A girls weekend

 Over the weekend, I flew to Colorado to hang out with my two best friends from high school. We had originally planned to ride horses but the weather did not cooperate. It rained and snowed the entire trip. Friday we ate at Guard and Grace in downtown Denver. We had three different types of meat; Grass fed, prime cut, and wagyu cuts. All three were delicious. 

Saturday, we enjoyed a slow morning with breakfast and the hot tub. Then we went down to the barn to take care of the horses. Saturday night, we ate at the golf course club house and went axe throwing. It was a blast. Sunday, we basically packed up and headed home. It was a fun relaxing weekend. So glad I have good friends who love to get together. 

Baby Birds

 Yesterday, I opened our front door to let in Edward's math tutor and a bird flew into the house!  It was a little alarming, but we got her out.  Edward captured her in a basket and then sent her out the back door.  Later that day, I made dinner for my parents, Landon, and Craig and Blair.  They all came by and I told them the story of the bird.  As we walked out the front door to take Pearl on a walk, Craig noticed a lot of bird poop in the wreath on our front door.  Then Stephen grabbed his phone to see what was up on top of the wreath and it was a nest full of baby birds!  Such a fun sight right at our front door.  

Saturday, Nolen and I also went running with the Cougar track team at the top of Menaul.  We had a blast.  I am often reminded why I love running so much; however, it has taken over my life for the last 7 years and I must let it go.  I am so sad to not be running as much with the team but more importantly, I need to spend more time with my family.  I have been saying this for years, but not actually doing anything about it.  So this year, I am making the change.  Change is hard.  Change is necessary for our family to stay together.  AND as the years have passed by, I realize that if things need to change in our household, I have to be the one to implement the change.  

Stephen and Edward have been going through a difficult time for the last few months.  It has been hard to navigate new territory in our family.  Stephen has had more health challenges in the last year and has made some significant changes that have effected us more than I ever thought possible.  It has also been a while ride with Edward as he navigates the difficulties of high school.  He is pulled in so many different directions.  Right now, he has been grappling with his identity and with who he really is in life.  He questions God and all things religion.  Being a parent of a teenager is far more difficult than I ever imagined, but I love it.  I love my sweet family.  I am so grateful we have each other to walk through this life. 

Lastly, Landon decided to move to Albuquerque and Logan tagged along so he could hang out with Edward. They had a blast playing outside all day! 

Viva Las Vegas!

 It’s that glorious time of year again, when we take our annual trip to the city of sin.  This year was so much fun! I did all the things I wanted to do. I didn’t allow myself to be persuaded by the group. It was awesome and a little empowering. I also think everyone else felt better about what they chose to do as well! 

We flew in Sunday and had dinner with the whole family at the Wynn Buffet.  It was actually really good food but not worth $120 per person. After the buffet, we went to Awakening. A very juvenile show about a girl who lost her parents. My boys would have loved it; however, I did not. It was like watching a video game. Boring dances and a terrible plot line. When the show was over, we stopped by the group and said good night, then went back to the aria to sleep. I haven’t been a big fan of the aria in the past, but this year it was fine. 

Monday morning, I met Craig, Blair, Kendra, and Mike at the gym. We did a fun workout then headed straight to breakfast. I intended to go back to the room but didn’t. So I didn’t have my wallet all day. It made for an easy shopping day. Ha! Jared was a little mad at us from leaving the show the previous night so we dealt with a bit of drama before breakfast. We had planned to eat at Mon Ami Gabbi at 10:15. Sharla texted and said she was going to be late. Jared was still mad about feeling left out so he didn’t show up for breakfast until 11:15. So we ate and waited an hour outside the restaurant before we headed to the Bodies exhibit at the Horseshoe hotel. I loved the exhibit! It was extremely interesting to see the REAL human bodies on display! Afterward, we separated from the group. The girls went shopping and the boys went gambling. 

After shopping we went to secret pizza and then straight to bed! Tuesday was spa day! My favorite day. I had an amazing $450 massage and had fun with Blair and Kendra doing all the spa stuff. We stayed at the spa all day! That made for an extremely relaxing day. We went to Hell’s Kitchen for dinner, which I do not recommend. It was fine, but not worth the high price tag. Skip it! 

Wednesday was our last full day and we had so much fun. We spent the day at the cabana then went to Vic and Anthony’s for dinner. After dinner we sang hours of karaoke and had a blast! Seriously, this was such a good trip! 

Thursday was our last day.  We had breakfast at Sadelle’s and it is my absolute favorite place to eat! I always get the French toast and enjoy every single bite! Overall, this was one of my favorite Vegas trips including watching mike win $1000 on one play at the tables. It was so fun! Until next year, Vegas!