Independence Day

I am an American Airman.

I am a Warrior.

I have answered my Nation's call.

I am an American Airman.

My mission is to FLy, FIght, and Win.

I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,

A Tradition of Honor,

And a Legacy of Valor.

I am an American Airman.

Guardian of Freedom and Justice,

My Nation's Sword and Shield,

Its Sentry and Avenger.

I defend my Country with my Life.

I am an American Airman.

Wingman, Leader, Warrior.

I will never leave an Airman behind,

I will never falter,

And I will not fail.

 In thanks, for our freedom.

Cave Dwellings of the ancients and Therapy by Chipotle

The cave dwellings were not closed due to consequences of nature.

We happened to arrive right as the 462 third graders, there on summer camp week,

 were released to roam and roam loudly.

I took this opportunity to find a far off setting for a nice pic of the kids together.

Who started it is debatable, but judging from the above photo

it was a slight nudge of Adrianna's hand...

 And then the wild rumpus began.

I just sat laughing (and taking pictures)

and I'm thinking now that this was just stress coming out sideways.

 Sort of.

Franchesca certainly kept her game face on until now.

 When Nathan stepped outside his own comfort zone.

 And AJ tried to steal The Boys sunglasses.

 So, her arm is nearly snapped off.

 When, as luck would have it,

the glasses fell.

Look who was quicker on the draw this time.

 Solomon realizes this is a serious situation.

 And then, everything is just fine as can be.

Nathan is back to texting.

After Doug had his time in the gift shop,

we left the place to the third graders

and went to scout out food therapy.

 We really should have put more emphasis on Performing Arts

on his application to the academy.

But he got in anyway!

Laughing

We had a ton of laughs on the drive out.

At one point I thought the police would

surely pull us over as Nathan, Franchesca and I

must have looked like 3 teenagers who stole their parents RV.

No, I am not that young looking

but I was doing aerobics in the front seat while passing semi trucks

while trying to sing the lyrics to "Bust a Move".

I cannot recall what started this episode

but it included the spraying of water

out of some mouth...

 Laughter is the best medicine.

 And the best way to rid oneself of nervous energy.

Garden of The Gods

We spent hours roaming this place.

Most of the sites on our to do list were closed due

to consequences of nature,

like 7 Falls, Royal Gorge and the Manitou Incline.

This piece of heaven suits our family just fine.

And it is free.

Once outside the walls of a vehicle,

it is a photographers dream.

This trail offers a nice 30 minute walk to 

an outcropping of rocks

 if you do not stray. Or go beyond.

I feared we would make the news

for a search and rescue operation.

For us.

I feared that Nathan was extending his bubble

a teeeeeny bit too much.

I realize I need to quit fearing for my children.

At the end of the day it was I

who was hurt.

A casualty of loose stones.