The boys mixing concrete for the step pad.
Another shot of the boys.
Some work equipment and materials all around, but that didn't stop Audra from enjoying the deck this past weekend.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Deck
Months ago I pulled two building permits, one for the basement (actually 4 permits) and one for the deck. This evening, the boys and I finished the stairs, marking the end to yet another Lane Family Project. Anyway, here are a couple of pics.....
The boys mixing concrete for the step pad.
Another shot of the boys.
Some work equipment and materials all around, but that didn't stop Audra from enjoying the deck this past weekend.
The boys mixing concrete for the step pad.
Another shot of the boys.
Some work equipment and materials all around, but that didn't stop Audra from enjoying the deck this past weekend.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Dad's Day and The Cripple Creek Chili Cookoff
Audra and the Kiddos completely spoiled me on Father's Day. It was pretty much....Dad, you just chill out and we will do everything for you. It was awesome.
Early that morning, I decided I wanted to do a ride on Father's Day, so Audra and I suited up, went out for an early breakfast and then a ride up in the mountains. It was awesome.
Looking for something to do this weekend other than the normal yard and house work, Audra stumbled across an add for the Cripple Creek Chili Cookoff. We were sold. After sleeping in, all six of us headed up to enjoy some Chili at 10,000 feet.
There were entries from all over Colorado, with a few from New Mexico. Between the Red and Green Chili, we all prefered the Green Chili. We also enjoyed some exotic offerings, such as Antelope Chili and Duck Chili. In addition to the Chili, we also feasted on Brats, Turkey Legs and Blue Moon.......not to forget the Ice Cream Stand.
In addition to food, there was a competition of Chain Saw Sculpture Art, Sand Sculptures....and we watched the boys piddle in the Skate Park for 1/2 an hour.
Early that morning, I decided I wanted to do a ride on Father's Day, so Audra and I suited up, went out for an early breakfast and then a ride up in the mountains. It was awesome.
Looking for something to do this weekend other than the normal yard and house work, Audra stumbled across an add for the Cripple Creek Chili Cookoff. We were sold. After sleeping in, all six of us headed up to enjoy some Chili at 10,000 feet.
There were entries from all over Colorado, with a few from New Mexico. Between the Red and Green Chili, we all prefered the Green Chili. We also enjoyed some exotic offerings, such as Antelope Chili and Duck Chili. In addition to the Chili, we also feasted on Brats, Turkey Legs and Blue Moon.......not to forget the Ice Cream Stand.
In addition to food, there was a competition of Chain Saw Sculpture Art, Sand Sculptures....and we watched the boys piddle in the Skate Park for 1/2 an hour.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
European Trip, Days 13-14, Frankfurt and the Trip Home
The last two days of the trip were spent in Frankfurt and on the flight home.
The best thing we found in Frankfurt was this lovely Biergarten, where we relaxed the day before we flew home.
Everyone has asked us.... Wow, how did your kiddos do? The kids were outstanding, staying completely responsible and taking care of business. A special thanks to Jessica Washington for traveling up and staying with the kids for three days, right in the middle of out trip.
The best thing we found in Frankfurt was this lovely Biergarten, where we relaxed the day before we flew home.
Everyone has asked us.... Wow, how did your kiddos do? The kids were outstanding, staying completely responsible and taking care of business. A special thanks to Jessica Washington for traveling up and staying with the kids for three days, right in the middle of out trip.
European Trip, Days 10-12: Switzerland
From Paris, we jumped back on a TGV and rode the rail for the three hour trip to Geneva.
Lake Geneva.
The Famous Flower Clock.
Audra and the Swans.
Jet d'Eau, with a Soccer Ball. No the Soccer Ball isn't a permenant fixture, but with the European Championships in full swing during our stay, there was added excitement and activity.
In one of the parks in Geneva, we came across these giant sized Chess and Checker boards that people can play.
Besides watches, the Alps and cheese.... what is Switzerland know for? Chocolate!!! It was awesome, but cost a King's Ransom!
And finally in Basel, Switzerland, Audra and I found ourselves right in the middle of a massive party with all the Soccer activity, yielding all the bratwurst varieties you can imagine. We feasted!!!
Lake Geneva.
The Famous Flower Clock.
Audra and the Swans.
Jet d'Eau, with a Soccer Ball. No the Soccer Ball isn't a permenant fixture, but with the European Championships in full swing during our stay, there was added excitement and activity.
In one of the parks in Geneva, we came across these giant sized Chess and Checker boards that people can play.
Besides watches, the Alps and cheese.... what is Switzerland know for? Chocolate!!! It was awesome, but cost a King's Ransom!
And finally in Basel, Switzerland, Audra and I found ourselves right in the middle of a massive party with all the Soccer activity, yielding all the bratwurst varieties you can imagine. We feasted!!!
