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Kathryn

4 In Family/ Finding our place/ House Hunting/ Minnesota/ Moving/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

A Peek into our week – Saying Goodbye to Colorado, Hello to Minnesota

Enjoying our final Pikes Peak sunset from our home in Colorado

Last week we said goodbye to Colorado – to our friends, to our home, and to that beautiful chapter of our lives.

Jared and Holly Newman – life long friends

Lots of friends came over to give us one last hug, we went to the Newman family’s house for one last dinner and I went to church one last time to see Kari Jobe and Louie Giglio! (It was so good!)

Early Wednesday morning two kind gentleman showed up at our house and started packing. Somehow, those two guys had my house completely packed and loaded on the moving truck in just 3 days!! (I think it took me 6 weeks to pack when we moved to Colorado)

Our family flew to Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Clark asked if we were in “first class” because the flight attendant offered him a snack and a drink. (He’s only flown one other time – and that was on another airline)

We stayed the weekend in a hotel.

Saturday – lots of swimming!

Sunday – Mall of America!

Before we moved, I told the boys that when we arrived in Minnesota, I’d let them spend $20 each at the Mall. It gave them one more reason to get excited about the move.

Our first stop – the Lego Store!

George was THRILLED to explore this place and had a hard time just picking out ONE thing. $20 doesn’t go very far there, but he found a set that he was excited to build.

Clark chose to buy a remote control car.

Paul wanted new running shoes. (I gave him a little extra since he chose RUNNING SHOES!)

Luke picked a Lightning McQueen toy.

I picked where we ate –  Wahlburgers. (It was great!)

They wanted to ride ALL the rides – but we picked one – The Ferris Wheel! It’s kind of crazy riding a Ferris Wheel inside a MALL!

Monday morning, we met the movers at our house.

There were a few things about this house that made me fall in love with it:

  1. I could tell it was a neighborhood with LOTS of kids – nearly every house has a play set, a trampoline, a soccer net or a basketball hoop.
  2. It has a nice backyard…big enough for FOUR boys to run some of their energy out with a game of tag or soccer.
  3. It has LOTS of trees! Since I’d no longer be able to see Pikes Peak, I wanted something pretty to look at and I do! I love all the trees and water in Minnesota.

Within an hour of pulling up to our home, the boys had already met the neighbor kids on both sides. They played all day. Clark called it the “best day ever” and said he’d be sad if I picked ANY other house in Minnesota.

George agreed and said this is his favorite house we’ve ever lived in.

All the boys have been sleeping SOO good in this house. I haven’t been wakened at all by any child! It may have something to do with the fact that they RUN, JUMP, PLAY, and SWIM all day! (Maybe that’s the title of my new book?!!)

We are grateful for a smooth transition and looking forward to making many happy memories here.

Thanks for your prayers, comments, texts and encouragement through this process!

July 18, 2018 By
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0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

A PEEK into our WEEK: Breckenridge, hiking, time with friends, and racing!

Our Fourth of July

We took some red, white and blue pictures in Colorado Springs, but spent the 4th in Breckenridge! The boys loved the Parade and playing in the huge pile of snow that’s still on Peak 8. Ted and I enjoyed getting one last visit to Breckenridge before our move. We always enjoy the drive there – you never know what wildlife you’ll see. We stopped to watch some Buffalo roam on this trip.

 

Spent time with a childhood friend

Becky, a childhood friend, and two of her kids came to visit from Broomfield, CO. It was so fun having them spend 24 hours with us!

We hiked and explored, cooked together, and enjoyed catching up. We’re both Indiana girls and been friends all of our lives. I’ve enjoyed spending more time with her since we moved to Colorado.

Overdrive Raceway

The #eglyboys have been begging me to take them to Overdrive Raceway! We finally made it there, and they LOVED it! Clark drove as fast as he could – speeding around corners and weaving in and out between other drivers. George was slow and steady; cautiously driving around corners, and leading Paul “safely” around the track.

 

Hiking

We explored the Starsmore Nature Center and hiked in Cheyenne Canyon with friends. There are all kinds of trails you can follow in Cheyenne Canyon. However, Clark remembered one specific hike from a field trip and insisted we follow him. He promised us it would be beautiful! Somehow, he found the right trail, we followed him up a narrow passageway and from the top, we had an incredible 360 degree view of mountains and The Broadmoor! He makes an amazing tour guide for an 8-year-old.

The trail Clark insisted we follow.

