Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease might be making it's round at our house... Another weekend of fever for E for the second weekend in a row. Guess HFMD is going around like crazy right now. Bedtime can't come soon enough! Ugh.
7/1/12 Update:
Well, apparently, Big A is to blame for starting the contagious disease. She had a very mild case of it which we traced back to starting on June 19. E definitely came out the worst, missing three days of daycare and covered in spots. She started with symptoms Friday, June 22. Think she was definitely feeling better by the following Tuesday though as she started going stuck-at-home crazy, begging to go outdoors. Too bad the weather has been 95+ and very humid for the past solid week now! Then Dad started with a fever Tuesday, June 26, but he lucked out by only getting a handful of sores. Everything I've read states the incubation to be 3-6 days, and I would say that has been very accurate in our household!
Prayers and fingers crossed that we are done with that nastiness!!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Dads' Day
I have three of the most amazing fathers in my life. They are wonderful dads, and I couldn't be prouder!
Thank you, guys, for being so wonderful!!! We love you :) Have a fabulous, relaxing day!
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| All three dads on a Colorado hike! Left to right: Dad-in-law, Dad, Husband (with E enjoying the ride) |
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| My husband and kids Colorado picture of course! |
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| My dad A.K.A. "Papa" |
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| My father-in-law A.K.A. "Grandpa" |
Monday, June 11, 2012
Estes Park Getaway, Part III
Days 5 and 6 - June 7-8
Finale of the trip
The last full day in Estes was the nicest weather-wise, and we enjoyed it to the fullest. We set out on a hiking adventure about mid morning for Lily's Mountain which was located just down the highway from Mary's Lake Lodge, where my parents and brother were staying. The mountain is located on the western edge of RMNP. The hike was categorized as an "easy" hike - only two miles one way and a 1009 foot elevation gain. Not so easy for half of our crew, especially the little ones. The hike was one of just a few "easy" hikes that ended at the summit of the mountain. The thinner air and steeper elevation of the last third of the trek deterred some of us. Thanks to my in-laws and mom for staying back with our little ones while we made it to the top!! The view and experience of making it to the summit of Lily's Mountain at 9,734 feet (according to my GPS altimeter on my Android) was absolutely breathtaking (perhaps partly due to the steep last half mile) and quite amazing.
Finale of the trip
The last full day in Estes was the nicest weather-wise, and we enjoyed it to the fullest. We set out on a hiking adventure about mid morning for Lily's Mountain which was located just down the highway from Mary's Lake Lodge, where my parents and brother were staying. The mountain is located on the western edge of RMNP. The hike was categorized as an "easy" hike - only two miles one way and a 1009 foot elevation gain. Not so easy for half of our crew, especially the little ones. The hike was one of just a few "easy" hikes that ended at the summit of the mountain. The thinner air and steeper elevation of the last third of the trek deterred some of us. Thanks to my in-laws and mom for staying back with our little ones while we made it to the top!! The view and experience of making it to the summit of Lily's Mountain at 9,734 feet (according to my GPS altimeter on my Android) was absolutely breathtaking (perhaps partly due to the steep last half mile) and quite amazing.
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| And the hiking adventure begins! |
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| Mom, Mom-in-law, Dad-in-law, Dad |
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| My dear in-laws |
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| Papa with E...and baby doll in tow, of course |
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| My three girls resting about halfway up Lily's Mtn with their souvenir rocks in hand |
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| My dear parents hiking during their first (of several) Estes Park vacations!! :) |
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| Top of Lily's Mtn looking towards Estes Park |
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| Chris...too close for comfort |
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| An uneasy feeling, yes, I had it |
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| Love this picture...even if it is less than modest... |
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| Feeling like we're on top of the world, only to realize Long's Peak behind us is another 4,500 feet above us! |
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| The Survivors of the Lily Mountain hike!!! 9,734 feet |
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| Big A near the summit of Lily's Mtn She's my Colorado mountain lover!! |
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| Chris as we came off the mountain summit |
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| My dad and Big A hiking back down Lily's |
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| Sleepy E on the hike back down Lily's Mtn |
Our last evening was spent with my parents at Mary's Lake Lodge which was about four miles or so from our cabin. The heated outdoor saltwater pool there was enjoyed by all, even E! It was the first time she got into a pool without crying since our pools in Nebraska are generally unheated and cold, which she doesn't appreciate much at all. Quite odd that even though the outdoor temperature was 70 degrees, we were still fairly comfortable in and out of the pool.
Hiking goal for next RMNP experience is Ouzel Falls from the Wild Basin trailhead :)
I WANT TO GO BACK!!!
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| Papa and E |
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| Sunbathing E |
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| The saltwater pool at Mary's Lake Lodge with an incredible view! |
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| The really hot hot tub |
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| This guy was hanging out on the Streamside Cabin property maybe a car length's distance from our van as we headed into town on our last evening...wow! |
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| Twin Owls shot on the way out of town |
Hiking goal for next RMNP experience is Ouzel Falls from the Wild Basin trailhead :)
I WANT TO GO BACK!!!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Estes Park Getaway, Part II
Day 4 - Wednesday, June 6
Today we explored Rocky Mountain National Park (my third year in the park, Chris's tenth or something like that). We drove up Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor's Center.
