so much fun

in a land far, far away

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

As promised, here are a few pictures from my trip.  As I look back at the pictures, I’m asking myself “was I really just there?  Standing in the middle of that picture, breathing in the air and taking in these views as they lie around me?”  Feels like I am a million miles away from the scenes in these photos now.  It’s amazing to me how different the culture, climate, and terrain is everywhere I go in the US.  I hope I get to do some more extensive international travel at some point in my life (you know, aside from Mexico, Canada, and Jamaica).

Anyway…

Thursday we ventured to a local spot for a Mexican breakfast, then it was off to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

View from the Sand Dunes
A beautiful Colorado sunset as we were leaving the Sand Dunes.  The funny thing is that I wasn’t trying to capture the sunset, I was trying to photograph the mule deer that didn’t even show up here. 
Here is said mule deer, with the amazing Sand Dunes in the background.
It’s impossible to explain how huge the dunes are in words or pictures.
Friday we went to Garden of the Gods just outside of Colorado Springs (both of which I loved, for what it’s worth).  We did a couple of the “easy” hikes (Puh.  Easy for who?, I might ask).  After that, we walked through Manitou Springs.  Friday night we went to a skeezy Indian restaurant.  Hey, I liked my food but no one else liked theirs. 
The red rock formations seem to pop up out of nowhere.  They reminded me of Sedona, but on a much smaller scale.
Pike’s Peak!
The sun was going down by the time we got to Manitou Springs and I was too tired to carry my camera/bag around anyway.  If you’re interested, here are some photos of the cutesy little town.  It reminded me a lot of Gatlinburg.  A nicer Gatlinburg.  I was happy to hear that Theo was getting along just fine.
Saturday em. woke up not feeling so great, so L and I gave her some time to rest while we explored downtown Pueblo, where they are currently travel nursing.  There are quite a few neat little stores, antique malls, and an awesome coffee shop right on the main road.  Pueblo recently installed a riverwalk that was charming on a winter’s day with springtime weather.  It was in the upper 60s and sunny! 
On the way back to the apartment, I got this on my cell phone:
Maybe those tears were there because he didn’t want to be in his car seat; I choose to believe it was because he missed me.  God, I missed him.
After checking on em. and coming to terms with the fact that she was not moving from the couch, L and I decided to take a nearby scenic drive (Frontier Pathways) through the mountains to Westcliffe, Colorado.  Wow.  I don’t know how many times I said it that day or over the course of the weekend, but I can’t imagine living that way.  Talk about wilderness.  I love Target way too much for frontier livin’ ya’ll.  With that being said, it was beautiful.
Can’t you almost see a covered wagon going by?
We had delicious homemade empanadas for dinner and watched a movie called The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia  on Netflix instant streaming.  Have you seen this movie?  Heard about it?  I’m not going to go into the details (because this blog would end up being twice as long), but I thought it was worthy of linking up here.  If you have Netflix, it’s definitely worth streaming.  I bet you a buck that if you start it, you won’t be able to stop it. 
Luckily, the nasty stomach bug up and left sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning so we three gals departed for the airport bright and early Sunday and got to spend a couple more hours chatting about all the fun that had been had.  I was anxious, anxious, and more anxious to get home to see my baby (oh, and my husband too).  Loved the look Theo got on his face when he saw his mama – it was pure happiness.  I’m pretty sure my expression mirrored his.  Looking back through my pictures, I certainly can’t say that I regret the trip.  I even realize that had Theo been with me, the trip would have been very different.  I’m thankful for the opportunity to get away and explore new territory.  When Theo and I reunited, it was like no time had passed at all; it’s the best of both worlds.  What can I say…I’m a happy girl. 
~C~

whirlwind of a week

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

Sorry for my lack of posts lately – Christmas week was quite the whirlwind.

Wednesday morning, I made the quick trip home – I don’t mean 20 minutes home from work, I mean 5+ hours home – for my best friend’s grandfather’s funeral.  It was sad to say goodbye but endearing to hear so many wonderful stories about him and see those stories through old photographs.  I love old photographs.  I hope it made a difference to my BFF that I was there…that’s all I wanted, just to make her feel loved. 

I got back early Thursday afternoon and there was a laundry list of chores (including laundry) to get done before we could go to my in-laws’ for the holiday weekend.  We rushed around and got there in time for dinner.  Friday was relaxing and then Saturday – Christmas day – came.  Whew.

Can I just tell you how excited I was to get my shiny new iPod touch!? 

I’ve been using my Original iPod from 2005 all this time and swore that I wouldn’t replace it until it crapped out on me. 

The thing won’t die.  After playing with a friend’s touch over the summer, I was in lust all over again.  I thought it was a bit of a stretch but secretly hoped that I would get the touch.  Santa Baby delivered, alright.  I could hardly wait to get through the rest of my presents to go get my iTunes transferred and Angry Birds downloaded (oh.muh.gah. SO ADDICTIVE!) when I opened the biggest surprise present of my life…
Behold, my newest and most prized (material) possession:

I’ve complained here about hating my current point-and-shoot digital camera and ooohed and aaahed about my freinds’ wonderful professional quality cameras.  Well, I’m part of the club, folks.  I have a lot of learning to do.  I’m pretty sure you could have knocked me over with a feather when I unwrapped this gift.  I started having hot flashes and got light-headed and said ridiculous things like “you have to take this back!” and “what were you thinking?” all while clutching that beautiful red and black box to  my chest.  I have already taken 100 or so pictures and the difference is stunning. 

I can’t wait to take loads of pictures of my babies with this fine piece of equipment over the next several years.  I’m a happy camper.

Theo had a good Christmas, and got more stuff than he can ever play with, but he didn’t “get” it.  He didn’t open presents without hand-over-hand assistance.  I found that pretty ironic considering the fact that we couldn’t even hang out in the living room w/the tree because he was constantly crawling over there, trying to grab a present and threatening to destroy my pretty ribbon bows.  Don’t you love packages with satin or cloth ribbon bows?  So pretty.

Anyway, overall it was good with the exception of the funeral.  Sadly, I also found out that the friend with breast cancer that I mentioned a couple of days ago is going to have quite the battery of treatments.  I don’t know what she (or I) expected, but I was disappointed to find out that it sounds quite invasive.  She’s such an upbeat lady and so much fun to be around.  I hope she doesn’t lose that wonderful spirit to such an ugly battle.  I’m sure she will come out stronger and more endearing than ever in the end.

I just wanted to post something in my recent bloglessness, but I will soon post pictures from Christmas and a few post-present shots from the new camera.  Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I was that surprised or thrilled about any(material)thing.

Hope your holiday was just as exciting.

~C~