European Trip, Days 8-9: Paris, France
Our 4th and 5th days in Paris were dedicated to a full day at the Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris and a walking tour of the other cathedrals and museums.
The Louvre Museum.
We were a little surprised that the Louvre would allow us to take a camera in, but it was just fine. I thought this was one of the best. The Wedding Feast at Cana (where Jesus turned water to wine). This wall sized painting was in the same room as the Mona Lisa.
Twice a day in Paris, Audra and I would find a street-side cafe (Brasserie), where we could sit for an hour or so and either enjoy an Espresso or a 1/2 carafe of wine. People watching was a big hit with us.
Notre Dame.
We found this fountain by accident, but it just blew me away. It is a work depicting the Arch Angle, Michael....defeating the Devil.
Throughout our whole trip, we got around via the rail. While we were in Paris, we rode the Metro. On the Metro, one can get a 1/2 mile from just about anywhere. This is actually a pic of Audra. We are packed up, riding the Metro to the Main Rail Station for our departure to Geneva.
The Louvre Museum.
We were a little surprised that the Louvre would allow us to take a camera in, but it was just fine. I thought this was one of the best. The Wedding Feast at Cana (where Jesus turned water to wine). This wall sized painting was in the same room as the Mona Lisa.
Twice a day in Paris, Audra and I would find a street-side cafe (Brasserie), where we could sit for an hour or so and either enjoy an Espresso or a 1/2 carafe of wine. People watching was a big hit with us.
Notre Dame.
We found this fountain by accident, but it just blew me away. It is a work depicting the Arch Angle, Michael....defeating the Devil.
Throughout our whole trip, we got around via the rail. While we were in Paris, we rode the Metro. On the Metro, one can get a 1/2 mile from just about anywhere. This is actually a pic of Audra. We are packed up, riding the Metro to the Main Rail Station for our departure to Geneva.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
European Trip, Days 5-7: Paris, France
Tuesday morning started off with Drew driving us up to Stuttgart, to catch the Rail to Paris. The Paris part of the trip was all about Audra and I celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary in the City of Lights. In short, Paris lived up to its reputation for romance and love. Oh yeah....and all that other stuff like museums and architecture.
This part of our trip on the rail was the most exciting, as we rode the TGV line that topped out at over 180 mph. Now trust me....the country-side is going by quickly at over 180 mph!!!
There are no videos, movies or pics that can do the city of Paris any justice in terms of taking in the overwhelming architecture. Walking along, we just came across this bridge across the Seine River. The ornate work, the gold and the massive size is something to behold.
For the whole trip in Paris, my intentions were to stay in a very nice hotel, close to the city center. What I didn't realize was, even booking a hotel room 4 months in advance, isn't good enough. As it turned out, we stayed the first two nights in the Hilton, just a block off the Eiffel Tower and the next three nights at a nice Holiday Inn across town. Seemed like a hassel in the planning stages, but it turned out to be really neat, because we were able to see and experience a whole different part of the town, away from the tourist areas.
Ahhh the Eiffel Tower. Yes, this thing is a cool deal. The best thing about the tower in a multi-day stay in Paris.....you can never get lost, as it can be seen all over the city, especially at night when it is lit.
The Arc de Triomphe. The Arc was commissioned to be built in 1806 as a celebration by Napoleon for the battle victory at Austerlitz. It took 2 years just to build the foundation, with total project time of 26 years. The Arc is at the North-western end of the city, at the head the famous street, Champs-Elysees. If you are a cyclist fan, Champs-Elysees rings a bell immediately, as it is the finale of the Tour de France, ie. Lance Armstrong.
Walking down Champs-Elysees.
This was a fun find. The Peugeot Store where their LeMans car is shown off. Very cool store/museum with a lot of cars and racing history.
A person just can't talk about Paris without touting the food and drink. The popular and traditional breakfast was the pastries/baked items (croissants) and Espresso, which we cherished each morning. Lunch was varied, but Audra and I learned to enjoy wine (most notebly the Bordeaux's), cheese and bread. like the picture above. Dinners were usually the expected...3 or 4 course meals.
This part of our trip on the rail was the most exciting, as we rode the TGV line that topped out at over 180 mph. Now trust me....the country-side is going by quickly at over 180 mph!!!
There are no videos, movies or pics that can do the city of Paris any justice in terms of taking in the overwhelming architecture. Walking along, we just came across this bridge across the Seine River. The ornate work, the gold and the massive size is something to behold.
For the whole trip in Paris, my intentions were to stay in a very nice hotel, close to the city center. What I didn't realize was, even booking a hotel room 4 months in advance, isn't good enough. As it turned out, we stayed the first two nights in the Hilton, just a block off the Eiffel Tower and the next three nights at a nice Holiday Inn across town. Seemed like a hassel in the planning stages, but it turned out to be really neat, because we were able to see and experience a whole different part of the town, away from the tourist areas.
