Blanche & Lucy are camping at Chatfield State Park

We have been camping at Chatfield State Park here in Littleton, Colo for the last 2 weeks.  The wildfires here in Colorado dominate the news but as we talk to different campers here at Chatfield we realize that though they are coming from all parts of the country - and are horrified by the fires - they are enjoying what they can here in Colo.

End of day at Chatfield with beautiful skies.

These beautiful skies are one of the many things we love about beautiful Colorado.... and though when we look south or north from here we see smoke now and then - we know the firefighters are doing a great job and working hard to put the fires out and they are making progress - though we are saddened by the many who may become homeless in the Springs area because of that wildfire.

Tyler & Ethan stayed over with us in the camper last night and are having bacon & eggs outside on the picnic table this morning.

Oops!!  Guess who got the next bite of bacon.... naughty Blanche.

After breakfast we went to the lake here at the campground where Tyler and Ethan made friends and played in the water the whole morning.

For a little girl who hated to get her face wet - Tyler now goes under water and swims pretty good.

And though he wore his Life Jacket now and then - Ethan swam close to grammy without his jacket occasionally.

Sprinkling everyone with the watering can was what he liked to do.

But his favorite thing to do was sit on the edge of the water in the waves.

Tyler showed Ethan how much fun it was to let the waves knock you over.

They screamed with delight every time a wave hit them.

Ethan & Cheryl watched as Tyler created sand castles.

She made a great sand wall.

Creating a moat and wall for Ethan.

Ethan enjoyed jumping into the 'mud hole' after Tyler was done.

Lots of geese swam in this area while the bathers enjoyed the lake.

Looking very cool with his sunglasses and life jacket on the edge of the lake.

Tyler would swim by often to check on her little brother.

More fun at the water's edge.

The highlight of the day was when the kids found a frog.

Without fear - Tyler held the frog.

Ethan wanted to bring his new friend "Freddy Frog" home - but we convinced him that we should let him go find his family in the grassy area by the lake.

The sun glows on the RV at the end of the day at Chatfield.

The night sky here in Colorado is as beautiful at the morning sky.

Watching the sun set over the Rockies from our RV is a joy for all.

Tyler comes camping with Blanche & Lucy

The first place we camped was at the Dakota Ridge RV Park in Golden, Colo.

With all the grass at this park - Blanche and Lucy preferred to sit on the cool cement to rest during their walk around the park.

My grandaughter Tyler came to camp with us for a couple of days here and she enjoyed playing on the playground monkey bars after dinner.

I think I see a circus performance in Tyler's future.

Tyler's newest trapeze trick was hanging from her legs upside down and doing a handstand on the ground below.... for a 6yr old she is very tall ....

Of course even daring Trapeze Artists will get injuries now and then...

After a few days camping in Golden, we moved to Chatfield State Campground in Littleton, Colorado a bit closer to where the grandkids live.  Our site here has a great view of the Rockies with the setting sun behind them.

We had the chance to watch one of Tyler's Girls Softball games last weekend - her coach has the kids change positions during the game to let them try different things..... here Tyler is playing 3rd baseman's position - keeping a good eye on the play...

Once the ball was hit there was a mad scramble by the players to get the ball..

All the girls are chanting encouragement to their team-mate at bat.

And now it was Tyler's turn at bat - quite a stance....

Tyler has no problem hitting the ball - but her timing is a little slow now and then so sometimes her hits are 'foul' balls.

But eventually she makes a good connection and when she does - she's a power hitter and the ball really travels...

After her first base hit - the next batter got her to 2nd base -

And the next batter got her to 3rd base and eventually she made it home for a score for the team...

The coach put Tyler in as Catcher for the next inning - here she suits up with dad - lots of good protective equipment...

Though at first a little afraid of the ball - she caught on fast and was able to catch many pitches...

She did a really good job as a catcher and actually liked the position....

Meeting Cheryl's new Great Nephew

Introducing Lucas Anthony Proia the first great grandchild born in Cheryl's family.  The proud parents are Cheryl's nephew Nicholas & Melissa Proia.  Here is mom, Melissa with 2 week old Lucas.

How about those beautiful blue eyes.

Nick's sister Emily is a proud auntie

Nick's mom Sharyn looks adoringly at her first grandchild.

At only 2 weeks old, Lucas spends most of his time sleeping.

Chery's brother Bruce is a proud grandad that will be called "Papa" the same as what all the grandkids called his dad as they were growing up.

Bruce's Fire Chief's hands look so big around tiny Lucas.

Lucas rarely takes his eyes off his mom - though here he is enthralled with the rotating fan on the ceiling.

And like an angel - he's fast asleep again.

Cheryl joins her family here with baby lucas - from left to right top:  Nick's brother, Michael, Cheryl, Emily, Mom Sharyn, Cheryl's brother Bruce holding little Zoey, and seated Lucas with his mom, Melissa and dad, Nick.