Booked

It's official, fights are booked to Australia and Thailand! So, so excited for the adventure ahead. I dug out my Disney pin to remind myself that I am fulfilling the dream first envisioned by my eight year old self.

Meet Marshall

My brother and I are real suckers for stuffed animals, particularly of the bear variety. So we made Mr. Marshall above at the local Build-A-Bear and shipped him to my brother in exotic Thailand. A little western swagger was probably needed and Marshall is now there to add it. There is nothing better than sending some stuffed love to someone special!

Arizona: Part 3

 Yes, bring your pets...

 but, then there's this to consider.

Last of the pictures from Arizona. Happy weekend to you!

Arizona: Part 2

 

More stunning beauty of fabulous Sedona. Happy early Valentine's Day!

Arizona: Part 1

I traveled to Arizona last week for a work trip, but went early to spend a girls weekend with mom prior to my commitments. 

Saturday we headed to Sedona in lieu of driving twice as far to see the Grand Canyon. That is still a much needed trip, but I am so glad we hit Sedona. Truly some of the most stunning vistas that I have ever seen and with the backdrop of sunny skies, it was absolutely perfect.

Looking Forward To...

I am sure that I can't be the only one that loves to look forward to things! So much so that I start countdowns to events/trips/special occasions way before they are necessary. I mean I've started months out from upcoming things, marking each day off in my planner, just so I can cross out one more day. I think I took a personality test once that pegged me as "futuristic" meaning I'm constantly looking ahead. I know, I know not always a good thing, but you can't convince me that looking forward to and anticipating something fun is a flaw.

Anyway, I depart on a mom/daughter weekend this Friday (followed by a work trip for the first half of next week), but I am so, so excited! Arizona here we come! Crossing fingers for mid-seventies and sunshine. You can bet I'm counting down.

P.S. - I think the idea of featuring a "Looking Forward To..." on here more often, so you may see more countdowns soon!

A Little Bit of Colorado

 A little show-shoe fun on our day off from the slopes

He is a talented cross-country skier - such a difficult sport

Have you ever used the jumbo marshmallows to make a smore? Insane. So much gooey deliciousness.

Our ski trip this year was well, absolutely incredible. We ventured to Steamboat Springs, CO, a place that the majority of us had never been to. I'm not quite sure that I can put my finger on what made it so wonderful, but the pile of snow they had was part of it! I wish I could have snapped more photos of the crazy snow drifts that blanketed every surface, but alas, it was very, very cold and difficult to take my dslr out. We plan another trip soon, so I hope to capture the magic.

Happy Friday!

Westward Ho

This morning we set off Westward. Our family has a special love for the mountains and the state of Colorado. We are lucky enough to get all four of our schedules to coordinate for some much anticipated skiing. I am especially excited that where we are going this year is getting socked with the white stuff. Goody! 

Here's to a snow filled, coffee fueled, family centric weekend. I hope yours is equally wonderful.

(Almost) Home for Christmas

As I type this, my big brother is traveling over 8,000 miles home. 8,000! I am so excited to see him and truly start the Christmas celebrations. I never feel it's the real deal until we're together. Will you get to see your loved ones this holiday? I certainly hope so and that you are surrounded with those that care for you.

Colorado Weekend

 

This past weekend I had the adventure of jetting off to Colorado yet again. I find myself so excited to board the plane for the quick trip. Seeing those beautiful mountains always makes me sigh in appreciation. The classic Colorado blue sky didn't disappoint upon touch down either.

 

We were able to make it out to Winter Park on Saturday. We stopped for a much needed Starbucks break and the first flurries were floating down. So perfect with hot coffee in hand!

 

We made it after a slightly difficult drive. I love skiing, but the process to actually get to the lift line is usually pretty lengthy. After about 45 minutes, we were to the lift and bundled up heavily as the wind started to really pick up in intensity.

 

We managed a few runs, stopped for lunch at the top and did a few more runs before deciding that we liked our faces and should stop before they were windblown off.

 

It took about 5 hours before I warmed up again, but it was wonderful to get a little slope time in and some fresh mountain air. Thankful to be able to swish down a mountain!

 

The little town at the resort has been buildt adorably. I love the cobblestones, hanging lights and fire pits. I hope to go back and grab a cup of steaming hot chocolate and stroll the streets at night. 

Technically it's still fall

I didn't want these pictures from our wonderful annual trip to Nebraska City to be forgotten in my iPhoto files, so here is one last hurrah to autumn.