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Back to school!

Meredith had a terrific first day as a 1st grader.  She spent the day learning the rules of her new classroom and school and told us the best part of her day was lunch. We think that it's a good sign when your child says that she "can't wait to go back again tomorrow".

So long pacifier...

We didn't plan it.  It just happen and we went with it!  Our little Delaney lost her blue pacifier napping on Jennifer's lap while riding Sky horse through the mountains.  When she woke up from the nap we told her that it fell out while she was sleeping and that we would never be able to find it again.  Life around our house has been a little rough but overall she's done great.  We could not have planned a better opportunity for us to wean her of this particular comfort item.



This rides for you dad...

Two things that my dad loved were the mountains and riding horses.  And this weekend I was given an opportunity to reflect about my dad while riding through a beautiful mountain valley near Crested Butte.  It was a perfect ending to a long and rough week. 

Goodbye...

 

 

 

My early childhood is riddled with fond memories of my dad.  Some of the best ones include our 4th of July BBQ pool parties, RV camping, fishing, and riding our horses.  He was a very funny man and I'm pretty sure that I get my love for sweets from him.  His favorites were chocolate covered cherries, ice cream, and cookies (that's probably why there's always a package of cookies in my cupboard).  I remember him telling stories about our milking cow Broomsie and various other farm animals (he was really good at the "big one" that got away type stories).  My mom always made sure that the holidays were special for us and I can  remember coloring eggs with my dad and hanging the Christmas lights outside (my job was to untangle the lights and hold the ladder for him).  The Denver Broncos always had an avid fan, my dad, even when they lost the Super Bowl several times.  He had nicknames for all five of us kids and after asking him one day if the blackened eastern Colorado rain clouded sky would fall on us, my nickname came easy to him... Chicken Little.  I will never forget these happy memories plus many others.

My latter childhood and early adulthood memories are unfortunately scarred with not so great memories caused by alcoholism.  Disappointingly, my dad didn't attended my graduations, wedding reception, and never had the opportunity to meet his granddaughters.  I said goodbye to my dad more than fifteen years ago to save myself (and my family) from his alcoholic pain.  And now, I must truly say goodbye because he has passed away.  I know he is in a better place, where he will be free from his disease.  He was not alone and I find comfort knowing that my sister and brothers had taken good care of him despite his issues (they are stronger than me, thank goodness).  I hope that he is able to find peace now and can watch over the five of us and our families. 

I love you dad and hope that you are proud of me and everything that I have accomplished.  I will miss you.       

La Garita's