building castles in the sky

... or log homes in the mountains... its almost the same if you think about it. My parents and I returned home from a week just on the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park, where we were deemed free slave labor for my brother, Mike. On our decent through Estes Park, I asked my mom with all the hope in the world; "do you think its possible to go white water rafting?" She had a clear "no" expression on her face, so I asked "what about a hike up in the mountains?" Well... maybe, she said longingly. Then to Dad; "Think we can go trout fishing?" (he would never turn down fishing) ...well, I don't know if Mike has any equipment for that... and, that was that- we were there to work and work hard. So I put myself into that mindset and we were ready. For 5 1/2 days solid (with the exception of a Sunday morning break for church) we were on a mission. A mission set forth by my brother and his wife, a mission we would take on. Early to bed, early to rise. It was loads of fun. I mean it. There were loads of rock for their future fireplace, loads of sanding boards, loads of cutting, loads of fitting, cleaning, brushing, staining, wiping, and bickering. Loads of loading, loads of unloading, and reloading. Loads to the dump, loads to place just right, loads of wildlife, loads of pictures taken and new things learned- mostly about my oldest brother. Thank you brother for showing me the things that are most important in this world and in my life. No, its not the taxes I pay nor the powerful people of whom I play a slave puppet-- But the things I am able to accomplish and overcome, the smallest changes I can create to make this world a better place for generations to come, the things I can learn and the people I can learn from. I learn so much from my very wonderful family. Thanks for opening my eyes to the little things... and enormous ones too, I love you brother!
Going home (these are in reverse order- oops) in Estes Park
My parents took time out to do a little dance to my music they deemed "polka-like". This in fact was Jarabe de Palo from Spain. I knew if I played enough they'd get into it.... and sure enough, even Mike was singing along on day 4. Sure it was something like "pasta barilla, alfajore grande, hola.... but he was singing :)
I believe this is Lake Granby.... and Sleepin' Lincoln is above in the mountains if you look close enough.
A couple nights we "took off" early to play some dominos. I won.

Here is their house... and in only one week, who would've thought!
A little rest and relaxation with brandy in the tub. Mom hid hers for the picture, obviously she had had a few.
These elk were eager to pose for me near Mike and Jackie's house. and with the evening hours came the moose... walking right through their yard!
Here I am hard at work sanding.
and before we ever arrived, this is my favorite spot in the National Park- freezing cold, but breathtaking