We spent our first few days in Colorado celebrating my Gramps, however, we still had much celebrating left to do. The day after the big party, we headed to Fort Collins. My cousin Austin graduated from high school that same weekend. It was perfect timing. Although we couldn't make it to the actual graduation ceremony, we were able to be at his graduation party. Even better! We got to my aunt's house in time to help with a little prep, and then the people came, and kept coming, until it was packed. Thankfully, my aunt and uncle live on a nice piece of land and it literally became a parking lot. I don't want to give a false picture like my aunt and uncle own this mansion or something, but what you don't see is that my uncle's business is actually on the property. He is a carpenter and walks to work each morning. : )

We always very much enjoy spending time with the folks we only get to see a few times a year, so we ate up every minute. Especially when all five us get to be there at the same time. That is very rare these days. Sadly, Kevyn had to leave very early that morning because he was heading to Greece for five weeks with Campus Crusade and had to be back in Texas with his team. But we enjoyed the time we had. He actually comes back today and we're very excited. Kevyn and I are very much alike and thoroughly entertain each other. It's fun having brothers.

Cousins enjoying the party. They look all sophisticated here like they were having a nice chat or something.

Playing washer board. It's addicting. That's Austin on the far left. Unfortunately, that's the only picture I got of the graduate. I was too busy chatting it up and enjoying the weather.


We had a few days after that to just chill and relax. One night we all ate dinner at Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Coming from Texas, we were very skeptical. But it was very serious and delicious.


How could we not?

Another fun part of our trip was that both my little cousins, Jill and Emma graduated from 5th grade. It's much more of a bigger deal in Colorado than it is in Texas, but we enjoyed every minute.

Here is Emma singing "Free to be Me" by Francesca Batistelli at her schools talent show. I was so proud. I don't think I could of done that in 5th grade in front of the entire school. She did great!


Jill and Emma graduated on the same day, so unfortunately, we could only attend one. Since we had been to Emma's talent show, we went to Jill's graduation.

Here's the graduate with Grandma and Grandpa.

The proud parents. Big week for them!

The Jesser clan.

Mom and I were very proud as well.

Jill won the character award out of her entire class. She is so wonderful. And we were so proud.

Grandma and I waiting outside the school to be picked up. Love her.

That night, just for fun, we went bowling. Poor Austin, he was the only guy. He really needed some male companionship.

We were about to take a picture when we realized Jill was upset. Bless her heart. But this picture was too funny not to post. We talked it out and all was well.

She bounces back quickly. We got our picture. : )

Apparently this is how high I hold the ball when bowling. Necessary? Who knows. I stink at bowling.

Sister.

I decided during one turn to use this contraption. It was so funny.


All the girls!


We had a wonderful time in Colorado. It's always so bittersweet to come home. But, there was a lot in Houston waiting for us. Things like Beach Week, VBS, NY mission trip and Mississippi mission trip. Colorado was just the beginning.

We love our family to pieces and enjoy every minute we can get with them.

Thanks for such a wonderful time, Colorado. Until next time...

Back in May my family went to Colorado to celebrate many things. We kicked off the week by having an 80th birthday celebration for my Gramps up at Flagstaff House Restaurant. Flagstaff House is in Boulder, where my grandparents live, and is one of his favorite restaurants. If you were to go there it might become your favorite, too, especially since the location is epic. It's on the top of a mountain. He has a special relationship with the owners there and it was also the place where he and my Grandma Barb were married. When my dad and his siblings started planning this surprise party over a year ago, they knew this had to be the place where the party was hosted. It did not disappoint!

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of celebrating my Gramps. He is a wonderful and very respected man. Many in Boulder refer to him as Dr. Eddy since he's practiced medicine there forever, and although I never had the pleasure of having him as my doctor, I do have the pleasure of calling him my Gramps. That's what he will always be to me.

When we arrived to Boulder, we got off the plane and it was a beautiful 70 degrees and sunny out. After eating lunch, we got in the car and literally watched the temperature drop 35 degrees in a matter of minutes. Shortly after that, it started snowing. Are you kidding me? This is proof of the snow for you once we checked in at our hotel.


So crazy. But that's Colorado for you!

Flagstaff House.

This is where we hosted his party. It was very quaint and nice.

The boys enjoying the view.

The three men in my life.

The brothers.

Me and my sweet mom.

Mom and Dad.


Another view of the other side of the restaurant.

The cake was delicious. And pretty.


I've had a few unfortunate encounters with the wind as of late.

Dad and his brother Jim and sister Janess.

Emma and Alli. Sweet cousins.

Gramps finally arrived and he was literally shocked to see everyone. This was my favorite moment. He just stood there staring at everyone and wouldn't continue walking down the stairs.

Then he stood here.

Greeting friends and family.







I love these precious girls.

The Eddy men.

Gramps and his kids.

A wedding was taking place as our party was going on. I couldn't help but take a picture. Definitely the smallest wedding I've ever seen.

Blowing out his candles. Don't worry, we didn't put 80 on there!

My family!

Grand kids.

With Gramps and Barb.

The Colorado Eddy's.

Dad and me after just stuffing our faces with the yummy cake.



Mom and I decided to take a seat. But apparently we didn't want to actually talk to each other.

So pensive. Thank you, Kevyn. ; )


Gramps and Barb!


With the birthday boy!

Once we got back to the hotel, we decided to have yet another photo shoot. This is the "dance around until mom snaps the picture" move. You should try it.

Our view from the hotel balcony wasn't too shabby, either. I love these peeps.


Happy 80th birthday, Gramps! We love you and are so thrilled we were able to celebrate with you.