Grand Lake

Stacey and I took a few days and had a weekend away together in Grand Lake. We left the kids at home as a test run for leaving for Spokane a week later. I had a race in Kremmling not far away, so it only made sense for us to add another night or two to the trip and make it a weekend.

We didn't do very much outside of my bike race except chill, walk around and enjoy some good food, and then an early morning hike before driving back home. It was nice to get away for a few days. It's a really pretty place and not very busy since it's out of the way for most people living on the front range.

Jonathan's 16th Birthday

Happy Birthday Buddy! We celebrated this milestone birthday in typical fashion with a family party at our house. But the big event of the day was Jonathan passing his driving test and getting his license (despite the challenges with the previous driving school). At the time of writing Jonathan is a few months into driving. He's been loving the freedom to drive to the gym or pickleball and even drove to South Denver alone last weekend.

Julia's Graduation Open House

Julia did an amazing job planning, designing, and setting up her open house held at the Cordera Community Center!

The party was a joint affair with her friend Livi, but Julia (and Stacey) did most of the work. The venue was a great option, proved by the fact that another student from a different high school was having their open house at the same time in the room next to ours.

Julia built a slide show of her and Livi with pictures of each of them at a very young age all the way through high school together. There was background music, balloons, yummy finger foods, college themed cup cakes, and various displays for each girl.

The guestbook table was setup with instant cameras so people could take a picture of themselves with Julia and then write a note next to their picture. A basket of wildflower seed packets for each guest to plant was a nice touch.

I think the event was a great success all around. Many people stopped by to say hello and congratulations to Julia.

Last Day of 9th Grade

Julia's Graduation Ceremony

Julia's graduation was thirty years after mine, but they were both held in the same location at the Air Force Academy. We were excited to celebrate Julia and all her accomplishments before headed off to college in the fall.

The traffic and crowds made it difficult to get on base and find seats. Julia freaked out a little bit when she realized she has lost her slip of paper with her name on it that she was supposed to hand to the emcee, but no big deal and it all worked out.

Afterwards we met up with Julia and some friends and took a lot of pictures. I posted some of the best of the ceremony and afterwards. Congratulations Julia! We are all very proud and love you very much.

Senior Passage Ceremony

The Senior Passage Ceremony is like a mini-graduation for the seniors and their families, but held at the school. It was the last time the seniors were inside Pine Creek High School.

There were a lot of awards and graduation cords presented, a few presentations, and then all the kids and their families walked out of school together one last time.

Student Council Induction

The end of a school year means a banquet to recognize student council and pass the torch to next year's members. Since Jonathan was elected class president for next year, we'll be doing this a third time in 2027.

Jonathan wore my suit to the event. He said a few words in front of everyone, passed the torch, and introduced the incoming members for next year's sophomore class. He was also awarded the most valued person award for the current year. Good job Buddy!

Senior Prom Pictures

Senior Prom! Julia and Miles, Livi and Chase at the Cordera Community Center. Then some shots of the entire group from the overlook to Garden of the Gods.