The traditional kids photo with Lily joining via FaceTime

This past week we had the annual summer trip to Keystone with the Dahlens. For the first time ever, it was eight of us instead of nine, as Lily had to stay back in Iowa to work and attend classes.

The other thing that was unique about this week is that Jude, Marcy, and I had to leave for a day for Jude’s orientation at CU Boulder. That was super worthwhile, as they had a separate parents’ program, and Jude got a little feel for what college life will be like. He got to stay in one of the dorms for the night. He also selected his classes and was able to secure the ones he wanted.

Anna and Marcy on horseback

Back to Keystone, where the rest of the week was action-packed. The girls all went horseback riding one day, down near Fairplay. It was a beautiful ride, but Anna didn’t feel that great and by the end was having a major allergic reaction to her horse. So, it was straight to the urgent care, where they gave her oxygen, a nebulizer, and an EpiPen, which made her feel better. For a while, we thought this might involve an ambulance ride to Frisco because Anna was having real trouble breathing. But thankfully, she avoided that.

In Urgent Care after horseback riding but feeling a little better

Meanwhile, Nathan, Jude, and I went for a hike at Loveland Pass. It was a gorgeous day, so we climbed one of the 13ers near the top of the pass.

On the summit of Cupid Peak

The three of us played our annual round of golf at the River Course in Keystone (no cart incident this time).

Rafting down “The Numbers” on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista

There was a day of rafting that was a blast for all involved. Chloe, Mandy, and I decided to skip the rafting. I took Olive for a hike in the mountains near our place, and Mandy and Chloe had a relaxing day. That night, we all went on a ghost tour of Breckenridge, which was a lot of fun.

On Buffalo Mountain, not that far from the summit

Then, on July 4, Ella, Marcy, Jude, and I got up early to tackle Buffalo Mountain. Once again, we didn’t make the summit, as the weather was closing in, so we decided not to risk it. And we wanted to get back to meet the others at the farmers market in Dillon.

That evening was the traditional Mexican restaurant dinner, although our regular place, Dos Locos, was closed for the holidays. We tried Lime in River Run, which was excellent (I think I prefer it).

Another great week is in the books. We are already starting to talk about the 2026 trip.