Happy Fourth Everyone!

This was a different holiday this year as the 4th fell on a Sunday, so we celebrated on the 3rd with hiking, BBQing, fireworks, and games.  And the weather was perfect---unlike the actual 4th when we had hail, rain, thunder, lightning, and wind that evening.

Devils Head

We started our day with our traditional hike up Devil's Head.  What fun to carry on this tradition from my youth.  This is only the 2nd year that we have done it, but we love it and look forward to the hike and picnic lunch afterwards.  This year was gorgeous weather and not super hot. 

This is where we know we are almost there-the hole in the rock-thank goodness!

We noticed that not many people were hiking and wondered if it was because we were a day early of the holiday.  After the 1.4 mile hike up the mountain, we still had 143 stairs to climb to get to the Fire Lookout Tower situated on top of a cluster of ginormous rocks. 

The view was spectacular.  Last year, it was foggy and we couldn't see much in front of our faces, but we could see for---ever this year.  We had a great view of downtown Denver and Castle Rock.  Of course, you couldn't miss Pikes Peak in the distance either. 

See Denver

Pikes Peak

After a few minutes being there, we ended up being the only ones up there.  It was nice to have the place to ourselves (ok, the ranger was there, but still)  We had a great time picking out landmarks in the distance and asking the ranger questions.  And of course, we couldn't leave without our Squirrel Card.  They look almost the same as the ones I collected as a child. 

K was very disappointed that there were not as many ladybugs this year.  There were swarms of them last year, but we figured it was cooler then and this year was much warmer and they went elsewhere to find shade.  We found some and that made her happy.  She wanted to gather them in her water bottle and bring them home with her.  It took all my energy to convince her that they needed to stay with their families.

Heading back down is so different than going up.  I guess you could say it is a relief that the hard part is over, we saw it was worth the effort and now we can relax and enjoy the hike down. 

 Passing by the ladybugs on our way down.  No K does not have any in her water bottle

We always have a blast going down. This is the time we have the energy to play rather than just hike. We talk and laugh and jump-you name it. 

And we will do it again next year.....anyone want to join us?

Bar-B-Que

Next, came the BBQ.  We were happy when some friends invited us over for a BBQ and fireworks.  It was a perfect evening to be outside to eat, play games, and light off fireworks.  The missionaries serving in our ward joined us and we all had a great time.  Have you ever played "Bunny Bunny" or "Octopus 8"?  Okay, totally hilarious. 

Of course, the teenagers in the group wanted to play  "Super Ninja".  Well, actually the missionaries are fond of the game too.  It was so fun.

We ended the night with some fireworks.  Ok, so it was like 2 before someone drove by at the same time we lit one off.  I guess some of the particles fell on their car and they were mad.  As they drove past, they yelled out the address and then went down a few houses and stopped.  they were there for quite awhile and we were afraid they were calling the police, so we packed it all up and went inside for dessert.  After awhile, we packed everyone in the car and headed out to watch the fireworks show at the Sky Sox stadium.  We sit in the parking lot of the shopping center across the street and watch them for free.  It was a great show and a great night with great  food and especially great friends. 

HAPPY 4TH!