 

One of my favorite things to do in Colorado is hiking and exploring with my boys!

 

Admiring the view!

That was our final ‘regular’ week in Colorado.…now we are packing and wrapping things up at home before we head to Minnesota! What did you do this week? Leave me a comment!

July 11, 2018 By
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14 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Moving/ My Journey

Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing – Helen Keller

When we moved to Colorado, we thought we’d be staying here forever.

Ted found a good job.

We found a beautiful home.

We met so many new (and old) friends.

I began a job that I love at an amazing church.

I’ve become a writer in Colorado:

Our family has thrived here, and we absolutely love this place. There is so much beauty all around us every day. It’s soul-filling.

However, changes are ahead.

We are about to embark on a new adventure: We are moving to Minnesota.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller

My husband has accepted a job with Target Corp. He will be working in Executive Leadership Development at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis.

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never been to Minnesota.

The only two things I knew about Minnesota were:

Minnesota was not on our radar. It was not in the plan.

I guess sometimes we go off script and follow the adventure of the unknown, unfamiliar.

After I went through the stages of grief, I’m choosing to move forward in joy, trusting we will find and create beauty in a new place.

Though we chose Colorado as our place, my true place is with my family. Wherever they are is home. Where they are is my place. They are my people.

My people. My place is wherever they are!

 

My favorite quote over the last couple of weeks has been:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thank you Dr. Suess!

Our friend and pastor, Daniel Grothe, reminded my husband that when we moved to Colorado, we were ALL IN! He recommended we have the same attitude in Minnesota. Be ALL IN.  This is such a good reminder, such wisdom. Thank you Daniel!

I’ll be re-reading the book: This is Where you Belong: Finding Home wherever you are. I’ll also refer back to this POST: 8 ways to LOVE where I LIVE – as we adventure into a brand new place.

I’ve begun following the Twin Cities Mom Blog, and other blogs and checking out Pinterest to see all there is to do in Minnesota.

I’m looking forward to:

  • meeting new people,
  • finding a good church,
  • discovering the best places to eat,
  • learning how to stay warm in winter,
  • exploring this beautiful state!

Have any of you been to Minnesota? What can you recommend we do and see? Where should we go?

July 9, 2018 By
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0 In Colorado/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

10 Best places to eat in Breckenridge

1. Crown coffee

We love their “breck coffee” and overall environment.

 

2. Mi Casa

Stop by Mi Casa if you are craving Mexican food! We loved the enchiladas, and the salsa was so good! Super quaint atmosphere inside and nice patio outside!

 

 

 

3.  Duggans Deli 

This place has fantastic sub sandwiches. It’s a hole in the wall, so don’t plan to eat inside.  I recommend picking up subs, walking to the Gondola, taking the ride to the very top, and eating on the patio at Peak 8.

 

4. CB Potts

This restaurant is right in the middle of all the action with great seating in the front on Main Street or in the back, on the patio. The burgers are great!

 

 

5. Eric’s Downstairs

Eric’s has good pizza, burgers and wings but I only recommend going if you are willing to drop some ‘dough’ on video games. Half of the place is food/half is a gaming area. My kids like coming here – not necessarily for the food, but because of the games!

 

 

6. Starbucks

We love this place because it’s so darn cute. It’s an old YELLOW house with such history inside. And if you want to know how to get your Starbucks for FREE, read this.

 

 

7. Crepes a la Cart 

I thought I didn’t like crepes…until I tried one from Crepes a la Cart. This place ALWAYS has a line out the door! Our family devoured the cinnamon roll crepe in 3.5 seconds.

 

8. Extreme Pizza

This place has some really creative (and delicious) pizza creations! I recommend the “Kickin Chicken!”

 

 

9. Kenosha Steaks and Burgers

Kenosha is a great place to go with family and friends when the weather is nice. You can sit on the back patio and enjoy the backyard “games” while you wait for your food! My boys like the burgers and wings! I ordered the Bison burger – it was great! My husband enjoyed his Caesar salad. We also shared a plate of nachos with Bison Chili – one order is enough to feed the whole table.

 

 

10. Pho Real

This is a great place to get a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s very small without much seating, though. I recommend ordering Pho to Go. Take it up the Gondola and eat at one of the tables at Peak 8.

 

 

Honorable  Mention – Fuzziwigs candy shop

Obviously, this isn’t a place you’d go for dinner unless you want a SUGAR RUSH, but it’s gotta go on my list because it’s my kids favorite spot for a treat in Breckenridge. They give you a little bag and you can add as much or as little of the 400+ options. My kids eat something right away and save some for the drive home.

