Photo of the Year 2023

 And now…the moment almost no one has been waiting for…the Photo of the Year as selected by the Blogfather himself. There were so many incredible moments throughout 2023. So many good times with our family, our friends, and the community that surrounds us. It was a busy year, for sure, even though Jen and I experienced our first full year of being empty nesters. As I scrolled though the several thousand pictures I took this year, one over arching theme emerged….family. And there wasn’t a more special weekend then May 5-7, when our family of 6 was together for the only time all year. To be able to celebrate our son’s graduation from college and follow that up with his engagement to Ari the next day, was quite the whirlwind of emotions and memories. So here is the 2023 Campingdad Photo of the Year. 

Broncos-Gametime

 Nothing beats the spectacle of an NFL home game. The flyover from the four helicopters at the conclusion of the National Anthem was pretty cool. Somehow, the Broncos crawled their way to a 16-9 victory over the Chargers. Beautiful Colorado evening for a game, everyone had fun, and some great seats to enjoy the game from. 

Broncos-Pregame

 Thanks for the Christmas present Mr. Scribbick! We loaded up and headed to Denver for the Broncos final home game of the season, and the first game in the Stidham era. Stopped for lunch downtown at Wynkoop Brewing before heading over to the game. Busy day in downtown, with the Broncos at 225, the Avs at 6 and First Night Colorado starting at 10. 

Photos of the Year PT. 4

 Where did 2023 go? Looking back over the year, there was so much good that occurred in our family and our little corner of the world:

Andrew graduated from UNC

Andrew and Ari got engaged (March 2025 wedding!)

We were blessed with a wide and varied group of close friends

Various members of our family were able to travel around the world (Spain, Portugal, Portland twice, Hawaii, Florida, Mexico)

We celebrated an NBA Championship

Ryan attended over 275 various events for ALLO

Jen started her 15th year at Frontier, Andrew his first at Valley

So many concerts

Sarabeth earned several promotions at IQ

Noah is on track to graduate in June, 2024

Nathanael and Ruthie continue to embrace their roles at Rebalance and YFC

October, November and December were crazy months, with visits home from both Noah for Jen’s birthday and a surprise visit from Sarabeth, way too many ALLO events including one of the highlights of the year the Community Connect celebration, a prolonged respiratory illness for Jen, and a very quiet Christmas alone at home. 

Grit

 LETS’S GET GRITTY, GREELEY!!! So goes the saying now that the Colorado Grit hockey team calls downtown Greeley home. We had a Rotary night at the Grit game yesterday for all 5 of our local clubs. Satellite turned out well, with 12 people attending! We had a pre-game social at Weldwerks before heading to the game. The three presidents that were in attendance were able to drop the ceremonial first puck (I even got to keep the puck!) Hopefully a good photo of that will be posted soon. Thanks for joining us, Little D! 

Photos of the Year PT. 3

 The heat of summer had arrived, and with that, golf tournaments were in full effect. So were more concerts, time with friends, celebrations, a trip to Florida and Portland and football! Here are some memories from July, August and September. 

EDIT: How could I forget the opportunity to host the Boys and Girls Clubs of Weld County Dancing with the Stars event?? Helped raise over $70,000 for the Clubs that night! 

Photos of the Year PT. 2

 The second quarter of 2023 arrived quickly. Event season at ALLO ramped up in a BIG way, there were some momentous events in our family, a jaunt to Europe and concerts, concerts, concerts! How to only pick a few pictures to capture all these moments?