Home Sweet Home

I'm back after an amazing mommy getaway! Denver was nothing short of beautiful however, I'm so happy to be home with my babies. I missed them ALL very very very much!

Last Day/Hike

What a perfect way to end an amazing trip. We hiked St. Mary's Glacier this morning. At 11,000 elevation, you feel like you can touch the sky!

I have know idea how many miles I've hiked over the past several days but, it's got to be in the double digits. Denver is gorgeous and I cannot wait to come back!

Me & the BOYS

Today Brian (my other cousin) was off, so David, Brian & I hit another hiking trail together for some family bonding. I was forewarned this hike was harder than the one we did the other day but, I was up for the challenge. WOW! By the time we got half way, I was on the verge of throwing up. It was the most awful feeling ever. The air was so thin and I was extremely light headed. Turning back WAS NOT an option at this point! I had been doing so well not feeling any kind of sickness but, today was a doozy! (1000 ft. elevation). The views were of course, amazing and that was the only thing that got me to the top. Once we got to the top, Brian and I did our victory dance.

It was another great day in Denver!

Pikes Peak

Another A*M*A*Z*I*N*G day --- Pikes Peak!

Denver

Greetings from Denver! I got here early Wednesday morning to spend the week with my cousins. It's been full of adventure to say the least. I'm the oldest of the four cousins and the only girl so when we get together, anything goes. You have to be able to hold your own in this famiy -Ha!

Last night we went downtown to the 16th Street Mall for dinner at this fabulous micro-brewery. We got caught up and enjoyed some delicious beer. My cousin, David is a military guy so he had his 'boys' meet us there and we had a blast! Those 'boys' can sure get rowdy! By the time we got home, I had nothing left to give. I was exhausted!

This morning was nothing short of A*M*A*Z*I*N*G! We went on one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. Words cannot begin to explain the scenic views. We did five miles and it was pure bliss!!! It was peaceful, beautiful, serene, and quiet. We were all in the 'zone' and enjoying every second of it. By the time we got to the top, my legs felt like jello. I had to then climb on this huge rock and we all know I'm not real good at rock climbing! I told myself I didn't hike FIVE miles not to get the full experience. There is no greater reward then when you get all the way to the top and look down - wow! I laid on the rock, looking up at the crystal clear blue sky and thought to myself, 'WOW! WOW! WOW!'. It was perfect in every sense of the word. Simply perfect!

Samuel & Benjamin

This morning we got to meet up with Zoe’s oldest friends, Samuel and Benjamin. It's been an eternity since we've had an opportunity to all get together, but today we had a great time at the park for some long over due play time.

Amanda was the first friend I made when we moved here. Just so happened we were neighbors, and had kids the same age! It’s funny to see the kids together today and reminiscing about when we first met and the kids were in diapers playing in the front yard. Where does the time go?

Amanda and I got caught up on our hectic lives and it was fantastic seeing her and the kids.

We're Back!

We just spent a fabulous weekend on the beach. We did so much that I have no idea where to start!

Our friends Dana and Karen invited us to join them at their beach house for the weekend. We packed up the car Thursday night so, we’d be ready to go on Friday. As soon as we got to Wildwood and unpacked the car, it was off to the boardwalk. The kids were in awe over all the rides, games, lights, food, etc. We walked blocks and blocks of the boardwalk before we stopped at a park and let the kids play. We hooked up with some other friends of ours who is also a foster family. We had 7 kids all under age five running through out the park. The park was pretty big, and there were some really challenging gym sets. There was even a rock wall. From afar, it looked pretty easy, so of course I had to run my mouth and told Dana it was way too easy and I needed a challenge. I was determined to ‘try’ and show her up but, in the long run, I needed her! I got about ½ way up before needed her to PULL me up the rest of the way. I never laughed so hard in my life. There was Dana on the top of this rock trying to pull me up, what a vision for everyone around us. I even scratched up my knee, but I finally made it up. The next problem was getting down. I had to depend on Dana yet again, to guide me down. It was a disaster – but, a FUN one to say the least. Once we left the park the kids were tired and ready to call it a night. The adults stayed up late and enjoyed some gossip time.

Saturday, everyone was up bright and early ready to hit the beach. Dana and Karen are about 4 blocks from the beach so we all walked over and spent the morning in the sand, making sand castles, flying kites, and enjoying the beautiful weather and the ocean.

Sunday after breakfast we packed up the cars and the kids headed back to reality. But before we got too far, we stopped at the Cape May Zoo. The kids ran around, fed the animals, and enjoyed making all the animal sounds as we passed each exhibit. When we finished the zoo we had a quick picnic and then hit the road. The kids fell asleep before we got out of the zoo parking lot, they were exhausted after all the excitement. We had a great weekend with fantastic company.