We've had a fantastic ten days around here, beginning with Aunt Karen's visit and ending with a successful camping trip to the floodwaters of Manitou Springs. Karen came out to accompany me, Aden, and Aden's friend Hannah to a Bruno Mars concert at Red Rocks. The concert was in celebration of Aden's 12th birthday and was the first concert for both girls. Aden's face lit up when Bruno and his band came onstage; "he's RIGHT THERE!" she said in wide-eyed disbelief. As the crowd belted out the lyrics to "Just the Way You Are" she rotated in awe at the unity of crazy-eyed, dancing, singing fans. Her new-found enjoyment easily doubled my own, and I had to laugh when she said the next day, "concerts seem almost normal now."  Welcome to the pleasure of live music, my dear, and the phenomenon of Red Rocks.

Karen had another day with us so we toured Celestial Seasonings tea in Boulder. My family of origin consumes massive amounts of their tea (especially SleepyTime Tea) and so it felt like a personal welcome. The Mint room was overpoweringly enjoyable, and the free samples of Honey Vanilla Chamomile warmed our hearts. I will have to take my mom (world's number 1 tea consumer) and dad on a tour when they come back to visit.

Lastly, we drove down towards Colorado Springs to camp, passing through a horrendous thunderstorm en route. Turns out we passed by Manitou Springs on highway 24 less than an hour before their massive flash flood. Two cars in our caravan attempted to join us later that night and were turned back by the closed road. For  those of us fortunate enough to make it to Spillway Campground near the 11 mile Reservoir, we were greeted by the most brilliant rainbow I have ever seen. We took it as a good sign, as the rain stopped and we put up tents and canopies, and busted out the evening meal as dark fell. It was chilly and cool but the rain stayed away for the rest of the weekend as we hiked and explored, ate and enjoyed the campfire. Now we are in the final week of the children's summer, and filling each day with shopping and pool time, short explorations or playdates. It's been a whirlwind of outside time, fun with friends and family, and good music. Thanks to all who came and participated with us!