Labor Day at the Cabin

   Last weekend was Labor Day weekend.  Like we do every year, we make our final trip to the cabin.  It is always so sad to leave the cabin for another winter.  We know when we leave, we won't be back again until May.  Its such a long time to go without the cabin.  I think we all go through withdrawals.  Ashlyn always has it the worst, and all winter long talks about how much she misses the cabin and can't wait to go back. 

   Joey had to work Saturday, so we didn't head up until Saturday night.  My dad, sister and her family, and brother were all up there this weekend.  My brother only goes to the cabin about once a year, so it's always nice to have him up there.  We had a great time as usual.  The kids did their usual of feeding the chipmunks, running around, chasing bubbles, and laughing, lots and lots of laughing.  

     One thing we did this weekend that we have never done before, was raspberry picking.  We have noticed in years past that in late August wild raspberries start growing everywhere up there.  My dad suggested that we go and try to pick some.  We loaded everyone up in the Prowlers and headed out.  The kids were a little confused at first, but soon got the hang of it.  What fun we had picking and picking in the warm sun while taking in breathtaking views!  There were so many raspberries up there, that we managed to fill two whole containers up.  When we got home, we took them to my grandma.  She made some raspberry jam out of them.  It is honestly some of the best jam I have ever had!  We have definitely decided to make raspberry picking a yearly tradition!

    We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and enjoying each others company.  It will be a while before we are all together for a weekend without any distractions.  I always hate leaving the cabin Labor Day weekend for I know it will be some time before we will be back.  The great thing is that I know it is always the same up there and I know the great fun that awaits us next year!

 

On Saturday morning, Joey was at work and when we went to let Alli out in the backyard, I spotted several hot air balloons in the sky.  We are always gone for the big hot air balloon classic they do in town.  The kids and I were so excited to see a few balloons.  They landed pretty close to our house. 

Pretty little mountain girl

Alli sticking out her tongue

I never get sick of posting and looking at the scenery shots that Joey takes.  Beautiful!

Chipmunk time!

Ella waiting for chipmunks to feed. 

Team work!

Ashlyn loves them. 

Dawson would not a serious face. 

Picture by the stream. 

Katy and Ella

Dawson sampling a raspberry. 

Ashlyn really got into picking. 

So many to pick!

On the hunt for raspberries. 

He always has a train with him. 

This was our backdrop while we picked raspberries.  Seriously, does it get any prettier than this???

We could not believe how busy it was in St.Elmo this weekend.  When we came back into town from picking, this is what the chipmunks looked like. That's why we like to go first thing in the morning. 

This is a shot of the town.  I can't remember a time where I have seen so many tourists up there.  The word has definitely gotten out about St. Elmo.  Luckily, once we are at the cabin we don't hear or see any of them. 

Alli got in some river time with her dad.

She loves chasing sticks.

My brother getting his fishing rod ready. 

Salida had fireworks Sunday night.  Joey decided to take Ashlyn and Dawson down to see them.  They met up with their grandparents.  Joey said it was a great show and the kids really liked it. 

Enjoying the fireworks. 

Dawson and his Papa

Joey and Ashlyn

Jameson waving goodbye to the cabin until next year!