Sunday, September 8, 2013

End of Summer Wrap Up


It may be the end of the summer of 2013 soon, but the weather doesn't know that! It has still been very hot here in Colorado, above '90s in temperature, and so the autumn season still feels far away. I know this weather probably won't last much longer, as the first snows can arrive in October in my area, but for now, I have been squeezing in as much summer fun as possible!  One nice event we participated in recently was "Equestrian Day" in my community, where the stables had an open house for families to come down and meet the horses, find out more about the equestrian center's activities and riding lessons.  There was a petting zoo, free pony rides for the children, face painting and snacks.  My grandsons had a wonderful time and now love horses!


It was so nice to be able to enjoy these beautiful creatures on a beautiful day!


Next, my husband and I decided to squeeze in a Colorado Rockie's baseball game in Denver, over the Labor Day holiday weekend! They played the Los Angelas Dodgers and attracted a good sized crowd. Sadly, they lost a close game to the Dodgers, but we had a wonderful time, none-the-less and enjoyed the stadium's nice family atmosphere.  After living in New York and attending countless Yankee and Met's games I have to say the Rockie's fans are rather polite and quiet. We were surrounded by Dodger fans in the stands and they made much more of a ruckus, even when they were behind in the score.


One nice aspect to the Rockie's Coor's Field is the "Rock Pile" out in the center field! There the tickets are a very affordable $4 per person, and for children under twelve or adults over the age of 55, they are only $1 a person!  (Click the link for all the rules of purchase).  In this day of high athletic competition prices, I applaud the Rockie's organization for helping young families be able to afford to go to a baseball game and enjoy the fun!


I was also fascinated by the variety of food concessions at the ballpark, and these frozen berry banana kabobs!


Last, but certainly not least, my husband and I took a few days off this past week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park I can't think of enough adjectives to describe this magnificent place.  As you may know, we are big advocates for visiting our nation's beautiful national parks, and we have visited many of them (click here to see all my posts about them), and Rocky Mountain National Park was one another spectacular park to visit! We wanted to visit before the October snows would close the Trail Ridge Road in the park, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, and hoped to also see some color change in the aspens, but we were a little early for that. What we did see were lots of animals, and gorgeous vistas, plus dramatic changing weather.  I will be blogging about all our experiences there very soon--stay tuned as you won't want to miss these photos!

I hope you are also making the most of the end of the summer of '13!  Are you looking forward to autumn?

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37 comments:

The cabin countess said...

I would love to make that trip some day. It looked wonderful.

Beth said...

Looks like you and your family are really enjoying your beautiful new state! We love Estes Park and RMNP, and I can't wait to see your pictures!

My name is Riet said...

HI Pat. You must have a completely different life now that you live in Colorado . That beautiful country, your adorable grandchildren and all those different outings which sound all so exciting.
I love your photo's.
Have a nice week.

Michelle said...

Autumn is my favorite season, so I am really looking forward to it! I love you area. Colorado is a beautiful state.

Claudia said...

Loving summer but autumn is my favorite. All five minutes of it in MN. Love that baseball is made affordable. And love, love the view of the Rockies. Every child should have a lovely encounter with a horse! Happy September, Pat!

Lorrie said...

You are really making the most of these late summer days. Lots of trips and fun. So great to see the boys enjoying the horses. Visits to the parks in the Rockies are beautiful. Looking forward to hearing more about them.

Vee said...

How wonderful to get away to scenes such as that last one. Oh yes! I'll be checking in for more posts.

So now the boys love horses...what fun! Will you be taking them to the rock pile? Bet that they'd love a ball game in a year or two.

RoeH said...

How I adore horses! Fun day.

Sarah said...

Pat, more beautiful photo! Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to more of the park.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Pat, the equestrian event looks like fun. I am sure your grandchildren loved seeing the horses. Lovely shots of the Rocky Mountain Park, sounds like you had a great visit. I would like to see this park myself someday. Wonderful photos, have a happy week!

ellen b. said...

Looks like you are getting the most out of summer and Colorado has so much to offer. We are not done with summer yet here in the PNW. They are predicting weather close to 90 on Wednesday!!

Pamela Gordon said...

