Colorado Vacation - Driving

Matt & I have discussed heading to Colorado for a few years now.  We had bounced around the idea of meeting Matt's family there as a good "meet in the middle" vacation. We finally got it worked out for both schedules this summer!

We got a very early start on Monday morning.  We wanted to leave around 4:30am so that we could arrive in Colorado Springs by early evening Monday night.  Matt ended up going to bed by 7:00 Sunday night and waking up around 2:00 am, allowing us to hit the road by 2:30 am. 

We started seeing a lot of lightning ahead of us (to the west) and knew we would be hitting a severe line of thunderstorms.  We were right!  It was a bit scary for a while and we kept checking our weather app to see what we were up against.  We stopped at a rest area between storms.  This Wind Turbine Blade was HUGE and on display to see. 

Luckily, by the time we hit Nebraska we were out of the storms (now just raining) and the "sun" had come up!  We stopped for breakfast and then hit the road again.

A few hours later, we were ready to stop again.  We were near Kearney, NE and the Archway Monument.  The Monument (pictured below) has a museum inside the the "arch".  The monument actually spans Interstate 80. 


We were thrilled to find that there were some fun photo ops and a maze to run off some energy for the kids.  After leaving at 2:30 and driving through multiple storms, the kids hadn't slept all night - they were ready to get out and stretch their legs.

No Will!  Wait to use the restroom inside! lol

After using the restroom and checking out the gift shop, we saw this "quilt" on the way out.  We all tossed our pennies to see which one would go the furthest.  Being on such a slant, a lot of our pennies came all the way back to us!  Gave us a good laugh.

Back on the road again, we made great time across Nebraska - stopping only in Ogallala for lunch/gas/bathroom and a few letterboxes.

Approximately 30 minutes later, we hit the Colorado border and stopped at the Visitor's Center to enjoy some of the fun things.

Map of Colorado

checking out the visitor's center from the "lookout tower"

After leaving the visitor's center, we traveled south/west to Colorado Springs.  The day finally caught up with some of the kids...

We contacted Ken & Connie and found out that they were about an hour away from our hotel...about the same amount of time that we were!  We pulled into the hotel MINUTES before the Oregon clan!  The kids swam with Grandpa for a bit and then we had some dinner. 

Our first "day" comes to a close.  We were all exhausted and ready for a full night's sleep.  We were so excited to spend the next 4 days/nights with Grandma, Grandpa & Uncle John!

Summer Fun

We still have a month left before school starts, but it feels like summer just started and now we are on the downhill side of it!  It has been a pretty lazy summer.  I decided early on that we wouldn't do a lot of planned activities.  I hate looking at the calendar and seeing it fill up!  With our vacation coming in the middle of the summer, our month of June was pretty quiet.  No Vacation Bible Schools, No summer camps, no doctor's appointments.  We enjoyed the library many days - computer time there as well.  I was working at the table one afternoon (after getting back from the library) and thought 2 of the kids were in the front room reading.  I glanced over and found all 4 of them together!  They LOVE the library and finding new treasures to read!

Matt & Will took a long weekend trip to Dixon/Oregon, IL to attend the annual Great Lakes Letterbox gathering.  It was a muggy, rainy and stormy weekend for them...but they found over 80 boxes and enjoyed time with lots of friends.  Here is Will with his boxing buddy, Sam.

There are a few things we try to do every summer in the area.  We have wanted to attend a River Bandits game (class A minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros) for a few years now but never "found time".  This past weekend, we were given tickets for a game and the whole family was able to attend.  We enjoyed the game and I enjoyed teaching the fine art of baseball rules to the kids.  I think they are still confused!  While there, we rode in the ferris wheel that overlooks the ballpark and the Mississippi River.  A beautiful night on the river with good baseball!

As our time quickly dwindles, we look at our "to do list" for the summer and find that we have LOTS more to do before school starts.  Aside from Jr Hi camp and a quick trip to Chicago, hopefully we can find time in August to check off the rest of our summer items!

Celebrating 50 Years of Marriage

June 26, 1965...an important date in the Barman household!  On this date - 50 years ago - my parents were married.  High School sweethearts, they made the huge decision to spend the remaining years of their lives together.  They said their vows before family, friends & God. 

In their 50 years of marriage, they have raised 4 kids and are now enjoying 11 grandkids!  They have stuck together through the thick & thin, rich & poor, sickness and health.  Above all else, they have been a shining light for Jesus and how we should live our lives while here on this earth.  They are loving, Godly examples to their 4 children, 4 children-in-laws and 11 grandchildren.  Always giving of themselves - their time, energy, talents, resources - to anyone who is in need. 

Mom & Dad, we love you deeply and realize the true blessing that you are to all of us that you come in contact with.  May God continue to bless your lives richly and we know that He will receive all the Glory due Him. 

In honor of Mom & Dad's 50th, we held an open house at their church.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship among family & friends. 

Mom's Life Verse for our Family

Family Prayer before the Open House



Mom with her Wedding Gown

Wedding Gift from Dad

Handkerchief made by Mom's Grandmother

Replica of their cake. Original Cake Topper

Picture Video Tribute made by Brad

The Deacons who served - such a blessing!



playing on their tablet - they got a bit bored!

Over 150 people stopped by to celebrate with us.

Mom with her brother, Phil and sister, Fran

Swartout Reunion!

After the party, we had a "quiet" family dinner (no grandkids) at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse.  It was a wonderful evening filled with Love, Laughter, Reminiscing and (of course) great food - the perfect way to end our day of celebrating.

Mom & Dad - whether you are with us for 5 or 25 more years, know that you have left an amazing legacy. You have touched so many lives - many of those lives have been changed for eternity because of you and you will reap those rewards in Heaven one day.  We love you so much and are so proud to call you Mom & Dad.