Fun fact #1 that I learned this year: Did you know that RMNP is the highest national park in elevation?? The elevation of the park ranges from 7,860 feet to 14,259 (Long's Peak). Seventy-four peaks meet or exceed 12,000 feet elevation.
Fun fact #2: Trail Ridge Road is the highest in elevation paved road in the U.S. that doesn't come to a dead end. It reaches 12,183 feet and continues onto the other side of the Continental Divide into Grand Lake, CO. Because the elevation is so high, the continuous stretch of Trail Ridge Road is only open for 3-4 months out of the year.
Later in the evening after dinner, Chris's dad, Big A, Little A, Chris and I hiked up Old Man Mountain. This is one hike that is located right off the property of Streamside Cabins where we stayed. So it is hiked frequently by at least part of our clan. At age four, Little A made her first hike to the top which is definitely not an easy hike!! She is slightly too brave for my liking sometimes!
Today we explored Rocky Mountain National Park (my third year in the park, Chris's tenth or something like that). We drove up Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor's Center.
Fun fact #1 that I learned this year: Did you know that RMNP is the highest national park in elevation?? The elevation of the park ranges from 7,860 feet to 14,259 (Long's Peak). Seventy-four peaks meet or exceed 12,000 feet elevation.
Fun fact #2: Trail Ridge Road is the highest in elevation paved road in the U.S. that doesn't come to a dead end. It reaches 12,183 feet and continues onto the other side of the Continental Divide into Grand Lake, CO. Because the elevation is so high, the continuous stretch of Trail Ridge Road is only open for 3-4 months out of the year.
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| 12,183 feet - the highest point on road!
Long's Peak in distance |
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| A sharp cliff off the road - not a drive for the faint ones |
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| The Raasch Five at Rainbow Curve in RMNP |
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| Rainbow Curve looking down on the winding Trail Ridge Road |
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| Rock Cut on Trail Ridge Road at about 12,000 feet |
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| Our 3 girls inside Alpine Visitor's Center |
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| Wearing coats at Alpine Visitor's Center - 11,796 feet; 54 degrees |
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| Driving back down Trail Ridge Road above tree line |
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| Grandpa R mid hike |
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| Summit of Old Man Mtn looking down on our cabin |
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| Sunset (sort of), cloudy/stormy view from the summit of Old Man Mtn |
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| A & A at the summit of Old Man Mtn (view of Long's to the right) Big A's third hike to the top and Little A's first. She was sooo proud! |
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| A quick picture before a storm/rain gets the best of us! |
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Estes Park Getaway, Part I
As I sit down to my computer (with a glass of wine), I'm trying to get back into blogging mode. Trying to catch up with unfinished posts and adding all sorts of photos. This has been my online diary since before my youngest was born, and I'm sad to be so behind on it! Now that I'm back to working the day shift with the kids in daycare, my goal is to keep up better!! Kind of feel like I'm going backwards, but there is so much to say since last fall...so here we go!
We are very grateful to Grammy and Grandpa Raasch for putting up with us for the week and sharing their cabin with the Raasch Five. THANK YOU!! We just got home last night. It was a much-needed, much-anticipated vacation!! The kids were very well-behaved and (we think) E's turning point of being officially potty trained. Woohoo! She did so well with staying dry the whole time of our trip. We were also excited to meet up with my parents and brother and his girlfriend who were also vacationing in Estes! Hope they liked the place as much as we do and return in the future!!
We also have been looking forward to this time away to celebrate our new jobs and my going back to full time day shift venture. It's been a truly rewarding 2012 thus far. Praise the Lord!
The trip began last Sunday when we headed to Ogallala to stay in a hotel and do some sightseeing at Lake McConaughy. Since I have so many pictures to post, I will do a three-part vacation post. :)
Here are Days 1-3, June 3-5, of our trip:
Here are Days 1-3, June 3-5, of our trip:
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| Lake McConaughy Dam When we visited the lake in June 2008 (my middle one on the right was a mere 10 months old), the lake was experiencing record low levels. Now there is excess!! |
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| View from our cabin deck |
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| Cabin #17 Streamside on Fall River |
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| Cabin's hammock with three cute girls |
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| "Chippy" |
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| Pool time with Grandpa! |
On Tuesday, we visited Prospect Mountain via tram! The top beholds cool views of the town of Estes Park and various peaks, such as Long's Peak - the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 feet - as well as Twin Owls (picture to be posted in part III), etc. Initially, the tram frightened E, and she let us all know by vocally expressing her opposition. She tried running away as we all piled in the red tram car. However, it must not have been that bad as there were no tears on the way back down.
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| The tram ride up Prospect Mountain So exciting!!! |
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| Watching second tram go down as we go up |
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| View of Old Man Mountain from atop Prospect Mtn (smaller bald top mtn in center of photo) |
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| Grandpa helping E find a hungry chipmunk. She giggled when they took the peanut from her hand. So cute! |
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| Daddy and Little A rock climbing on Prospect Mtn |
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| A & A Prospect Mountain |
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| Chris and I with view of Long's Peak in background |
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| Grammy with A & A Prospect Mountain |
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| View of Lake Estes on ride back down mtn |
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