Where did the summer go? It looks like you are wrapping it up with lots of fun activities. It's definitely cooler here now and a risk of frost again tonight. The second warning in the past week! Early for us. Enjoy your summer temperatures Pat! Hugs, Pam

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow---you all have truly had a vacation ALL SUMMER.... New home, kids and grands, all kinds of things to see, etc. etc. etc.... I'm impressed.... Glad you are doing SO well... I'm happy for you.
Hugs,
Betsy

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Lots of late summer activities to attend and the view of the Rockies is stunning.
Judith

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Wow, the price of attending a game there sure is different from NY ball parks, isn't it? We visited Rocky Mountain Nt'l Park years ago and I agree with you on its stunning beauty.

pam said...

I'm so excited. We are headed to Colorado to see our girl in two weeks!!!! I.m hoping you all get over that heat, although we were over 100 today and its drier out there, but I'm ready for some of that cool Rocky Mountain Park air!!!!!

The Gathering Place said...

Your summer looked very fun! I'm sure you enjoy your time with your grandchildren! I hope fall will be just as rewarding.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Looks like you are ending the summer with some fun activities. Love your photos. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing about Rocky Mountain Park!

Barbara F. said...

Wonderful photos, Pat. I am glad you and Vinnie are enjoying all that your new state has to offer. Grandsons are getting so big and cuter every day. xo

Judy said...

It looks like you and the grands had a most enjoyable summer 2013!

How fun to take in a ball game at the end of summer.

We had a great time in Rocky Mountain national Park a few years back. We too love your national parks!

Jim said...

Great post.

SmilingSally said...

Hi Pat,

What a nice time at the ballgame, even though they lost. I'm sure fans appreciate that affordable section.

Happy Blue Monday!

Just a little something from Judy said...

We visited Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago in the month of September, and I agree with you, it was one of the most beautiful parks that I ever visited.

I appreciate all the pictures you shared today and am convinced by each visit here, that Colorado is one of the most interesting states.

Happy Monday!

podso said...

Hi Pat, what delightful pictures of your grands and the horses! A neat opportunity for them. You are making the most of these last days of summer. It has gone by quickly. We are having a real hot and dry spell here, and you would never know it's September! Have a good week!

A Garden of Threads said...

You have been so busy. I am looking forward to fall and hoping my pace of life will slow a bit, summer 2013 has been so busy. Have a wonderful week:)

LV said...

Colorado one of the most beautiful states ever. I can understand all the enjoyment you find there.

Jeannie Marie said...

Our summer is year round so I am always making the most of summer! Love your Photo of the Rocky Mountains! I have visited only two national parks (The Grand Canyon and The Great Smoky Mountains) but now that we have retired that should be on our agenda.

Old Kitty said...

What brilliant days out to ease you all into the coming autumn!!

Aww what a great way to introduce your grandsons to the magic of horses! So glad they've fallen in love with these magnificent creatures! Your grandsons look so happy and proud on the saddle too!

I like that there are trees growing within the arena! LOL! How lovely!

I'm looking forward to read about your Rocky Mountain adventures! They look stunning in your pic!

But who or what can beat these frozen berry banana stick things?!?! LOL! take care
x

annie said...

Pat it is so good to see you enjoying your new home and your family. Makes me smile.

Unknown said...

Its cool here now. Great post, and the ticket rate is excellent. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Anonymous said...

Great photos and looks like you had a wonderful summer ~ carol, xo

Jeanne said...

Hello Pat, You sure have packed in some great summer outings. Loved the pics with your grandies and the horses.They must have had a ball. I grew up with horses and they are my favorite animal by far. Besides our little poodle Cheri'. Smile.

We have been to the Rocky Mountain National Park and it is amazing. The ride to the top was a bit scary because it was May and still lots of wind AND SNOW. We were there for a few days and we drove to the top twice. I know you enjoyed the awesome views.

We are into college football more than baseball. Two of our grands were accepted into the Univ. of Florida. They are third generation Gators in our family and we are so proud of them. We have season tickets and the games are going to be a whole lot more fun for the next few years.

Fall is already showing up here in Western NC. I am ready.
Hugs, Jeanne

Karen said...

Hope the weather cools down for you soon. Lovely images.

Joanne Olivieri said...

It looks like you are having a blast in Colorado. Would love to visit there someday.

Barb said...

Hi Pat, Yes, I know it's hot in the city and suburbs but here in Breckenridge it's wonderfully cool and the aspens are changing. Looks like you're keeping busy visiting the sights in our beautiful state.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You're really taking advantage of all of the wonderful things in your new home. I love seeing the photos my friend!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Love, love love these...going to be in the Rocky Mountains and more next month. I cannot wait. Colorado is one of our fave places in the USA~