utah weekend.

We spent the weekend in Utah. We witnessed Madi win her first belt buckle for barrel racing. Had unbirthday fried ice cream at Los Hermanos. Played the "find the weirdest person at Walmart"game. Had game night and snacks at our hotel. Saw a zebra at a gas station petting zoo on the way home. It was a fun, fast trip. Too fast. We didn't even take pictures fast. Luckily, one of the uncles took this great video of Madison and Rocketta doing their thing.

 

We are grateful for time with family, no matter how quickly it goes by.

 

 

 

august.

It's a good thing I live in the desert because I am boycotting the end of summer. I am ignoring all the cute fall crafts and pumpkin recipes. There will be no discussing Halloween costumes. I will not partake in fall scented candles or autumn wreaths on my front door. If I am needed, I will be by the pool with a book and an iced drink every weekend until further notice. It all just went by too fast.

 

But...as much as I fight it, we are officially back to school and back to the routine of life, and I guess that's a good thing. August was a good month. I tagged along with Matt to Denver for one last trip before school started.

 

It was especially nice because it was on his birthday. For his birthday dinner, we went to my favorite place in Denver, El Diablo's. Oh my goodness. It was so good, as always. You have to love a man that chooses YOUR favorite place on HIS birthday.

This guy has lost about thirty pounds over the last 5 months.He looks great, but I believe we will have to get him some new clothes before winter.  His clothes are literally hanging on him.

I surprised him with some birthday balloons in the hotel room. He was really excited and thanked me over and over again. There were a few on the hotel door to greet him and he walked into the room with the biggest, sweetest smile on his face.

 

 

A few days after Matt's birthday, his sweet daughter, Madi, turned into a teenager. I seriously can't believe how grown up she is, especially after spending a week with her in Buffalo this summer.

 

 She is a beautiful girl, inside and out. She is talented and really special. Did I mention she is absolutely crazy and so much fun to be around?  Madi, we hope your 13th year is your best yet!

  

While Jeb is still busy with tennis, Griff has started rock climbing. He climbs at an indoor center for two hours a week and really enjoys it.
 

 He comes home sweaty and sore, which is a beautiful thing. Griff has made a commitment to losing weight and has stuck  with a diet and exercise program better than most adults. His face looks thinner and his clothes are fitting better. I am really proud of him.

I have officially submitted my application for the RN program and I am patiently anxiously awaiting an acceptance letter in the mail.

 

While I wait, I am taking classes towards my BSN and working. Hopefully, if all  goes well I will start the program in January.

 

 

 

 

The first day of school was super smooth. I officially have a 7th grader and a 5th grader.

 

 

 They're pretty cute, too.

 

After school we had our traditional catch up over cookies. It was a nice treat (especially for a household that has been treat- less for a while now! However, these were low cal and vegan.)

 

 I found out all about their teachers, their favorite classes and what all their friends did over the summer. I want to freeze these special times forever.

 

So that's August. I'm still clinging to the last little bits of summer. Summer doesn't officially end until, like Spetember 22nd or something, right?

 

 Happy Labor Day!

tag along.

Matt has to travel a ton for work, and we definitely miss him while he's away. But his travels come with a perk - I can tag along! His company is generous enough to afford us a mini vacation together whenever we wish, free of charge. Nice, huh?

I love going to Denver with him. The people are cool and I love that he stays downtown which is walking distance to everything. My trip this past weekend wasn't as busy as this but I definitely had a great time and came back feeling rested and ready for a new week.

Because Matt was on an extended trip, I came for the weekend to make sure he didn't get homesick. We walked around a bit, ate at some great places, and took full advantage of the comfy accommodations.

Denver has a ton of character and a vibrant spirit.

I could walk around snapping pictures and people watching all day. And when you're with your very best friend, well that's even better.

Until next time, Mile High City!

denver - part 2.

During my trip to Denver, I was able to take in some culture at the Denver Art Museum.

I was ecstatic to see an original Picasso. I did my very best impression of Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I stared and stared until it was engraved in my memory.

 

 


I adored the contemporary art. Some of it is crazy, but it is so interesting.

 I also loved spending time viewing work by many different cultures. It is intriguing to see how different races, cultures, and faiths see the same world.

The traditional art is great too, especially the western paintings. This reminded me of Madison and how she loves horses. I could see her getting her boots on and going out into the snow to take of of these guys.



  Thankfully, Matt wasn't working ALL the time.
We were able to take some great walks in the evenings and spend some much needed time together.
The holiday lights, the bike carriages, and chill in the air made the nights very much like a story book.

16th Street Mall at night.



  

And...a girl's gotta eat! SO glad this was recommended to us.

Mexican food is my favorite and this was excellent! It was packed and loud and fun. I loved it.

El Diablo - The tastiest tacos and sopes I have ever had! Amazing...



 On Saturday morning, we headed out to get breakfast and to spend time at the book store.
We walked in the snow. It was cold, very cold.

 

That was a perfect end to a perfect trip and made this girl very happy. Thank you, Honey, for letting me tag along and thank you, Denver. I'm quite sure you'll see me again.

denver - part 1.

Get ready for part one of photo overload.

I had the luxury of tagging along on Matt's last business trip to Denver. Because he was working the entire time, I was on my own to explore this beautiful city.

I saw and did more in just a few short days than Matt has in two years of monthly travels. I was in awe of the architecture and fell in love with the laid back vibe of the downtown area. I soaked in the art museum, talked to amazing locals, visited the Denver Mint, and walked and walked and walked. It was an incredible time.


16th Street Mall area





I couldn't get enough of that sky.



Denver Capital Building



Outside of the public library.

 

Denver World Trade Center

 

Denver Art Museum



Capital Building



Municipal Building

Colorado State Capital

Amazing architecture

Lower Downtown - LODO



The book store that I adore.



The EPA Headquarters. (Within seconds of snapping this picture, I was accosted by a large, manly, female security guard and informed that pictures of federal buildings are prohibited. Oops. I thought environmentalists were friendly.)


Oh, Denver. How I enjoyed you.



back home.

Guess what great city I had the pleasure of exploring this week?

How about another hint?

Not sure yet? It was very pretty.

Here's a huge hint...

Still not sure? For sure this will give it away.

I had a blast. I have hundreds of pictures to upload and edit. Stay tuned.

california fun.

We traveled to California a couple of weeks ago to see my beautiful niece, Nicole, get married. It was such a fun wedding and seeing old friends and all of my family was a treat. The weekend was filled with yummy food and great company...plus a special treat - Disneyland. It was Matt, Jeb, and Griff's first visit and my first in a loooong time. We had a blast!

On the way home we made a little detour and visited my old neighborhood. I got to show Matt and the guys the house I grew up in and have lunch at my very favorite pizza place.

Such a fun time! I'm grateful to share weekends like these with my three favorite people.