Summer...and Michael Franti...and Grandma's Memorial

Playing a little catch up over this busy summer!

Corinne is a Stonegate Stingray and loves it.  I got to see her last meet.

Corinne's showing me her moves.

Shortly after, we had a Welcome Home BBQ for Jeff moving in, and Corinne supplied the entertainment. 

 Maura brought the Flag Pizza for the 4th, and Tracy brought extra smiles.

And after that, Jeff and his company had backstage passes to Michael Franti's Soulshine Tour at Red Rocks! We had a great time, and...I got a hug from Michael, twice! He is really nice, and really tall!

That bright light is the moon behind the one of the red rock walls of the amphitheater.  It was one of the best concerts I've ever been too.  Franti worked his way all the way up to the top of the amphitheater, while singing and being groped by all his adoring fans.  Running nuts, beat that!

Jeff hardly got a breath before the entire Hayes/Hoffmann clan came to Colorado for Grandma's belated memorial.  We had a great time all together and agreed that we need to get together annually, rather than waiting for a wedding or a funeral.  

My cousins, Ben, Greg and Matt.

I am always on the end, no matter if we go by age or height.  Connor had the same issue, but he didn't like it when it was the 2nd cousins' turn.

All the cousins and our significant others.

Aunt Mickie and Dad - always the little brother.

Uncle Pete, Aunt Mickie, Dad and Mom.

And all the little cousins.  Connor, Alex, Corinne, Anders, Drew, Abby and Gabe.

Cousin Art Wise, his wife, Judy and his son, Corby made it too.
I met our Cousin Dave for the first time, and Chris and Diane Nimms joined us.  Chris and Dad have been friends since childhood.

And all the kids in the middle.  This was the best memorial I've ever been too.  We toasted Grandma, shared good memories and then Dad brought his guitar and sang some of Grandma's favorites and our favorites too.  Truly, in bringing us all together again, it was the best memorial and truly honoring our Grandma.

Connor helped Dad sing "Hit the Road, Jack".

Lena, Anders, and Matt.

Jeff and Gabe.

Me and Aunt Mickie.  The English teacher said "I'm not taking no selfie!"

 

Alex 

Amy, Liz, Lena, Anders and Matt.

 

I went to my friend Tracy's baby shower - Lisa, Tracy, me, - right before I had the kids over for a sleep over.  We played bocce ball, soccer and badminton, and had a picnic under Brutus the Spruce tree.  Then Corinne wrangled rolly pollies and Connor and I played Sorry - and he whooped me!
In the morning, Jeff made the kids pancakes.

Connor was excited a about his 'rainbow' pancake.  He's still working on his letters.

Last night Looie brought me a present: a giant caterpillar that bled green on the rug.  He was still alive and I was more concerned with putting him oustide than taking a picture.  I think I offended Looie by getting rid of her gift. 

Stay tuned for more summer fun!