Well, we’ve definitely got tons of things to thank God for today (and every other day, for that matter).  We’re all healthy and happy and back together as a family again.  Roons joined us and we also invited our neighbor, Lavina, to share the Thanksgiving celebration with us.  We reminisced, ate, laughed and “klinked” our glasses many times as the evening went by.

                           

One of the places Justin said he missed most while he was in Iraq was Garden of the Gods.  Today he and Terri grabbed up the kids and went for an extended hike in the spot he’d missed so much.

     

We’ve all been waiting anxiously for this day for many months.  Justin’s been back in the U.S. for a week or so, but finally arrived back home this evening after his deployment in Iraq.  Our five plus Aunt Roons and JB’s friend, Terri, all met at the airport to lay our eyes on and put our arms around our returning soldier.  Everyone was thrilled to be together again!

                   

Theo continues to amaze and amuse, with the emphasis on the latter today.  Even an ordinary activity like eating yogurt can become a source of entertainment for this little goofball.  I was watching him eat and had to ask, “Theo, what are you doing?”  “I’m shaving with yogurt!”  The pictures will take you through it step by step.

   

Today Aunt Roons, the kids and I headed downtown to take in the Veterans Day Parade.  It’s always good to take the opportunity to thank those who’ve stood up for our country’s freedom over the years.

     

Plenty of festivities today to have fun with our little Narnians.

                   

Back in the Spring, Theo was excited to pick out seeds to grow some white pumpkins.  With Halloween right around the corner, it’s about time to harvest those whiteys.

Today, Gail, her folks and sister all went up into the mountains to carry out BB & Gig’s wish to have their ashes spread in the mountains of Colorado where they made so many wonderful memories.

 

We went to Denver today for Gig’s memorial service, and all I can say is that it was a perfectly fitting service for her.  Friends and relatives took turn after turn telling the everyone else their favorite things about Gig.  Hardly a person spoke that didn’t mention laughter, love, tradition or her pure enjoyment of others.  What a wonderful lady.

Today was a doubly exciting day.  Bobba, Nona and Aunt Linda are in town for Gig’s memorial service scheduled for tomorrow, and it’s time for the Trailblazer Halloween Hop.  The kids have been so excited for a chance to wear their new costumes.  With their recent exposure to the Chronicles of Narnia, they were intent on going as characters from these storied.  Nathan wanted to be King Peter, Theo chose Prince Caspian, and CC was interested in going as Queen Lucy.

                     

As the garden production winds down for this year, there are still a few big finds to be had if one digs enough.  Check out Nathan’s trophy.

The annual Coronado High School homecoming parade took place today and, once again, the triplets marched with a bunch of other Timberwolves in the parade.

Gail continues to enjoy climbing Colorado’s many 14,000 ft. peaks and actually clicked two more off the list today, making it to the top of Shavano and Tabeguache Peaks.

 

Capitalizing on the excitement of the Olympic spirit, Trailblazer held their annual Track and Field Day today.  With Dad unable to attend, Mom was in charge of covering the events.  By her description, she instructed the kids to let her know when they were doing their favorite events.  That was about the last she saw of them apart from hunting them down at different events herself.  Here’s what she saw.

           

Gail received the news today that her grandmother, Gig, passed away at age 92.  She was a phenomenon in many ways and there are loads of people who will miss her alot.