True Friend.

Chrissy is just one those girls you are lucky to have in your life. Her and Ray came to visit us in Florida before we left and we had the best time. Her giving spirit and eagerness to try new things always excites me. Her devotion to her husband and family are to be admired. Even though there are thousand of miles between us, she calls just to see if Eli got another tooth or if Luke knows where the Pyramids of Giza are.

Thanks Chrissy, thank you so much. XOXO

Oh, and one of the best things about Chrissy is her husband, Ray. These two laugh more than anyone I have ever met. Luke can never get enough of Ray, how can you blame him. The man is riding on a Junior Razor just so Luke can see how it is done.

Love in Mexico.

Congratulations to Dana and Sam! The wedding was beautiful, the weekend was an adventure and the laughs were endless. I was honored to be a part of it. Love to you both~

More goodbyes.

The boys and I were able to spend time in Spring Hill visiting Matt's family right before we left. We laughed a lot and we cried even more. I cherish those days....when I think back it almost feels like I am remembering snapshots of a movie that I've watched a dozen times.

Dana holding Eli and laughing at Luke as he played drums in the other room and fell off the stool. Then making his way over to the "secret" cookie spot that only they know about.....no one wants to spill the beans to Gino.

Pax revving up the lawnmower and shouting, "Hey Luke, lets go for a tractor ride." Luke smirking as they go up and down the street.

Then Luke running in the house and begging to go on the exercise machine, like Pax.

Grams, with more energy than most teenagers, playing and reading, laughing until our bellies hurt.

Luke savoring every minute of love.

Love you EMOYL. XOXO

Goodbye Florida.

Leaving Florida was so bittersweet. The excitement of a new adventure, the sadness of knowing our families would be more than just a drive away.

Over the past several months I have made a conscious effort to be mindful in my life. I tend to be a major planner and while that is helpful in some situations, I almost always miss out on the fun because I am thinking about the "what is next." In the last few weeks I had with my family I wanted to enjoy every minute of it and that I did.

My sister and Luke catching frogs in the pool.

My dad convincing Luke to splash my mom and get her hair wet even though she pleaded them not to. He was also the one that advised Luke that he could stamp Big Bird and Ernie up his arm and that it would be okay.

My mom lovin' on Eli every second she could.

My brother holding Luke on the merry-go-round, pointing out where I was standing so they could both wave.

While I enjoyed each moment, my heart misses them every day. Two thousand miles feels like a world apart.

Girlfriends.

Getting to spend time with my girlfriends invigorates me. They can challenge me and make me laugh all in the same breath. I hosted a girl's night at my house this past weekend, a pizza making party. I made the sauce, they brought their own toppings and recipes...it was a cook-off of sorts with an official taste test, surprise and prize at the end of the night. Thanks girls for braving the weather to come out!

The competition begins.......

The surprise is revealed and the reaction is priceless, thank you Becky for providing the "larger than life" photo of Dana. So nicely donated to us by the bank that used it for promoting their "Get Financed for a RV" campaign. What??

At the end of the night, we each shared a goal. Mine~ I am running in a half marathon in Florida at the end of February with both my sister and mom. Thank you Jess for the inspiration (and congratulation on your pizza win), and for my sister and my mom for agreeing to come along for the ride. 15 weeks and counting.

Lucky Luke and Lickety Split.

As "luck" would have it, I left my camera on the back of Matt's car the day before Halloween. He pulled out of the driveway and it has never been seen again. The bad news is we had to use a disposable camera to take pictures of the kiddos on Halloween. The good news is I got a fantastic new camera that I am oodling over, still figuring it out but great pictures will soon come.

Halloween in Colorado is always cold and that day I finally convinced Luke to wear socks. Crocs just do not cut it in 35 degree weather. Gloves and a hat are next on the list.

He and Eli had a great time with each other and Luke loved his first trick or treat outing. It is unfortunate that the fun of dressing up has to be ruined by all the talk of ghosts, skeletons and goblins. Pointless to me.

Here are a few shots of my Triple Crown winners- Lucky Luke and his horse, Lickety Split.

And we're back!

Oh, technology why do you befuddle me so! The last few months have brought many changes and lots of technology issues hence my hiatus from posting. But, after weeks of being entrenched and entangled in computer, internet and camera issues we are back.

Amazingly enough, in that time we sold our house in Florida and moved to Colorado. There were a few bumps in the road and definitely lots of heartache in leaving our truly amazing family and friends but there is a comfort in knowing we are in a place that we can see staying at for a long while. Matt and I have talked about taking Luke on hikes at Deer Creek Canyon and teaching Eli mountaineering. Brings a bit of peace to my heart.

Cheers to new beginnings and lots of snow (lending itself to a warm, cozy fire!) Yes, those are stockings hung on the mantle, we got out the decorations a little early this year!

Hello Colorado!