Life on the Runn...

As our last big adventure, my dad, Brian and I went whitewater rafting on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado. I was a bit anxious during our drive to the rafting outfitters because I really didn't want to fall into the creek.  Once we were there, my concerns subsided and I got really excited to get going.  We had to get our wetsuits and booties, helmets and PFDs all set and then we had to practice paddling.  After our training, we were off.  There wasn't much time to get situated since we hit waves and small rapids nearly immediately.  The creek included Class II, III and IV rapids.  That probably doesn't mean much, but suffice it to say, we were very wet when all was said and done.  Rafting was so much fun.  I can't wait to do it again, and I'm really glad my dad was so excited to raft; he got the trip together and Brian and I got to tag along for the fun of it all! After our rafting adventure, we drove to the top of Mount Evans.  It was cold and we hadn'

Tuesday I was sans husband, so I spent the day with my grandma and my parents.  We dropped my brother off at the airport in the morning and then headed to Georgetown, CO.  There, we rode the Georgetown Loop Railroad.  The railroad took us up the mountain and then dropped us off at an old silver mine, where we got to do some exploration.  Then we picked up the train and rode it back down the mountain.  That night we had dinner at Beach House Grill, the restaurant my cousin hosted her rehearsal dinner at.  It was pretty good, but what I really enjoyed was sitting on the roof-top deck to eat.  I hear it had been very rainy at home, so the beautiful weather was especially nice! Georgetown, CO The bridge Railroad car old railroad parts at the mine Safety first - me, Grandma and Mom handpowered equipment used to haul rock The Widow Maker - it kicked up so much dust that the miners died very early deaths  Wednesday, we went back to Horsetooth Reservoir to do a bi

Today was a little different from previous days in that we had absolutely no timetable to follow.  I realized that for a girl who loves to sleep in, I really don't like waiting around.  I got very antsy to get out and do something by about 9:30am.  Eventually, my sleepy sibling got a move on and the family - Mom, Dad, Grandma, Brother, hubbers and I - all headed to Colorado State University.  While it did seem somewhat sacrilegious, I did leave with a CSU T-shirt.  Everyone can rest assured that this does not mean that any of my Bucky Badger love has diminished, nor does it mean that I find any school an adequate comparison to my beloved alma mater; the shirt was simply a souvenir.  After walking around campus a bit, we went to lunch and then visited with family at my cousin's house.  Later in the afternoon, my aunt and uncle joined our group and we all went to Horsetooth Reservoir and did some hiking.  Brian and I also did some climbing.  I was able to do some fun, easy probl

The entire reason we came to Colorado was to celebrate my cousin Sara's wedding.  On Sunday, she married a great guy, Matt, and we're really happy to have been here to witness the ceremony and take part in all the fun they planned for their guests. Friday night, as I mentioned in a previous post, my aunt and uncle hosted a welcome dinner.  Saturday evening, Matt and Sara invited all out-of-town guests to a rehearsal dinner at this fun, beachy restaurant called The Beach House.  After dinner, they cleared away some tables and brought out a ping-pong table and bean bags.  The family, who happens to be a bit competitive, put both items to good use. The cousins at Beach House - ready for a fun night The wedding ceremony was held Sunday evening, so we were able to spend the morning doing some hiking.  Brian picked a moderate hike of six miles and we were out the door and on our way to the trailhead by 9am.  The trail turned out to be a bit longer than expected and I think th

Our second day in Colorado was just as amazingly lovely as the first.  Friday morning, unlike Thursday morning, we got to sleep in and start our day in a leisurely manner.  After breakfast, we walked around Pearl Street.  For those of you who know it, Pearl Street is much like State Street in Madison.  We stopped at a great coffee shop for a smoothie - we stopped there during a previous visit, and it was an even better experience this time!  I was able to check out a few shops before Brian hit his shopping limit, but one of the stops we made was at the Prana store, which I love.  For outdoor people like Brian and me, Prana is heavenly.  Brian walked around making a list of items to order online using his pro deal.  I had to keep my spending in check because I don't get a sweet pro deal like he does.  And Prana only allows you to use your pro deal on items for yourself; apparently the company doesn't understand that a happy wife makes for a happy husband. After shopping, we wen

Today I want to wish a very happy birthday to a very special person, my dad.  If anyone deserves a great day, it is him.  My dad has been an amazing, positive force in my life for as long as I can remember.  I've always been in awe of him and have always aspired to live up to the high standard he holds himself to.  My dad cares deeply for his family and supports us in all we do.  He is fun to be around, absolutely hilarious and exceptionally kind and selfless.  In actuality, he is quite the man! So, happy birthday, Dad!  I love you!

Today was an adventurous day.  After last night's late arrival, we were up early to meet some locals and check out the Lincoln Lake region of Mt. Evans. I have to admit that I wasn't too keen on the whole idea for a few reasons.  First, I knew I would be tired, and I have heard horror stories about the hike out of Mt. Evans.  Despite my reservations, my adventurous side came through and I thought better of staying by the pool all day and joined the boys. Everyone was to meet at Whole Foods at 7 am, but the store didn't open until 7:30.  Things move at a slower pace here, I guess.  I'm glad we waited it out because I purchased the best lunch I've ever eaten.  It was flat bread with avocado, turkey, bacon, provolone cheese and tomatoes.  A few onions made their way onto my sandwich, but I made sure to remove those nasty things right away!  And I enjoyed that sandwich the entire day. The hike down to Lincoln Lake wasn't too terrible; it was all downhill, and I

This past weekend was quite eventful; it was a weekend in the making for many, many months.  I joined my cousin Jenna, my Aunt Lynn, my mom, and her friends Deb and Sarah for a road-trip to Green Bay.  We all had a very important date with Kenny Chesney. If you've read my blog at all, you know that I don't especially love early mornings.  Not even my beloved Badger games can get me out of bed without  grumbles and complaints, so setting my alarm for 7 am last Saturday was certainly not exciting.  We left my cousin's about ninety minutes later and I was finally starting to wake up.  We were in Green Bay by 11:15 after a much-needed coffee stop and a few bathroom breaks (multiple stops on a road trip is not something I am entirely used to..BR, take note).   Having made hotel reservations seven months ago and having received conformation phone calls and emails, we expected check-in to be quick.  That would have been nice, but instead it took over two hours.  The hotel did