Kilgore Family Reunion

This is going to be a long one, so much fun and so many pictures from our 10 day vacation. The previous post included the lo-lights of the trip; this will be the highlights.

We started our trip only 2 hours behind schedule, which is standard for us. Well, not so much me. Unfortunately, Jerry had to travel the whole week prior to departure. He landed in CR at 1 on Friday and our "plan" was to leave by 3:oo. He got sidetracked (gasp!) on the way home buying a much needed tri suit and pulled into the driveway at about 2:30.

We got to Winterset, IA at 7 for dinner (thanks for waiting guys!) with my cousin Chris and his family, cousin Philip and his family, Uncle John and Aunt Deb and cousin Bob. The kids, who would be something like first cousins once removed, had a blast playing and swimming. Next morning Jerry and Bob did the Whaletown Triathlon. It was very hot and humid and the course was brutal. After finishing, packing up and showering we were on our way to Colorado.

Saturday was an uneventful day of travel and we arrived in Greeley, CO around 8. We felt very safe as the hotel was welcoming participants for the Police and Fireman's Games being held that weekend. Sunday we stopped in Golden, CO for lunch with my dad's cousins Joyce and Jeannette. Then we all sang, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, as our Thule topped van headed up the mountain to about 12,000 feet and then back down a bit. Winter Park is a little resort town at about 9,000 feet.

Sunday arrivals were us, the Anna (Kilgore) Rawlins, Grandma & Grandpa Kilgore with the Great grandmas Viola and Marilyn, Bird, Alyssa, Mike, and the Chrysta (Kilgore) Richards. The weather for Monday and Tuesday was pretty chilly and overcast, but seeing the rest of country in sweltering 100 degree heat made having to wear a sweatshirt and jeans A-okay with me.

Tuesday Sam & Kathryn arrived from CA. Winter Park was the perfect place for our first "little" family reunion. The weather was great and there was plenty to do, but not too much to do. We went white water rafting on Wednesday with everyone except the babies, pregos and great grands. Gaby and Lydi did well for the most part, but had to be convinced that being a water boat was way more fun than being a peace boat. Our guide gave up warm, dry, water repellent jackets to them both. I didn't have my camera in the boat, but the scenery was breath taking, absolutely gorgeous. I'd recommend a wwr trip down the CO River to anyone.

Thursday was a golf day for the gents and Alyssa. The views from the course were amazing. Such a beautiful place. The litle ones weren't much for real hiking, but there was a trail at the condos that worked perfectly for them. There was also a pool, game room, playground, but the hands down favorite place was the stream behind the condos. Perfect for throwing rocks. Uncle Chase even took a morning dip, Brrr!

Friday morning, Jerry, Sam and Ryan took on Mt biking at the resort. Chair lift to the top and hand on for dear life on the way down. Sam managed to break his bike, but no bones. Jerry managed to break his helmet, but no bones. He did do a really nice job on his shoulder, side, elbow and knee, I'll spare you the pictures. They're nasty.

Saturday it was time to leave. Our kids wanted to stay at the condo forever. It was a really fun week. Originally we were to head to Omaha forthe the zoo, but the weather had been so hot, we decided to follow Scott and Christy to South Dakota to see the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. It was end of Sturgis Motorcycle week, but luckily we found a hotel. The Black Hills are beautiful. It's amazing how much the scenery in the states changes as you drive 2,500 miles!

Despite our injuries and long travel days, we had loads of fun and can't wait to do it again. Next year may be a Blanchard reunion in the Myrtle Beach area.

I will continue adding slide shows from our vacation.