There are so many quaint restaurants along Main Street. Please let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Breck!

For all my favorite FREE things to do in Breckenridge, CLICK HERE!

July 7, 2018 By
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4 In Colorado/ Family/ Free stuff/ Memories/ Things to do in Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado – 12 FREE things you’ve gotta do!

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Breckenridge, Colorado.

This town.

So quaint. So much history. Such beauty.

I love that it’s just a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs, and only 90 minutes from Denver or Boulder!

If you live in Colorado, or are here on vacation, it’s absolutely worth taking at least ONE day to spend in this magnificent place.

The drive is phenomenal. Your day will be magical. Your soul will be refreshed.

This town must be on your bucket list.

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Here are 12 FREE things we recommend doing in Breckenridge.

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1. Play downtown!

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There are two parks right on Main Street that our kids love. They can also splash around in the river on a warm day.  The views are beautiful and the people are friendly – we all have a good time!

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2.  Visit the museums!

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Breckenridge is the largest historic district in Colorado.  Once home to gold mining, Breckenridge’s history dates back to the 1850s.  With that said, there are a handful of interesting, free museums! Take a tour, learn about the history of this great little town. I recommend starting at the Welcome Center. It’s a museum filled with lots of interesting information about the city, plus, the staff will provide free maps, and recommend all the best places to go in town!

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3. Take the Gondola

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It’s free and PHENOMENAL! This is one of our favorite things to do when we come to town! We LOVE the beautiful ride up the mountain. You can get off at the top, walk around, and play in the snow!

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4. Hike

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Beautiful Hike

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There are spots all over town perfect for family hikes! As I mentioned before, stop by the visitor center/museum. You will get a map and recommendations. The guides inside the welcome center will tell you all about the different hikes – lengths, whether they are hard or easy, and what you’ll see!

The hike to see the troll is easy and beautiful!

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5. Walk Main Street

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One of the many quaint shops along Main St

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Walk all the way down one side, cross over and walk all the way back. It’s probably 8 blocks each way and so many quaint stores to see. I love that many of the stores are old homes. In summer, you can find AMAZING deals on winter items. I found a hooded Patagonia coat for my son for just $20! In winter, find great deals on summer items! Tip – shop at more than one store for items you are looking for. Stores off Main Street tend to sell similar things for better prices.

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6. Ride the trolley

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Breckenridge provides a free trolley for you and your family. It will take you from one side of town to another. Just stay on and do a loop to enjoy Breckenridge from another point of view. My kids enjoy this unique experience.

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7. Visit the Breckenridge Sunday Market

If you come on a Sunday (from June 17 to September 2) don’t miss the Farmer’s Market! You’ll hear band’s playing music, taste local food, and see/experience some of what makes Breckenridge so special.

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8. Bike Ride

Bring your bikes and enjoy a bike ride along the river. (Bikes are available to rent as well)

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9. Riverwalk Concerts

Throughout the summer, you can enjoy a free concert from the lawn on the Riverwalk!

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10. Find the Fairy Forest

This is a hidden gem found at the base of the Snowflake lift. Hike the Sawmill Trail that follows alongside the river. Once you get to the top of the trail, hike around

the corner to the right, and you’ll see a rocky path headed up towards Four O’Clock. Don’t step off the trail just yet, or you’ll miss the magic. Stay on the lower part of the trail that leads behind a few beautiful homes off Four O’Clock Road.

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11. Go Sledding!

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In the winter, we bring our sleds to Breck. There is a FREE sledding hill in Carter Park, which is located at the south end of High Street adjacent to the Breckenridge Elementary School. My kids and I have so much fun sledding this large hill!

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12. The Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championship

Towards the end of January people from around the world come together to compete at making snow sculptures. Just like the World Championship of Sand Sculpting, the snow sculptures are works of art and take hours to complete. If you would like to look at these marvelous works of art in the flesh, check your calendar and make sure that your trip aligns with the snow sculpture dates. This is one of the BEST things to do in Breckenridge during the winter months.

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Four fun things to do that are not free:

  1. Epic Discovery – If you ride the Gondola up to Peak 8 you will find an extremely fun place to play. There’s an alpine slide, a zip line, a roller coaster.  The park is not free (its about $60 a person) and I have not done it yet, but it’s on my list of things I want to do!
  2. Ski – it’s beautiful, but gets crowded and is quite expensive for a beginner like me.
  3. Children’s Museum – This museum has good reviews and is reasonably priced (Kids $6) but we have yet to visit. There’s so much to do for free, we haven’t made time for this museum yet.
  4. Walking History Tour – Enjoy a two hour walk around town while learning about the history of this charming place from an expert.

