Day 14 - Hummingbirds and Old Haunts

Deja vu.

That's what I was feeling all day. 

I remember so clearly being 8 years old and sitting on the porch of the lodge and watching the hummingbirds zip and dive. 

And now we're here again. My children are just as amazed as I was. They want more than anything for a hummingbird to sit on their finger while it takes a sip of syrup.

We spotted them resting in the trees, waiting for another opportunity to fly over for another drink. I don't think I've ever really seen them like that. They are so little and energetic. I didn't even think they would ever stop using those wings even for a second!

We got reacquainted with the lodge and all of it's hidden glories...the game room! I am 100% positive that is the same foosball table we played on as kids.

The store...where knick knacks and spaghettios can be purchased in an emergency. We are now the proud owners of a lovely set of potgut salt and pepper shakers!

Like I said...a blast from the past.

The kids set up a running game at the table. It started with Apples to Apples, but switched to poker in no time. I'm sure my siblings are super thrilled that we are teaching their innocents to gamble.

I often found myself alone, walking from cabin to cabin or down to lake and that familiar feeling would come rushing back. I love this place.

I love teaching my kids the different paths and shortcuts to get to the lake and the lodge.

The gorgeous aspens

Ethan was in fishing heaven. He just roamed about and soaked in the solitude. Mountain-man style. My brother John taught him how to cook the fish with lemon and herbs. He convinced me to give it a taste and tell you what...it was the least I've ever wanted to throw up after taking a bite of fish.

Megan and Everly...just spending time together. Their laughter just fills me right up!

The potgut (rock chuck, ground squirrel, etc) population is flourishing!

And there are more deer than ever!

Whistle pops are still crazy entertaining!

And how come I kind of feel like crying when i see my kids run down this very well-loved path to find their cousins?

It was mom and John's turn for dessert tonight. They did 3 kinds of cobbler and we ate up every scrap.

Jordan, Cheyanne and Reif                                    Terrah, Annie and Joel

Bri and Amanda                                                      Ethan and Zach (Johnny, Jay and Joel in back)

Kaira, Missa and Heidi                                           Ethan and Mark

We took family pictures...we'll have to photoshop Jay or Lara into the best one, but we couldn't miss the opportunity to capture this time we have all together. We are missing our dad, but I know he is crying happy tears that we are trying to build something new.