Fun in Denver

We had a gorgeous flight to Denver for Christmas.  With a perfectly clear sky, we had a good view of the Mogollon Rim on our way north.  

The trees ended and we continued over the desert in northeast Arizona.  Then we were over the San Juan mountains with a view of the San Luis valley in Colorado.  

And soon we saw Pikes Peak in the distance.

Of course the pictures look terrible, so you'll just have to trust me that it was spectacular.

Finally Ron was reunited with grandson Harper.

And all his direct descendants.  Cookie decorating is an annual tradition.

We joined little Harper and his parents for a trip to the mall.  We were hoping for a visit with Santa, but the wait time was about two hours.  Harper probably enjoyed visiting the cars more anyway.

Christmas Eve is a big event usually hosted by Ron's brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  Unfortunately, Peg was in the hospital.  How sad is that?  Even with about 35 people there, Peg and Harry were very missed.  Here is the younger generation opening their present from Peg.  It's really very organized.

There's always one present that makes me ask, "What the heck is that?"

(There's a very pretty girl under that thing.)

Then it was Christmas morning.  There's nothing like the wonder of a small child.  Harper spotted his plasma car immediately.

It was a big hit.

He is such a typical boy - loves cars, trucks, trains, planes, actually anything with wheels.  I laughed at how he carries them.

Shannon, who is now 12, was always a beautiful girl, but is now a charming young lady.

And Adam, at 15, generously gave up his room and slept on the floor while we were all there.  He's all set for snow boarding with his new jacket.

But I have to tell you about the cutest thing that Harper does.  You might remember last year when he cried on Santa's lap.

And Diana changed that frown upside down.

Well I made a two-sided ornament out of the pictures and now when Harper see the happy side, he does this.

And when he sees the crying side, he does this.

Actually his pout is usually better, but I distracted him by laughing hysterically.