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CLICK HERE for the best places to EAT in Breckenridge!

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Have you been to Breck? What do you love about this town? Leave me a comment!

July 4, 2018 By
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0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Giveaway/ Peek into our Week/ Product Recommendations

Peek into our Week – Campin’, Buildin’ and Bookin’

Monday – Thursday:

We are blessed to have a church that puts so much intentionality into what they do! My kids and I had a great week learning and laughing together at New Life Church Kid’s Camp. The theme this year was Supernova – discovering God’s Great Galaxy. The music was incredible, great teaching, fun games, engaging skits, and service projects.

Clark and some of his friends

 

Ted completed his Go Fund Me campaign and we ordered the first copies of his debut book, “Conversations with a Billionaire!” Ted signed and shipped out all of the pre-orders!

Friday:

George loves Legos. Occasionally when I find a great deal on a set of a legos, I’ll buy it for him. Clark and George recorded themselves building their Legos, then George edited the video and I uploaded it to their youtube channel: “The Free Range Eglys.” Here is one video George recorded and edited.

Saturday

Ted and I had our first Duel

Book-signing at a local (beautiful) coffee shop, The Roost! It was a great morning where we met some new neighbors, saw some familiar faces, and sold some of our books!

If you’d like a copy of Ted’s amazing book, click here!

Giveaway winners – Mary Kathryn S. ($40 Gift card) and Judy B. ($50 Tillivery)!

That’s a peek into our week! How was YOUR week? Leave me a comment!

June 30, 2018 By
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2 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

You are invited … to a book signing and a chance to win a $40 and $50 gift card!

Colorado Friends!

I’d like to invite each of you to Ted and my first ever duel BOOK SIGNING!

In the last few months, my husband and I have both published our first books.

Mine is a children’s book is entitled “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore: A Pikes Peak Adventure Story. (click here to read more about my book).

Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).

Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children!  PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!

Here are all the details:

What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing

When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM

Where: The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004

Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!  

For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery! 

PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!

Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!

Hope to see you there!!!

UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)

June 25, 2018 By
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5 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Things to do in Colorado

In-laws, not outlaws

“In-laws” have a bad rap. In fact, I went to Pinterest and Google and searched “in-law quotes” and could not find one GOOD quote. They were all negative. So, I’m here to put some positivity out there and say that GREAT in-laws do exist in this world! Let me tell you about two of them.

Kevin and Shirley Egly (my in-laws) are as good as they get! When people talk negatively about their in-laws, I for one, can’t even comprehend it. And two, have nothing but good things to say about mine.

Let me brag on them a little bit!

First of all – the raised Ted Egly! I could just stop there…but I won’t…

They love their grandsons and me so well. They encourage us and help whenever possible.

They watch (aka: wrangle/chase/spoil) all four of our boys so that Ted and I can get away! OHHH SOOO NICE!

While we are gone and when we get back, they help with lots of stuff around the house. Kevin completes household projects and Shirley helps me clean and organize.

Not only does Papa do yard work, he teaches our sons how to do it too!

They also play lots of “UNO!” I love that all four #eglyboys can all play now! (Luke is on “my” team)

We do take breaks to eat and explore. For instance, I had to take Kevin and Shirley out to experience King Chef’s Diner.

Voted best breakfast in Colorado. It’s that good!

After breakfast at King Chef’s, we hiked at Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Every time I go to Red Rock, I spot different types of wildlife. Once, a deer crossed the trail right in front of me. On this visit, we discovered a big Hawk’s nest with baby hawks inside.

Luke didn’t want to hike, he wanted me to hold him. Since this will probably be the last summer I can “hold” one of my babies while we hike, I held him for the first half of the hike. Then we crossed paths with a kind lady and her adorable dog. Luke wanted to walk alongside the dog and followed him through the second half of the hike and all the way to the parking lot. (This made me want a dog.)

Thank you, Little Dog Lucy, for giving Luke something to chase while we hiked!

While the Egly’s were in town, I also had to take them to Hurts Donuts. Papa loves donuts, and so do his grandsons.

I’m grateful for such amazing in-laws! They set the standard high. I hope that I have the same relationship with my daughters-in-law one day!

