Camping at Golden Gate Canyon

We spent a night camping, not too far from our house, at Golden Gate Canyon. It was true camping except for we had a cabin instead of a tent. The cabins don't have kitchens, bathrooms or any running water. We went with my sister, her boys and my parents. Oh, and my dogs, of course. This is my sister with my daughter G.
Preston eats breakfast with A, and my nephews. This table cloth has is one we have used for camping for over 30 years. I remember using it when we camped at the Oregon coast when I was younger than my kids. I recall picking fresh blackberries for breakfast, rafting in the river, the old VW van...

Here, Papa J is teaching G to start a fire. She never wants to be a Girl Scout, so she gets all her outdoor survival training from us. I guess she needs some "indoor survival" training, too. What exactly is that anyway? I have such great memories of camping. I hope to pass this love on to my kids!

Lonnie's place

My friend Lonnie and her husband bought this property and house about five years ago. The house looked nothing like this. They have redone the entire outside and inside (more inside later). They live on the far western part of Arvada (Golden actually) on numerous acres. They have put a lot of hard work making this a little piece of Heaven!

The property included this massive playground (this photo only shows half of it)! My kids love playing there with Lonnie's sweet daughter. They are a very gracious and hospitable family and open their home to many people!

One of their pet goats. They also have bunnies and two adorable dogs. The dog shown below, Sadie, is actually from the same parents as our dog, Cleo. I guess that makes them sisters!

September morning

It's quiet at my house. The girls are off to school. My hubby is off to an early meeting. It is cool outside and I have the doors and windows open. The dogs break the silence with a loud series of barks as if to say "hey, we see people outside!" They are truly sweet doggies.