A few days with Grandma and Papa

I should begin this post by saying that my kids have assorted names for their Grandparents (all very traditional compared to many that I've heard): but mainly, it's Grandma and Papa. We distinguish by family--Grandma Karen and Papa Matty, or Grandma Margie and Papa Alan. However, on this trip, Scout got it in her head that she was going to call Papa by a new name. She announced, "I call him Poppy." And she did. And I heard quite a few "Grammy"s as well, though maybe those came more from Ruby than Scout, can't quite remember.

Nonetheless, we spent a few days up in Sundance alone with Cory's parents before Cory joined us and we promptly headed over to Rapid City for "Auntie" Mary's wedding last weekend (my next post, I hope). It was very nice to have Grandma and Papa all to ourselves, since that doesn't happen often. I can't remember the last time that we were up at Alan and Margie's and there weren't some other guests joining us. This was a real treat, because it meant that we got to get out and see a few Sundance attractions.

Papa and Ruby, near the portable firepit (and home of smores)

Papa and the girls

Ruby climbed the ladder all by herself

So proud of herself

The firewatch tower on Warren Peak--one of our destinations. The girls made it up with Papa and Grandma, notice I took the photo from my place on the GROUND

Nature hike

On Warren Peak

Looking for choke cherries and thimble berries

Walking over the bridge

Cleaning her feet at the new park

Riding at the new park

Showing off the French braids her grandma put in her hair

Climbing at the new play structure

Great-Grandma Marlene and the girls

Just Grandma and Ruby

We had a great time, and we'll be back to do it again!