With the big boys almost grown up, our oldest in college in Western Colorado, the next three boys working or going to school in Nebraska, and our oldest daughter, Michelle, often spinning off in her own social swirls, the "count-off" at family outings is much quicker these days. "One, two, three... four... oh, there's another one... five! And a-one, a-two and a-three, four... and, where is Yuyum? There he is... five!" Instead of "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!"
Though there are fewer to keep track of, I miss having all the children together! It's simpler for us tired old parents to be able to pair big kids with little kids, for tracking purposes, for one thing. But most of all, our big boys have always loved weekend hikes, and I miss their enjoyment of a beautiful day climbing around in a beautiful place. When we take these outings, we always reminisce about the times we took the top five children with us on the same hikes years ago. It almost feels sometimes like we're raising up a second family. Weird.
Anyway, here are some pics from the weekend with just the bottom half of the family at Garden of the Gods or God's Garden outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. (The first pic I got from a travel brochure for the sake of the "title" ~ there isn't actually any snow on the mountains just yet....)
L-R: William Thomas, Gabriel Joseph, Theresa Philomena, Anna Germaine, and Catherine Cecelia.
Missing: Paul Joseph, Kevin Christopher, Jonathan Charles, Dominic Alan, and Michelle Frances
We are in exactly the same boat, but for us it is the last four that seem to be a "second family".
ReplyDeleteIt's great fun for my husband and I to think back on past trips while we are enjoying the same trip with different kids.
I think is does certainly make the time the 12 of us are together extra sweet, though. My littles really notice it also. Yesterday we were all together for a picnic, and Gracie kept say over and over, "My WHOLE family is here today!" She was very excited about it.
I am with you about the kids being gone. Because of my son's career choices we will probably not have everyone together unless it is something sad like a funeral, or something hectic like a wedding. (although they keep telling me not to hold my breath about that)
ReplyDeleteWe too enjoy taking the kids on hikes in the beautiful scenic places in NYState. Doug and I will invariably reminisce about another trip that we took. Although I don't have as many as you do it is usually a trip where the two youngest were too young to remember.
I am happy to go to all of our favorite places over and over again so that everyone has special memories of times together, just a few or all.
In my family we had the "upper family" and the lower family.
ReplyDeleteThe oldest 5 were the Upper Family, and my sister and I were the lower family. Because there were only two of us, we had some amazing times together and also had the best of both worlds- The CRAZY big family stuff and the intimacy and attention you get from the smaller family outings.
You look like you all are having a great time.
We lived in New Mexico for a year and seeing your photos brought back so many beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteI see why that area of the U.S. is referred to as God's Country.
Breathtaking...
Oh, your photos made me hungry for Colorado--we live in Nebraska. Your children are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat exceptionally beautiful pictures of the "land I love!" Thank you!!! A grand place to go here in the autumn is Brown County. Don't suppose that will be on the calendar this year with all else that must be done! Yet! Thanks be to God! Cathy
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