The last three years have really thrown a wrench into the fellowship habits of the Smith side of our family. We are accustomed to gathering at all major holidays, and back when our kids were younger, most months without major holidays, to celebrate birthdays. Because of young grandchildren and cautious adults advancing through the chronic illness stages of our lives, we have been less inclined to put too many of us in a room together. We were thrilled to meet up at our niece's wedding last summer, and today we threw caution to the wind, and went up to the cabin my brother-in-law is building above Eldora for lunch. All the siblings were there, and all of the spouses, plus a few of the kids, and my grandkids (who we were supposed to babysit today anyway).
Of the two Smith brothers, one had grander designs for his cabin than the other. The one I married built a 10x12 "storage shed" that just happens to have a porch and a loft. The other jumped through most of the hoops Boulder County threw at him, and convinced them to back down on some of the more stupid ones (like trying to force him to make his driveway big enough for a firetruck to turn around in, as if they would send people there if the whole damned canyon was on fire). Brother-in-law's cabin is fancier, with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a living area, and (unlike Mr S-P's) an indoor bathroom!
The day was gorgeous, even if most of the trees were past peak color. The cool air was pleasant, and the iron stove in the living room was plenty to keep us comfortable. Food was fantastic, and the company was relaxing and comforting. Most of the time, Valerie played and explored and enjoyed herself. A few times she had toddler moments, but she comes out of those pretty easily. They took a short hike down to the creek across the road, and Valerie ignored advice not to step in the water. She came back less than happy about having wet boots.
Both kids slept most of the way down the mountain. After all the fun, I would be amazed if Val didn't have an early bedtime too. I know Mr S-P was ready to turn in at 9.
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