2019 Colorado--Elf, Jr. and Ruby's baptism

We were in Colorado along with the Bainbridge Grandparents for our grandchildren's elementary school presentation of Elf, Jr. on March 19, 2019.  It was delightful.  

Mordecai (center)  had the role of  Walter Hobbs, Elf's father.

The children really got into their parts well.

Ruby was cast as a head elf and Ivy (the only Kindergarten child in the cast) was one of Santa's helpers.  In the scene they are getting ready for Christmas Eve in Central Park.

  Ruby and Ivy after the show.

Ruby in Green  (center)

Ruby and Ivy

Ruby and Ivy

Ivy--Santa's Helper (center)

Ruby

Because of the blizzard in the Denver area which closed schools for two days Emily's concerts were postponed.  She accompanied the middle school choir on Tuesday night then we heard her perform on Wednesday night as she played flute in the band.

Emily playing the flute with the symphonic band.

Because the children were still in school all day and had additional performances at night we did some sightseeing.

We drove down to Great Sand Dunes National Park, the last of the national parks in Colorado for us to visit which was about 250 miles from Denver.  It was amazing to see so much drifting sand in peaks up to 700 feet high. 

 The tiny dots in the back ground are people.

We stayed in Pueblo over night and enjoyed the Riverwalk and the history features of the area.

 On Friday we enjoyed the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.   This is the view from the visitor center.

 We really enjoyed walking around the area.

It is the only real red-rock area in Colorado.

Desi's family was having a wonderful reunion over the weekend so we got to visit with all of her family except her sister's family in Alaska.

Ruby's baptism and confirmation was very special on Saturday, March 23, 2019.  Her father baptized and confirmed her with her grandfathers as witnesses.

Ruby wearing the Rogers family baptism dress.

Ruby with her parents.

Ruby with her daddy.

Mike, Desi holding Milly, Mordecai, Emily with Ruby and Ivy in front.

The proud grandparents: Richard and Karen Bainbridge  --Kathryn Ann and John Rogers

Sunday after church we had dinner at the church with 42 people.  It was a celebration of the birthdays of Kathryn Ann and Wanda, Desi's sister. 

Mike holding Milly and Mordecai, Desi, Emily, Ruby and Ivy. 

The grandchildren singing "Happy Birthday." 

Karen and Rich with five of their six children. 

Karen and Richard Bainbridge with five of their six children and spouses. 

Ivy and Milly coloring. 

 Ruby--8 years old

Mordecai at the piano.  He was excited about the McGyver theme. 

Emily, Ruby, and Ivy

 Emily played Heller's Curious Story and a reflective piece by Debussy. 

 Mike and Milly love to play. 

Emily--just turned 13. 

Milly--almost three 

Mike and Milly

  Mordecai--just turned 11

Ivy--six years old