Thunderstorms, 4th of July and Vail

Dear Diary,

It's been a while since the last post but we've just been busy with everyday life. We've enjoyed Canada Day on July 1st, experienced our first July 4th and tomorrow is the N. Irish holiday, July 12th.... Wow, that's alot of national holidays! In the future and once we have our own house we'll have all three flags blowing outside.
Despite being carted around the world, Isla has been doing well. She rolls over constantly and even knows how to roll back on her back but there is the odd time that she can't do it and panics after a few moments on her tummy. She spends alot of time on her play mat and loves "Mr Monkey" who hangs over her head. Poor Mr Monkey gets abused and shoved into her mouth but he doesn't seem to really mind.
Since she has had her portrait taken by Canadian Baby Photographers she has turned into a little Elle McPherson!!! Check this out, she has her supermodel pose all worked out... What a little ham, eh?
The weather in Denver is very warm but thankfully not humid. Yesterday it reached 98 degrees and probably will today as well. As a result of the warm weather there have been a number of thunderstorms - quite often without rain which I find quite strange. Colin was outside on the balcony during one such storm and was taking photos.
The dormer on the apartment across the street from us was actually hit a few moments after this photo was taken. I wasn't home at the time but Colin said the blast was so loud, he ran back in the house and hid in a closet. I hope he checked on Isla in her bed???!!
These are a few more photos from the same storm.
On the July 4th long weekend we decided to go away for the day to Vail. We hadn't made it into the mountains yet so we thought we take the opportunity to go exploring and pan for gold. Well, we didn't actually pan for gold but we did go to Vail and along the way we stopped at a really beautiful town called Georgetown where I'm sure at one time about 100 years ago, they really did pan for gold! It's nestled in a valley and is really pretty (and much cooler than in Denver).
We took our time feeding Isla before moving on to Vail.
Once we got to Vail we realized we missed the July 4th parade but trust me, there were enough flags and red, white and blue t-shirts around town to remind us it was a holiday! Americans sure love the flag, it's crazy.
More spectacular scenery.
This is part of the World Cup of skiing runs down the mountain. I think I could do it, no problem (on a tobaggan, maybe not).
This is our new friend, a Burmese Mountain dog, isn't she pretty? I saw her later on during the day and she had a puppy with her. Too cute?!?!!?? I want one and did I mention she would also colour co-ordinate with our cats.
And here is Injun Joe and his brother, I think....
Anyways, we had a lovely day. A bit of drive to get there and home but we enjoyed the day and we enjoyed soaking in God's awesome creation along the way!
BTW, I had some pictures of Isla's first Canada Day but I think Colin must have downloaded those on his work computer so maybe he can arrange to post them for us (hint, hint).
'Til next time,
Heather, Colin and Isla