Colorful Colorado: Part 1

Duet.

"Colorful Colorado" proclaimed the road sign as we crossed the border. The dusty fields with occasional tumbleweeds rolling by didn't look much different from the Kansas land we'd just driven through. As we continued our trip west though, the terrain grew more alluring--vast golden plains, open blue sky, snowy white clouds, with purple mountains standing guard in the distance. Colors of every shade and hue.

But we had yet to discover the best part about Colorado: the people. Isn't it always that way when we travel among the saints of God? True to form, we took mostly people pictures during our week long journey to the west.

Our primary goal was to attend the CHEC conference and accompanying Entrepreneurial Boot Camp. Along the way, we had an abundance of wonderful fellowship, blessed conversations, and knee slapping good times.

Settling Catan.

This was a brand new game for us--quite fun, full of strategy and different every time you play it. Sort of like "Risk" on steroids.

Juggling lessons.

Benjamin has been perfecting his juggling skills. He took every opportunity during this trip to hone his moves, even drafting spare people who weren't occupied to assist him practice. This young lad was more than happy to oblige.

Kevin Swanson.

Pastor Swanson, also Executive Director for CHEC, opened the conference with his usual combination of passion and compassion. In speaking on entrepreneurship, I appreciated his point on the industrial revolution. He stated that it wasn't the "fault" of technology that took fathers away from their families in the late 1800's and early 1900's. That same progress in technology is now bringing fathers back home. As Doug Phillips aptly put it, our job is to "Take lemons and turn them into lemonade".

M&M.

I greatly enjoyed spending time getting to know these sweet girls. Many blessed conversations seeking to apply God's truth to our lives.

Voddie Bauchum.

In typical Voddie style, the house was moved to guffaw, weep, repent, and giving a standing ovation--all at the same time. As he noted, "I'm here to preach. If you want a speaker, go to Radio Shack". I appreciated his teaching on biblical manhood. Wonderful insights in how to better encourage my brothers and father.

Andrew and Ben tackle a wayward cell phone during lunch.

As always, it was fun to see friends from Texas. Regretfully Peter wasn't among them. Our kind TX representatives promised to convey our greetings down south back to our dear brother.

Packed house for the Von Trapp concert.

I read Maria Von Trapp's biography years and years ago. What a delight it was to hear her great grand-children making music together. Amazing blend--sounded like one voice. You could tell they took very good care of their "instruments".

Annie and Elise meet a Von Trapp.

Spotted: Twins.

Cooking for a crowd.

Back at the ranch and in between the three days at the conference, we enjoyed delicious meals, restful sleep, and rollicking good times.

Dutch Blitz: Craigs, Roaches, and Servens.

Of course, what would a home-school conference be without a few rounds of Dutch Blitz?

Lots of things to talk about.

Items discussed were varied and deep. Over the week we covered almost every topic . . . but, no, we didn't solve every issue.

Hymn Improvisation Class.

One evening, I particularly enjoyed an impromptu class taught by Mr. Craig. Observing other pianists is so delightful--I'm applying his lesson on 9th chords to my hymn playing techniques. : )

Part 2 coming soon . . .