Lots happened in July. Jake was home for a week, so we drove up to Michigan for a day to visit Michigan family. My 93 year-old Grandpa Barker was our first stop.

He recently moved into an assisted living place, so he took some time to show us around his new crib. It’s always so good to see him.

Then we headed to the beach. Or should I say non-beach? We were amazed at how high Lake Michigan’s water level has become! Our backs were to the dune. Sadly, people have lost not only staircases down to the lake, but entire homes.

We also stopped at my Aunt Ellen’s and played with the dogs.

Cornermouse had a wedding job, making 150 cake pops for Peter’s teacher’s wedding. She supplied the tags that said, “So sweet of you to be here”

The Meat Monday tradition carried on throughout the summer, as we hosted the WA football offensive line each week.

These competitive football players couldn’t pass up the chance for more competition on the whiffle ball field.

Also while Jake was home we had fun-due. Always a great family meal!

We took a trip to Great America. Jake, always with at least one book going, made sure to wear his cargo shorts so he could carry a book in one of the many pockets. He would pull the book out and read while we stood in the long lines. Ever the Efficient One.

The four bros sure enjoyed each others’ company.

Not long after we said goodbye to Jake, we made our way out to Ft. Collins, Colorado for the Cru conference which takes place every other year. After much deliberation (and forgiveness) we decided to bring Molly back to Colorado. We thought we’d give her a chance to redeem her bad experience a couple years ago.

She ended up being a champ the entire trip! Having her bed and a crate helped.

In between the Cru meetings and gatherings, we managed to find some gorgeous trails and explore the northern part of the state. This particular picture was taken just before we found out that dogs are not allowed on national park trails. Jim and Ruth escorted Molly to more dog-friendly territory.

Meanwhile, the boys and I hiked to the top of a small mountain. The views were amazing. Only in Colorado.

Rain began rolling in, but before we called it a day, I took Ruth to see the very same rock at Bear Lake that I stood on when I was about 10 years old. I had some serious feelings of deja vu and nostalgia all at once!

One day we drove to a trail halfway between Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs to meet Jake for a hike.

Molly was allowed to join us for this one. Of course, because dogs were allowed, she was not the only dog on the trail. Every time she encountered another of her kind, she let out a frightened bark.

As nice as it was to drink in the beauty of the mountains, we were happy to return home and enjoy some summer.