I have to post, because the pictures are piling up. I'm sure there will be more to come.

Our trip out West started with a stop in Hays to see our friends Daron and Heather.  The hospitality was amazing, and the fellowship was even better.  We always love spending time with them.  Our journeys are very parallel, even though the details are different. I forgot to take a picture of Eliana with their three little ones, but hopefully we'll get a picture when they come our direction in October.

On our way down from one of the Green Mountain Falls

After Hays, we headed to Green Mountain Falls, just outside of Colorado Springs.  We had a great time with Eric's family, including his great aunt, Brigitte.  We did the big attractions, like Cave of the Winds and Pikes Peak.  We also hiked to three waterfalls, two of which you can walk to from Ruble and Brandi's house.  The best times were just hanging out, cooking dinner for each other and asking Brigitte questions about her life in Germany growing up.

Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
She's so happy to be visiting her first national park

On top of her first 14er

Cuddling on the trail

After GMF (as they affectionately and sometimes confusingly refer to it), the whole family drove up to Granby for the wedding of a longtime family friend.  The groom is Spanish, so we had fun with the cultural and linguistic opportunities.  Eric struck up some conversations about Andres Iniesta and the World Cup, while I was roped into translating for my very ornery father-in-law.

The Simon family
(minus Ruble, who is playing horseshoes, and including the much loved aunt, Brigitte)

Dancing with Uncle Ruble

Sleeping in Nana's arms

The reception