Kevin and Shirley, I love you and am grateful for you!

#twinning or Raggedy Anne and Andy?! Me and my father-in-law

Can anyone else share a good “in-law” story! Please leave a comment!

Also, if you have a GOOD quote about in-laws, share that with me as well. I still haven’t found one!

June 21, 2018 By
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7 In Family/ Marriage/ My Journey

The Story of Us – Our engagement story

It was Father’s Day 2001.

My step-mom Deb was so excited to get to the lake that afternoon.

“We are surprising your dad with a sailboat for Father’s Day!” she said.

My dad loves to sail and I was excited to see his reaction to this Father’s day gift.

We piled in the car and headed to Grand Lake after lunch.

As we were walking down the pier, my step-mom smiled and said, “There’s the boat!”

I was confused. It wasn’t a sailboat. It was a large white boat with a banner across the side that read:

Kathryn, will you marry me?

Love forever, Ted

I stood there in shock. Reading it. Re-reading it. Looking around at the smiling faces of my family, then reading it again.

Finally, I see Ted walk out of the boat, step onto the pier, and get on his knee in front of me. He opened a little black box, revealing the prettiest diamond ring I’d ever seen, and asked the question every girl waits to hear …

“Kathryn, will you marry me?”

I covered my mouth with both hands in shock. No one had prepared me or warned me. Was this really happening?

And why hadn’t someone suggested I do my hair or wear a cute outfit on what would be one of the most memorable days of my life.

Ted asked again,

“Kathryn, will you marry me?”

I was speechless. I honestly couldn’t get words to come out of my mouth so I shook my head up and down – the only “YES” I could communicate in that moment.

He gently pulled my hand away from my face, put a ring on my finger and hugged me tightly.

My family cheered. Ted’s family and some of our friends came out of hiding and cheered.

There was no boat for Dad. (Sorry Dad!) This Father’s day he sacrificed HIS day for ME – to throw me off course and to be a part of an engagement surprise and celebration.

After hugs all around and a few pictures, our families left and Ted and I got to spend the day on the lake. He had rented the boat. So with the “Kathryn will you marry me?” banner still attached, we sailed off into the sunset…and celebrated one of our happiest days yet!

Click here to read the story of our wedding day!
Click here to read the story of how we met! 
June 16, 2018 By
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0 In Colorado/ Family/ Joy/ My Journey/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

Learning not to DREAD another trip around the sun

Another year has come and gone. (They just keep coming faster and faster!)

42 trips around the sun.

I don’t love getting older. I’m trying to learn how to embrace it and even enjoy it.  I do enjoy life in general; I just don’t like the idea of getting older. I used to get so excited about my birthday and would count the days until I turned 10, 15, 20, 25…

Now, I wish it wouldn’t come so fast.  I don’t like the new wrinkles I see; I don’t like that my metabolism isn’t working as fast. I don’t like saying that I’m in my 40s.

I’m sure if you’re older than me, you’re rolling your eyes over my complaints.  And if you are in your twenties, you may be wondering if the arthritis has set in. (No, it has not, thank you)

Though I dread getting another year older, I’m incredibly grateful to have another year of life, of health, and memories. Another year of marriage and motherhood. A year to grow wiser and kinder.

Though I may not get excited about turning another year OLDER, it is always fun to celebrate and be celebrated.

This year I got to spend my birthday in Vail, CO.

My husband’s cousin invited us to rent a condo with them in this beautiful mountain town.  It was a perfect weekend! It was fun getting to explore with people who know this town so well – where to eat, where to play, and what to do/when to do it! All of us had a GREAT time!

The last time Luke played on this playground, he was ONE, now he’s FOUR. How does time pass so quickly?

George loved the water features around town!

I went to the Starbucks in Vail and ordered a super fancy birthday drink. Because I’m a Gold Card Member, I get a drink for free on my birthday. Because I knew it would be free, I ordered a super fancy, LARGE coffee. Everything costs more in Vail, so when the Barista rang me up and told me my coffee would be almost $10, I didn’t care – I would redeem my FREE BIRTHDAY DRINK. I showed her my Gold Card and she said, “Oh, we don’t accept those here.” So…not only did I not get a free drink…I had to dish out almost $10 for COFFEE on my birthday!!!! From now on, I will ASK before I ORDER!!!

Birthday #43 was even more unique than 42.  I decided to make it about giving, instead of receiving. Click here to read about it.

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June 11, 2018 By
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