Ahhh the Eiffel Tower. Yes, this thing is a cool deal. The best thing about the tower in a multi-day stay in Paris.....you can never get lost, as it can be seen all over the city, especially at night when it is lit.
The Arc de Triomphe. The Arc was commissioned to be built in 1806 as a celebration by Napoleon for the battle victory at Austerlitz. It took 2 years just to build the foundation, with total project time of 26 years. The Arc is at the North-western end of the city, at the head the famous street, Champs-Elysees. If you are a cyclist fan, Champs-Elysees rings a bell immediately, as it is the finale of the Tour de France, ie. Lance Armstrong.
Walking down Champs-Elysees.
This was a fun find. The Peugeot Store where their LeMans car is shown off. Very cool store/museum with a lot of cars and racing history.
A person just can't talk about Paris without touting the food and drink. The popular and traditional breakfast was the pastries/baked items (croissants) and Espresso, which we cherished each morning. Lunch was varied, but Audra and I learned to enjoy wine (most notebly the Bordeaux's), cheese and bread. like the picture above. Dinners were usually the expected...3 or 4 course meals.
European Trip, Days 1-4: Flight Over and Germany
Here I am, sitting down at the computer, after being home for only 40 hours. Audra and I are still Jet Lagged, but much better today after 11 hours of sleep last night. Anyway, this is the first post of our Europe Trip 2008.
Overall, we can both say that the trip was just fabulous. It was smooth, easy and without challenges....except for the whole jet ride and the 8 hour time change to get used to. The flight over, (Denver to Dulles and Dulles to Frankfurt), was a whopping 11 hours of flight time, which we thought was murder.....until the trip home, (Frankfurt to San Francisco and San Francisco to Denver)....which was 14 hours in the air, including 11.5 non-stop hours on the first leg.
As has been my practice in building this BLOG, there will be more pics than dialog, but I will type on this one a bit more so that there is good history for each pic. Most of the pics you can simply enjoy in their currect size, but feel free to click on any of the pics if you want them enlarged.
We departed on Friday morning, May 30th at 8am and arrived in Frankfurt at 7am European Union Time.
Once arriving in Frankfurt, Germany, we headed straight for the train station, which is connected to the airport, and rode the ICE Rail which got up to 120mph for an hour south to Stuttgart to meet the Millers.
The only bummer about Germany was the fact that Drew was unable to hang with us most of the time. (Drew traveled to West Texas for the funeral of his Grandmother) But spending some awesome time with Heidi and the kids was a ton of fun. Heidi was a trooper, touring us around to see all the sites and experience some German culture. This is a pic of Heidi, Ren and Kate in their home town of Gartring. By the way, Drew returned home the afternoon before we departed and we went out to eat and really enjoyed everyone's company.
Heidi selected this castle as one of our full day outings and it was just outstanding. This is the Castle Burgschente Burg Hohenzollern in Hechingen.
A pic of the central part of the Castle.
The other day trip that was a great deal of fun was an afternoon in Tubingen where a full-on dance festival was occuring.
Overall, we can both say that the trip was just fabulous. It was smooth, easy and without challenges....except for the whole jet ride and the 8 hour time change to get used to. The flight over, (Denver to Dulles and Dulles to Frankfurt), was a whopping 11 hours of flight time, which we thought was murder.....until the trip home, (Frankfurt to San Francisco and San Francisco to Denver)....which was 14 hours in the air, including 11.5 non-stop hours on the first leg.
As has been my practice in building this BLOG, there will be more pics than dialog, but I will type on this one a bit more so that there is good history for each pic. Most of the pics you can simply enjoy in their currect size, but feel free to click on any of the pics if you want them enlarged.
We departed on Friday morning, May 30th at 8am and arrived in Frankfurt at 7am European Union Time.
Once arriving in Frankfurt, Germany, we headed straight for the train station, which is connected to the airport, and rode the ICE Rail which got up to 120mph for an hour south to Stuttgart to meet the Millers.
The only bummer about Germany was the fact that Drew was unable to hang with us most of the time. (Drew traveled to West Texas for the funeral of his Grandmother) But spending some awesome time with Heidi and the kids was a ton of fun. Heidi was a trooper, touring us around to see all the sites and experience some German culture. This is a pic of Heidi, Ren and Kate in their home town of Gartring. By the way, Drew returned home the afternoon before we departed and we went out to eat and really enjoyed everyone's company.
Heidi selected this castle as one of our full day outings and it was just outstanding. This is the Castle Burgschente Burg Hohenzollern in Hechingen.
A pic of the central part of the Castle.
The other day trip that was a great deal of fun was an afternoon in Tubingen where a full-on dance festival was occuring.
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