A Five-Moose Weekend

Joel surprised me with a romantic getaway to Estes Park. We stayed at the River Song B&B, which is located right on the river. We had a beautiful room with a private deck, jacuzzi tub, and fire place. The weather was cool enough to have a real fire each night and in the morning. On Saturday, our picnic plans turned into a car picnic when we ran into snow showers in RMNP. Sunday we returned to the park and saw amazing wildlife. This was a perfect way to reconnect before my trip. And after such wonderful time, we decided on a new rating system. This weekend qualifies as five-moose, not just because we saw that many, but because it was the best getaway we've ever shared!

Summer Kick-off!

We've been enjoying beautiful weather for a week or so, and I am so glad to finally feel summertime. Last weekend I helped to hostess a baby shower for my cousin Kara. She and her husband, Dan, live in Anchorage, but they were back in Texas for a short visit. We held a family BBQ and baby shower for them at the ranch. It was quite unconventional, but it was so wonderful to see them.

Last week was my last week of school with kids. To celebrate, a large group of teachers attended a Rockies game. Joel and I were able to attend to see the Rockies win another one. One of the very first things we did on one of our pre-move visits was to attend a baseball game. We still try to make several games each year, and this was a great way for us to begin the season.

We had high hopes of hiking on Saturday, but I guess the week caught up with me. Joel let me sleep in, and we missed our window. We are always afraid of getting started too late in the day because the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Today we had a family from church over. We grilled brauts and burgers and spent the afternoon playing ladder golf.

Joel officially begins his chief year tomorrow. We are done with residency, and he is ready to begin a new adventure. Next year may bring a new adventure for me, as well. My current position at West High School is split between admin (as a facilitator) and faculty (as a teacher), but next year I will be full-time admin. I'm looking at a few options because I am not ready to leave the classroom. But, it's fun to think about how both of our careers are changing and growing. Never a dull moment!

Weekend of Celebration!

This weekend we celebrated my graduation and Mother's Day with my folks. They came up on Friday and we spent a very successful and prosperous afternoon in Blackhawk. Joel and I treated us all to a Texas de Brazil dinner. On Saturday, I walked in my official MA graduation ceremony. Even though I finished my degree in November and already have my diploma, it was a fun way to reconnect with many friends and former colleagues at CCU. Joel and my dad made a stellar breakfast for my mom and me on Saturday morning, and after the ceremony, we cooked a brisket and ribs all afternoon. The table was full and the meal delicious! Mom and dad had to leave pretty early on Sunday, but the whole weekend was a Mother's Day celebration!