August is here, and if you haven’t taken time to slow down yet this summer, do it now. Enjoy some music at a local venue. Visit a farmer’s market. Get your hair colored or treat yourself to a massage. Take a mini vacation...

We just returned from a family vacation to the Colorado Rockies. It had been four years since my husband, Joe, and I had visited, and it was the first time for our girls. To our surprise, they were both great travelers on the long drive out and back. We did have green crayon doodles mysteriously appear on the interior roof of our car, but for the most part, the DVD player kept us all sane!

The mountainous views were once again absolutely amazing, and we all really enjoyed not having a set schedule for a few days. We stayed just outside of Estes Park at Mary’s Lake Lodge and Resort. Estes Park, a quaint town 70 miles northwest of Denver near the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, sure has plenty to offer. You can watch for wildlife such as foxes, bighorn sheep, deer, and elk, take a hike, or go river rafting. We did quite a bit of sightseeing, but also visited an amusement area with bumper boats, miniature golf, go-carts, and gunnysack slides.

The ultimate for Ellie, age 6, was the trampoline that she jumped on while attached to a bungee cord. The apprehensive look on her face at first quickly turned to one of pure excitement! We found the entertainment there to be very family friendly. If we wanted to, we could have also gone horseback riding, trout fishing, on a tram ride up Prospect Mountain, or on a hot air balloon ride.

One of our days in Colorado was on my birthday, so we celebrated with a drive into the Rocky Mountain National Forest for a picnic. We also took in “Toy Story 3” at a local theater, and topped off the day with a terrific barbecue dinner. When we returned to our condominium, we took in a breathtaking view of the beautiful mountainous landscape. Ahh, yes...a birthday to remember!

Some other highlights of our trip included spotting a heard of elk (we counted 26!) in a meadow near Mary’s Lake Lodge and Resort one night. We also saw a bighorn sheep and its young. The last time Joe and I visited Estes Park it rained, so seeing all of this wildlife was a real highlight. And, after all of the bear stories I’ve heard, NOT seeing a bear was also a highlight! In all, it was a wonderful trip away for us.

Soon the kids will be heading back to school. Ellie will be in first grade, and Aspen will be in preschool. Before we know it, it will be time for football, cool, crisp evenings, and shorter days. I am looking forward to it, but I want to linger in the lazy days of summer a bit longer.

Take care, and make some new summer memories before the season ends!

SPECIAL NOTICE

Women’s Edition is looking for a full-time advertising sales account executive. This position will mainly consist of contacting businesses in the Lincoln area to sell advertising. For more details on this position, see our ad on page 10.

SPECIAL NOTES

Are you in the market for designer-inspired handbags, jewelry, chic clothing, and accessories? See Bella Boutique’s ad on page 19 for details about when you can visit this occasional boutique.

You’re invited to a baby shower at the BryanLGH Mom & Baby Shop. For more information about their baby gift registry unveiling and week of savings, see their ad on page 21.

Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center is offering a seminar to nourish your spirit through the journey of cancer. For details on how to dial in from your home, refer to their ad on page 24.

Are you looking for a way to slim down this summer? See the ad on page 27 for Shape Up!

Dr. Bo Bryson of Trinity Chiropractic invites you to stop suffering and start living. His ad within our Market Place section on page 26 provides ways he can help you to balance your mind, body, and spirit.

POSITIVE THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

“Look ahead; envision the beautiful blessings waiting on your distant shores. If you follow your personal stepping stones with joy, love, faith, and gratitude, the swiftest currents will not impede your journey.”—Steve Brunkhorst